Any interior, even the most fashionable and beloved, eventually requires repair, and sometimes complete replacement. The easiest and most affordable way to refresh the walls in your home is to paint the wallpaper. The difficulty here is caused by only one point - how to choose paint from an incredible number of colors, types and brands.
The editors of the Yanashla website have prepared for you a review of paints for painting wallpaper, as well as a rating of the best of them for 2021.
In order to more easily navigate the variety of colors, let’s group them according to their defining characteristics and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each group.
Types of wallpaper
- Paper ones are the most democratic. They are cheap, can be found in any repair store, they come in embossed and smooth. However, they have one significant drawback - they are not durable at all and cannot be repainted often (no more than 5 times during their service life). To increase strength, some craftsmen coat them with a special varnish composition. This adds durability and gloss. However, it exposes all the irregularities of the wall. In addition, to repaint, the varnish will have to be removed, which can lead to very disastrous consequences.
- Vinyl is more durable. Consist of vinyl and foamed PVC. They can withstand up to ten repaints without losing integrity, but are afraid of mechanical damage. On sale you can find this type of wallpaper with an interesting texture - a pattern or imitation. They are well suited for the kitchen or hallway.
- Non-woven ones - created on the basis of a more technologically advanced material than those mentioned above. The composition includes three or even four different layers, which make the material very durable and unpretentious. They are elastic, withstand wet cleaning, as well as repainting up to 15 times. You can also come across negative statements, which mainly boil down to the non-environmental friendliness of this type of coating. The fact is that when heated strongly, non-woven fabric releases a certain amount of formaldehyde vapor. However, if you stick them on the walls of the hallway or hall and do not plan to set them on fire, you have nothing to fear.
- Fiberglass wallpaper is the most expensive and most technologically advanced type of wall covering in our review. It is obtained by processing glass with special additives. The high cost is more than covered by its excellent appearance, environmental friendliness and durability. In addition, they do not burn and do not emit any odors or harmful substances. If you intend to surprise your guests and plan to change the color of the walls often, this is the best option for you.
Liquid wallpaper. To complete the picture of the possibilities of decorating walls in residential premises, this type cannot be ignored. Essentially, it is a dry mixture of various materials, which just needs to be diluted with warm water, spread on the wall and wait until it dries. In terms of painting, they can be compared with paper ones, i.e. They practically cannot be painted and are very afraid of being treated rudely.
Color spectrum
By tinting you can choose almost any shade for the walls. Colors are added to the white paint according to the buyer's wishes. You can select the desired tone based on the paint code using a special computer program. It is also quite possible to create a color with your own hands by mixing different shades. Manual tinting is not advisable, as it will be difficult to repeat the result. A new batch of paint will probably become lighter or darker. In addition, it is difficult to thoroughly mix a large volume with your hands; most often, veins and unpainted areas remain.
When it comes to choosing colors for wallpaper, you can follow these tips:
- for small rooms, buy light colors; beige and other pastel shades look best;
- It is permissible, even in small rooms, to use individual bright accents, drawings, stencil images, and other decor in contrasting tones;
- in large rooms you can use any tones, even dark ones, but it is better not to overdo it, otherwise the room will look gloomy;
- for the harsh northern side, yellow and peach tones are usually chosen, which look warm and bright;
- Decorating individual areas with gold, silver and graphite paint looks beautiful.
How to choose paint
The choice of paint, in general, is an individual matter, but in addition to the question of applicability to a particular type of wall covering, it is worth paying attention to several more parameters. There are three most popular types of paint today.
- Acrylic.
- Water-based.
- Latex.
Each type carries a set of advantages and disadvantages, which we will consider below.
- Acrylic – waterproof, bright and quick-drying. A common choice for painting all types of wallpaper. One of the undeniable advantages is vapor permeability. This paint prevents moisture from accumulating on the walls, which in turn does not allow dampness and mold to develop. This is especially true for private houses with large differences in internal temperature. Most suitable for non-woven wallpaper, but can be used for paper and glass wallpaper.
- Water-based, its main advantages are accessibility and ease of use. However, in other respects it is significantly inferior; it does not tolerate wet cleaning and quickly fades when exposed to sunlight. Most often used for painting ceilings and walls covered with decorative plaster.
