Washable paint for kitchen walls: varieties, tips for choosing, photo examples

Choosing materials for finishing a kitchen is one of the most difficult renovation tasks. It is necessary that they are not only beautiful, but also reliable, able to withstand the conditions of difficult operation. Constant exposure to water, steam, fats and various acids - not every material is suitable.

Washable paint is a reliable and convenient material

In addition, an important criterion is ease of maintenance. If a new renovation requires a lot of effort to maintain order, the joy from it will quickly fade. On the other hand, materials whose condition is difficult to repair are also not the best choice for the kitchen.

Looks beautiful and is easy to clean when dirty

Many builders advise covering walls and even ceilings with washable paint. Let's see what it is like and what to look for when choosing.

A universal option for any kitchen

Pros and cons of using paint in the kitchen interior

Before you decide to decorate your kitchen with any material, you need to clearly analyze for yourself its advantages and disadvantages. This also applies to washable paint. To make this moment easier for you, we have compiled detailed lists of pros and cons.

Washable paints have a wide range of advantages

So, the undeniable advantages of washable paint include :

Easy to apply . If you have a roller and the walls are already leveled, then you can do the painting work yourself. Just be a little careful and everything will work out.
In the kitchen, splashes of water and small drops of grease constantly fall on the walls, and condensation settles on the ceiling. One of the significant advantages of paint is that it can be washed. This property helps to maintain order in the kitchen.
If scratches or abrasions appear, the damaged area can easily be hidden with a new coat of paint.
Coloring mixtures do not have a strong odor , and the light aroma quickly dissipates after painting.
High-quality paint consists of environmentally friendly materials, non-toxic when heated and safe for your health.
The color palette is extremely wide , so you can easily choose the right option for your kitchen design.
If the application was carried out according to the rules, then the paint can serve you for decades without losing its color.
High-quality mixtures have a high level of water resistance. Therefore, you can use them to decorate the walls above the kitchen sink.
The material is non-flammable and absolutely safe for use near the stove..
Washable paint is ideal for applying to “paintable wallpaper”. It can also be applied to plaster, concrete, drywall, brick or wood.

With so many advantages, it is not surprising that washable paints are very popular among builders and designers.

With their help you can create unusual interiors

However, it was not without its drawbacks:

If you want to paint surfaces in a new building, you will have to wait at least a year . While the walls are shrinking, the paint may become deformed and crack. However, this disadvantage can be easily circumvented if you choose glass wallpaper as a base for painting - they will provide a reliable and durable surface that is not afraid of shrinkage.
Some people skip paint because they want a more textured wall or ceiling design. However, modern paints can be embossed and contain a variety of design additives and decorative elements.
If the paint is of poor quality, there is no need to talk about the above advantages . The coating can peel off, quickly lose color and even harm your health. Therefore, we recommend buying paints only from trusted stores that monitor storage conditions.

The disadvantages are very conventional and can be easily solved.
As you can see, the list of advantages is undeniably wider than the list of disadvantages. Moreover, the latter are very conditional and are decided by the right choice. However, it is necessary to understand that each type of paint has its own characteristics, pleasant and not so pleasant. In addition, everyone has their own preferences and something that may seem like a disadvantage to someone may be the main reason for purchasing for another.

If paints allow you to create such masterpieces, they can be forgiven for their shortcomings

Therefore, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the detailed characteristics of washable paint types.

Paints come in a wide variety

Types of kitchen paint

When purchasing products for decorating a food preparation room, you should choose moisture-resistant items. Most manufacturers note on the product packaging that this paint can be used to decorate the kitchen. Such compositions are somewhat more expensive, but this overexpenditure is fully justified. In the future, the owners of the premises will not have to deal with fungus, mold, or swollen areas on the walls.

Acrylic, latex, and silicate coatings are considered the most suitable for kitchens. These compositions are used to obtain glossy, matte and textured surfaces. The color of the paint and its reflective characteristics should be harmoniously combined with other decorative finishes in the kitchen. Also, the choice of material must be made taking into account the size of the room and its position relative to the cardinal points.

Acrylic

This waterproof composition is easily applied to any surface: brick, glass, concrete, drywall. Acrylic paint is absorbed especially well into a porous base. High adhesive properties guarantee the absence of blistering and peeling. This composition dries quite quickly - only 2 hours. After this, the paint is reapplied, making the surface texture more saturated.

Latex

This type of product attracts with its elasticity and wear resistance. Manufacturers use synthetic rubber as the basis of the composition. This is an ideal option for rooms with high humidity levels. Breathable coating and rich colors make latex paint a very popular material. Painted surfaces can be washed using fairly aggressive chemicals - the appearance of the coating will not be affected.

Latex products are applied in 2-3 layers. Before work, the composition is diluted in water, and for the first painting you need a larger amount of liquid. Subsequent layers are made drier. At the end of each procedure, the surface should dry well for 2-3 hours. It is important that after applying the last layer there are no drafts in the room. Gusts of wind during drying create unsightly streaks on the walls.

Silicate

Such paints are the most suitable option for use in the kitchen. They have all the advantages of decorative compositions and do not have significant disadvantages. The only disadvantage of this type of material is the high, but quite justified price. This is why silicate paints are not in widespread demand among the population.

Rubber

This variety belongs to the acrylic class, but is distinguished by its increased elasticity. This versatile material, after application, forms a film that withstands repeated bending. A layer of such paint can stretch and shrink depending on the physical condition of the base on which it is applied. The composition is wear-resistant and environmentally friendly. It is successfully used for both interior decoration and exterior work.

Glossy

Shiny finishes in the kitchen look very modern and stylish. The reflective properties of gloss are widely used to visually enlarge small rooms. Such surfaces are good for creating kitchens in high-tech, minimalism, eclecticism, and modern styles. Gloss also finds application in classic design concepts.

Matte

This finishing method is successfully used to create a cozy and unobtrusive interior. Matte tones promote a peaceful emotional mood. Such surfaces are good if the kitchen windows face south or east. Faded tones softly diffuse too bright sun rays. Also, a matte finish better hides defects and unevenness of the treated surfaces.

Texture

This type of processing looks original and lively. The advantage of texture painting is the ability to disguise small defects in walls and flooring. There are also disadvantages. Such a surface is much more difficult to wash. Recesses in the relief may be difficult to reach with a rag and brush.

Acrylic paint

One of the most popular types is acrylic paint mixtures. They can be used for all types of surfaces, but reviews note that this paint works best on wood and concrete.

Variety of colors and high quality

Due to its structure, the paint does not require a perfect rough finish - it is able to mask small cracks and irregularities. The material is quite elastic, so it can be applied without much difficulty. The smell is practically absent, disappearing within half an hour after application.

The smell from the renovation is not noticeable after half an hour

You can wash walls and ceilings painted in this way either with a damp cloth or with non-abrasive detergents. If you properly care for the surface, the paint layer will remain in its original form for 15-20 years.

Acrylic paint goes on very smoothly

The list of advantages of acrylic paints is quite wide:

The color of the paint in the can fully matches the result after application: the color retains its intensity, so you can always predict the final design of the walls and ceiling.
It tolerates temperature fluctuations well, which are essential in the kitchen.
It dries in a maximum of half an hour - much faster than other types.
After application, no cracks or wrinkles form, the paint goes on very smoothly.
Over time, the color does not change, the paint does not fade from direct sunlight.

The result is worth the money.
The only disadvantages include the relatively high price.
However, we believe that taking into account all the characteristics, the cost of this paint is quite justified.

How to care for walls after painting

If you follow the rules during the painting process, the finish can last a very long time. Some practical recommendations will help you keep your decorated walls in good condition:

If the kitchen was painted with a silicone-based mixture, the surfaces should not be exposed to alkaline detergents.
Surfaces treated with acrylic paints should be washed with napkins soaked in soapy water (the liquid should be prepared with laundry soap).
Abrasive pastes are suitable for water-based compositions. However, cleaning should be done carefully so as not to damage the finish.
It is necessary to exclude sharp objects if the walls were treated with a latex mixture.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that compositions with a cleaning effect are considered the most functional. With their help, cleaning the kitchen becomes easier, and its interior is transformed.