- Latex is the most progressive in terms of resistance and durability. However, it cannot produce a rich, bright color and is more expensive than other types of paints. It has extremely low consumption, since it must be applied quickly and in a thin layer. All this is because such paint dries quickly and if the application is delayed, smudges and noticeable transitions may appear. The gloss level directly affects durability, so if this parameter is important to you, pay attention to it when purchasing.
Non-woven
For non-woven wallpaper, you can use various compositions for painting, but acrylic or latex paint is best suited. To work with them, it is better to choose a brush that has hard bristles, so the work surface will be painted with better quality.
There is a rather unusual technique for painting such wallpaper: applying paint to the inside before gluing. Do you want to get an interesting color shade and highlight the structure of the non-woven fabric? Then this method is for you. But remember - only acrylic composition is suitable for these purposes.
USEFUL INFORMATION: How to glue wide wallpaper on a non-woven basis: meter-long canvases
Summary table of advantages and disadvantages by type of paint
| Type | Advantages: | Flaws: |
| Acrylic | resistant to moisture and mechanical damage; | high cost; |
| many factory colors; | one texture option - matte; | |
| does not emit harmful substances; | takes more than a day to dry. | |
| easy to apply and does not smear; | ||
| does not fade in the sun; | ||
| no unpleasant odor; | ||
| the walls underneath are not damp. | ||
| Water-based | does not emit harmful fumes; | not resistant to wet cleaning; |
| mixes easily with color; | afraid of direct sunlight. | |
| Available in matte and glossy textures; | ||
| easy to apply and fits well on the surface; | ||
| quick drying; | ||
| no unpleasant smell. | ||
| Latex | creates a beautiful coating with a silky texture; | high price; |
| resistant to moisture and mechanical damage; | pungent, unpleasant odor until completely dry. | |
| durability; | ||
| has a wide range of color shades; | ||
| you can choose matte or glossy texture; | ||
| dries in less than four hours. |
We count the consumption
Any repair is a large financial expense, so it is natural for everyone who is in the process of renovating their home to want to save money. Many people try to purchase paint with minimal consumption per square meter. People often pay attention to information about the consumption of a particular paint in advertising brochures or on a can and make purchasing decisions based on it. However, not everything is so simple; consumption depends on many indicators, the main ones of which are:
- texture of the canvas that will be painted;
- type of wallpaper material;
- area calculation accuracy;
- number of layers.
In order to purchase the optimal amount, consider not only the manufacturer’s recommended consumption, but also use consumption calculators (widely available on the Internet) that take into account different indicators.
Paintable wallpaper, what are they?
Many people are interested in what kind of wallpaper can be painted. Materials that can be painted include:
- Glass wallpaper.
- Non-woven wallpaper.
- Paper.
- Vinyl on non-woven base.
This does not mean that you can paint any paper or vinyl wallpaper.
Only wallpaper material that is specifically designed for this purpose is suitable for painting, is specially processed and has a special mark stating that it is allowed to be painted.
Factors affecting drying speed
Drying speed, like consumption, also depends on many factors. You can also rely on manufacturers’ testimony, but if your project is urgent and the deadline for implementation is short, every minute counts. Let's see how we can reduce the nominal drying time.
- Even if, according to the passport, the paint should dry in 6 hours, but you applied it a couple or three times in a thick layer, be prepared that the nominal period will increase by 1.5-2 times. Therefore, carefully monitor the thickness and number of layers, find the optimal compromise with the quality of coloring.
- Control the temperature and humidity in the room. During the cold season, it is recommended to install additional heat sources to minimize the loss of drying time.
- If the wallpaper is porous, you can safely increase the waiting time until it dries completely. This fact must be taken into account at the stage of their selection.
- Watch out for drafts. Ventilation allows paint to dry faster, but uncontrolled movement of air masses can only harm freshly painted walls. Strong drafts can lead to premature cracks, and all the work done will go down the drain.
Required Tools
A seemingly simple process requires not only an understanding of the properties of a particular paint and type of wallpaper, but also the availability of the necessary tools. Even the most basic assistants for this task - a brush and a roller - have their own nuances.
- Rollers on sale come in foam rubber and fur. If you are going to paint smooth walls, you will need a foam roller, if textured, a fur roller will be more suitable.
- Brushes must be selected according to width and quality. If you notice that the brush easily loses its bristles, it is better not to purchase it.
- Additionally, you will need to purchase: masking tape, a container for storing the working volume of paint, as well as gloves and a respirator.
Recommendations from experienced professionals
- Pay attention to surface preparation. On clean and dried walls, the paint will lie more evenly, less of it will be needed, and it will dry faster.
- It is recommended to first test the paint on a small fragment of the wall, as the shades may change when drying.
- Consider the climatic conditions of the room and the location of direct sunlight.
- Use the right tools and be careful when painting wallpaper.
- Choose proven products from reliable manufacturers
Paper
First, let's look at the classics - paintable paper wallpaper. They differ from ordinary ones in the presence of several layers of paper impregnated with a water-repellent composition. In addition, there is no pattern applied to them; their surface has a relief structure.
Don't try to paint regular paper wallpaper! Most likely, they will get wet and fall off.
Any type of water-based paint can be applied to paper wallpaper specially designed for painting; a high-quality result can be achieved by choosing a roller as a tool.
Useful tips
- The surrounding area must be carefully protected before painting begins. At risk: window sills, windows, furniture (if any), radiators, floor.
- Pre-prepare paper or a special roller tray to remove excess. This will avoid overspending and unnecessary leaks.
- The shade can be affected not only by drying, but also by the color of the walls to which it is applied. Therefore, if you plan to paint the walls, purchase white wallpaper or the lightest shades.
- If you are not 100% sure that your walls are even, choose paint with a matte finish. It will help hide minor flaws.
- A glossy shade will make the room visually lighter and larger, but even minor unevenness will be clearly visible underneath.
- If you want to paint the walls a lighter color, you should first prime them with white.
- The primer will also help save on more expensive interior paint.
Coverage options
In addition to color, before purchasing, you need to evaluate other effects created by paint. Most often, users choose matte finishes. In a house or apartment, such products create a cozy atmosphere. They absorb light, so they are more suitable for large rooms.
Semi-matte and semi-gloss paints are ideal for bedrooms. Their ability to reflect light is moderate, and the desired level of illumination will be achieved in the room. Glossy paints strongly repel light; they should be used in small rooms located on the north side. But the walls must be completely smooth, otherwise all defects will become noticeable.
There are also pearlescent paints on sale - they change tone depending on the lighting. Walls look best in diffused light. Paintwork materials with glitter give the effect of shimmer and glare, and go well with additional floor and wall lighting.
Rating of the best wallpaper colors for 2021
The rating is based solely on reviews from building materials market experts and real buyers.
Latex Dufa Retail Eurolatex 7
The Russian-made product is made using German technology. Has a matte finish. Perfect for wallpaper and drywall, easy to clean. Can be painted in the nursery, bedroom and other living rooms. Certified for use in hospitals and childcare facilities.
The average price is 155 rubles per liter.
Latex Dufa Retail Eurolatex 7
Advantages:
- excellent tinting;
- applies well;
- corresponds to the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
Flaws:
- not identified.
For wallpaper TEX Profi matte
From the largest Russian brand, used for both dry and wet rooms. It will perform equally well in the coon and in the bath. The drying time stated by the manufacturer is 1 hour, however, in order for freshly painted walls to be washable, they must dry for at least 24 hours. One liter is enough to paint from 8 to 11 square meters.
The average price is 200 rubles per liter.
For wallpaper TEX Profi matte
Advantages:
- has no pungent or unpleasant odors;
- Does not retain dust and dirt.
Flaws:
- It tolerates only light cleaning, and wears off with intense friction.
Water-based semi-matte JOHNSTONE'S VINYL SILK
European emulsion for coloring porous mineral materials. Penetrates into the structure of the surface being painted and forms a durable and wear-resistant layer. Suitable for painting drywall, wallpaper, concrete and brick. It has high environmental friendliness, is neutral, without toxic additives and elements, and is safe for use in any room.
The average price is 579 rubles per liter.