Latex paint

Latex paint is a water-based emulsion familiar to many, to which latex compounds have been added. It is often used specifically for the kitchen area, despite the fact that its cost exceeds even acrylic.

The main bonus of this paint is the ability to wash it using mild abrasives and brushes with non-metallic bristles. This allows you to clean even the most dirty areas, for example, above the hob or sink.

Does not lose its appearance even under harsh operating conditions

The benefits of latex paint also include:

High wear resistance . Latex paint is the most durable among the washable ones. Some types can withstand fairly intense cleaning, which not all paint mixtures allow.
The paint produces virtually no odors , and residual odors after application disappear in a matter of seconds.
Good drying rate. The paint dries completely in twenty minutes; in rare cases (for example, if the room has high humidity), this period can last up to two hours.
The latex mixture can be used to paint any surface - concrete, polystyrene foam, wood, wallpaper and even tiles.
The paint allows air to pass through, which completely eliminates the appearance of bubbles and unevenness.

What about the downsides?

Unfortunately, it couldn’t have happened without them either.:

High price. Finishing your kitchen with latex paint will cost you a pretty penny. Unless, of course, you try to save money and buy products from an unknown manufacturer. However, in this case there is no need to talk about quality.
Latex attracts certain types of microorganisms that cause mold . Therefore, we recommend that you treat the surface with a special antiseptic primer before applying paint.

In general, latex paint is an excellent choice for the kitchen, due to its durability and ability to be washed regularly.

Extraordinarily pure colors.

Criteria for choosing wall paints

Considering the fact that washable kitchen paint is considered a popular product, you need to be aware of the main nuances of its choice:

The composition should provide for the simple implementation of the creative impulse of the owner of the premises. If you can add others to a single shade, this will allow you to create a unique design and achieve its flexibility.
Any paint with a washing effect should be suitable for both manual and mechanized application.
Optimal expenditure indicators.
Reliability of processing is achieved if it is carried out in a couple of layers. It is worth noting that the primer and paint must be made by the same brand.
When choosing a product for kitchen surfaces, it is very important to take into account the levels of performance indicators: Resistance to wear during a large cycle of wet cleaning (up to 3 thousand cycles).
Moisture resistance should be at least 24.
95% in terms of light fastness.
In terms of abrasion, the optimal values are from 60 microns.

Silicate paint

One of the most advanced paints currently available is silicate paint for walls and ceilings. Long-lasting, easy to apply and durable, it is also the most expensive of the presented series.

Easy to apply

Let's see why they love her so much:

First of all, it is necessary to note vapor permeability. This means that hot, humid steam will pass through the coating, leaving only condensation on the wall. This property significantly improves the microclimate of the room.
Dirt and dust stick less to surfaces painted with silicate paint - due to their properties, they simply repel them, which greatly facilitates the cleaning process.
The paint does not fade from heat or exposure to direct sunlight, maintaining clean and rich tones.
Mold and fungi do not grow on silicate mixtures; they are unattractive to various parasites.
The composition of silicate paint is completely environmentally friendly and does not contain elements harmful to health.
They can be used for application to plaster, brick, concrete, wallpaper, plaster.

The disadvantages are the following:

High price;
Difficulty in applying to textured surfaces;
A fairly complex dyeing technology that requires certain skills.

In general, silicate paints are the best choice for the kitchen due to their strength, reliability and durability. A varied color palette allows you to choose the right option for any kitchen.

Deep and rich shades

Painting tools

Kitchen wall paint is applied to the surface using the simplest tools:

wide brush (about 10 cm),
narrow brush for corners and joints,
paint roller,
paint tray,
telescopic handle for roller,
ladder,
masking tape,
latex gloves.