Water-based semi-matte JOHNSTONE'S VINYL SILK
Advantages:
- has high adhesion;
- scratch resistant;
- washes well;
- has no smell.
Flaws:
- high price;
- not very common in our country.
Acrylic Neolab
Products of the Russian chemical industry. The special formula makes it resistant to wet cleaning, so it can be used in rooms with high humidity. Can be used in educational institutions, catering establishments and hospitals. It has increased whiteness and is perfectly tinted with acrylic dyes. Packaged in ergonomic plastic containers with a comfortable handle.
The average price is 60 rubles per liter.
Acrylic Neolab
Advantages:
- availability;
- excellent tinting;
- does not have an unpleasant odor.
Flaws:
- Requires additional effort to prepare the surface to be painted.
Latex Dulux 3D White
A trademark of AkzoNobel, the world's largest manufacturer of coatings and paints. Water-dispersion paint Dulaks 3D White is suitable for painting walls and ceilings. It contains marble and bleach, giving the wallpaper a fresh, super white color. After painting with 3D White, any room looks more spacious and the ceilings look higher. In addition, the advantages include the fact that it is easy to apply without drips and has almost no odor. It is recommended for rooms with moderate humidity (bedrooms, living rooms, offices, utility rooms). Particularly suitable for small apartments with low ceilings.
The average price is 310 rubles per liter.
Latex Dulux 3D White
Advantages:
- Optimal consistency;
- Rolls out well with a roller and spreads with a brush;
- Does not leave smudges;
- Leaves a fair white color.
Flaws
- rather high price.
Water-based Halo
One of the first Empils brands for the Russian market. Designed for indoor work, with the exception of wet conditions. Suitable for any porous surfaces, including all types of wallpaper, concrete and brick. Forms a stable snow-white coating. Has high adhesion to various surfaces.
The average price is 78 rubles per liter.
Water-based Halo
Advantages:
- Easy to lay down;
- Dries quickly;
- Convenient packaging;
- Availability.
Flaws
- Requires several layers of painting.
Latex Caparol Samtex 7
Produced using German technology. Resistant to mechanical stress, suitable for technical rooms and areas with high traffic. It tolerates wet cleaning well, is suitable for textured wallpaper, paints it well, emphasizing the structure with a matte effect.
Average price – 433 rubles per liter
Latex Caparol Samtex 7
Advantages:
- wear resistance proven by time;
- fits well;
- tolerates intensive wet cleaning.
Flaws
- price – higher than analogues;
- There are often fakes.
For walls PUFAS Tapeten Farbe
Matte dispersion paint for dry and wet rooms. Resistant to cleaning without the use of detergents. It is tinted only in calm pastel colors. Has excellent adhesion to most mineral building materials. Consumption per layer declared by the manufacturer: 1 liter per 7 sq.m.
The average price is 135 rubles per liter.
For walls PUFAS Tapeten Farbe
Advantages:
- moisture resistant;
- good price-quality ratio;
- economical;
- dries quickly.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Acrylic interior VGT VD-AK-2180
From a domestic manufacturer, VGT company. Copes well with mechanical stress and moisture. Suitable for ceilings and walls, as well as various wallpapers. Does not fade or turn yellow during use. Forms an even, matte, breathable coating
The average price is 100 rubles per liter.
Acrylic interior VGT VD-AK-2180
Advantages
- Good adhesion;
- Whiteness after drying is more than 90%;
- Dries quickly;
- Budget.
Flaws
- Packaged in small containers.
Popular vote
What wallpaper paint would you choose or recommend?
"VD-AK-1180" from Neolab
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Cinderella" by ESKARO
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Profi" from "TEX"
10.42 % ( 5 )
"W110" by Parade
10.42 % ( 5 )
"Dulux Classic Colour" from AkzoNobel
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Vinyl Silk" by Johnstones
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Dyopa" by DYO
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Dulux Easy" from AkzoNobel
12.50 % ( 6 )
"Beta Interior Paint" from OLIMP
2.08 % ( 1 )
Latex paint from "LAKRA"
6.25 % ( 3 )
"Dulux 3D White" from AkzoNobel
2.08 % ( 1 )
"Retail Eurolatex 7" from Dufa
8.33 % ( 4 )