Instead of a roller, you can use a spray gun.

If the choice fell on oil or alkyd paint, then it is necessary to provide respiratory protection during work.

The furniture is taken out of the room or covered with plastic film, the floor is covered with newspapers, the ceiling is covered with masking tape around the perimeter, the baseboards are treated in the same way, or they are temporarily dismantled.

Rubber paint

A relative newcomer to the paint and varnish market is rubber paint. In appearance, it resembles thick mastic, which must be diluted a little with plain water to the specified consistency. Most often you can find white paint on sale, which is given the desired shade with a special color scheme. However, ready-made mixtures are now sold.

The most reliable option

After drying, a thin and durable vapor-permeable film is formed on the painted surface, which has the ability to stretch by 300-400 percent - you don’t have to worry that the kitchen will suffer if your neighbors flood you a little.

Very easy application

The composition contains no toxic elements, which makes it suitable for use in the kitchen.

Also, the advantages of this paint include:

Relatively fast drying - in about one hour.
Maximum versatility: the composition is well applied to wood, concrete, brick, steel, plaster, foam concrete, aluminum.
Easy to apply - some types can even be applied using spray cans.
High resistance to moisture, steam and temperature changes.
Excellent vapor permeability.
The material is absolutely hygienic and does not allow the appearance of mold and mildew.
Due to the tensile properties of the paint, the appearance of cracks and wrinkles on the surface is absolutely excluded.
Relatively affordable price.

As for the minuses, there are only two of them and both of them are very conditional: such paint will last up to ten years, so it won’t be possible to make repairs that will last forever. And, most likely, you will have to experiment to find the right shade.

Combines well with other materials

What to buy to paint kitchen walls

Traditionally, the first place in cost and quality is given to the products of the Finnish Tikkurila; the Finns have a lot of acrylic paints, but most often each material is focused on a very narrow niche of application. To paint kitchen walls, pure acrylic LUJA and JOKER are most often used, semi-matte paints with good hiding power and high resistance to detergents. LUJA is suitable for large rooms with European-quality renovation, JOKER can be used even for kitchen areas that are not equipped with a hood. The price of dyeing material starts from $10 per liter. Paint consumption is liter per 9-10 squares of wall. For two-layer painting you will need at least six liters of material.

No less popular are the paint and varnish products of the Dutch AkzoNobel, known on the Russian market under the Dulux brand. For washable kitchen walls, Kitchen & bathroom is best suited, cost per liter from $7, consumption for the prepared surface of kitchen walls is at least liter per 12 m2.

The huge demand and popularity of Tikkurila and Dulux led to the fact that production from Europe was partially transferred to Poland, Turkey, and China. Some expensive brands of washable acrylic paints are manufactured under license at Russian facilities. As a result, many fakes and negative reviews appeared about previously famous brands.

Cheaper, but no less high-quality paints are produced by the German concern DAW SE. Acrylic and latex materials under the Alpina and Caparol trademarks are considered the best choice based on the price-quality ratio.

The range of recommended paint materials is completed by Marshall, Renilux Norium, ?nie?ka, Belinka latex; they are half the price of branded washable materials, have 30-40% higher consumption, but after high-quality surface preparation, laying an additional layer of paint and two months of exposure to kitchens, it’s unlikely that even experienced painters will be able to distinguish Tikkurilla from Marshall.

Gloss paint

Washable paints also differ in appearance: a lot depends on the chosen texture. The most popular type is still glossy paint mixtures.

Glitter will add light

Rich colors, shiny surfaces and reflections of light look very attractive. This paint is an ideal choice for small kitchens, as it visually enlarges the room due to its reflective features. In addition, it is able to add the missing light to the room.

Stylish and rich shades with highlights

However, when using glossy paints on ceilings, you need to be careful. You will have to give up horn chandeliers - emulsions with a strong reflection factor may show the not very attractive “insides” of the lamp. Your choice is flat lamps or beautiful lampshades.

In addition, you need to take into account that any dirt is more noticeable on a glossy surface, which means you will have to clean the kitchen much more often. Therefore, we do not recommend applying this paint near gas stoves - the residue will have to be wiped off almost every day.

Great choice for modern styles

Design solution

You need to choose a paint of a suitable shade for the walls in the kitchen, taking into account the following nuances:

dark colors visually narrow the space;
walls that are too light in color will have to be washed frequently;
a very bright color of the walls will “solidify” the overall color scheme of the kitchen interior; furniture and small details may “get lost” against its background.

If you plan to decorate the walls with an ornament using a textured paint roller or stencil, you should know that a large pattern looks good on the surfaces of a spacious room; in a small kitchen it will create a feeling of cramping; a small pattern is more appropriate here.

Matte paints

Those who are not fans of shine often refuse paints, believing that they are only glossy. This is wrong. The modern surface makes it possible to produce both completely matte and “satin” mixtures with a soft shine, without expressive highlights.

The background highlights the bright printed inserts well

They can be used in any room, but these paints are most suitable for spacious kitchens. Much depends on the style - in classic interiors or kitchens in Provence and Country styles, gloss is not very appropriate, but matte paint is quite suitable.

An excellent choice for classic interiors

However, you need to take into account that cleaning the room will be a little more difficult - the matte texture provides some roughness to the coating, so dust and dirt will settle a little deeper. On the other hand, most often such paints can be washed more harshly than their glossy counterparts.

Preparing walls for painting

The work sequence is described as follows:

The surface is first carefully treated using fine sandpaper.
The walls are covered with primer. Then the coating receives improved adhesion. This is especially important if paint is used later.
Sanding with sandpaper follows again. The surface is completely free of dust when sanding is completed.
After this, they move on to the painting itself (the silicone variety of paint requires the same procedure).

The use of a spray gun will remove any restrictions associated with work, the need to adhere to one direction or another. The main thing is not to speed up the painting process itself. Otherwise, microvolumes of air cause swelling of the layer. For the kitchen, it is recommended to avoid such effects.

In the video: which paint to choose - washable or plain.

Texture paint

Perhaps the most unusual type of paint. If you are used to smooth, uniform surfaces, this is clearly not the case. Such mixtures allow you to create a relief coating of the most unusual type.

The texture can be very diverse

Some types make it possible to imitate plaster, sandstone, graphite and even wood.

The clear advantage of this texture is that the paint does not require preliminary thorough leveling of the surface - it easily masks all defects due to its relief structure.

You can choose from a variety of interesting textures

Using texture paint you can easily create an unusual interior. In addition, it is practically indispensable for the loft style - some varieties very reliably imitate concrete, however, unlike it, they are more suitable for use in the kitchen.

Features of washable paints

These types of compositions got their name due to the fact that the surfaces coated with them can be washed without fear, even with the help of aggressive agents. Washable paints have recently become more popular than wallpaper. This is explained by the fact that there is no need for a complex sticker procedure and quick replacement with new wallpaper, since the old ones are splashed and have lost their appearance. While walls painted with a special composition in the kitchen can simply be washed, and the resulting scratches can be painted over.

All washable paint and varnish products are suitable for rooms with high air humidity. Therefore, they can be used to decorate surfaces not only in rooms and kitchens, but also in the bathroom.

Washable paints are universal and suitable for painting concrete and plastered walls, plasterboard surfaces, brick and wood. Such dyes easily apply to many types of wallpaper. Their big advantage is durability. Washable paint will retain its original fresh and bright appearance for a long time.

Which color to choose

The question is actually quite ambiguous. A lot depends on your personal preferences, the design and configuration of the kitchen, and the selected furniture. It is difficult to imagine glossy red paint in a classic interior or discreet matte brown in a pop art style kitchen.

Paint your kitchen the way you like

Much depends on your tastes: some people like rich shades like orange or ultramarine, while others prefer noble beige or olive.

Noble shades suit classic interiors

In addition, the color of the walls or ceiling should be in harmony with the rest of the interior elements, highlighting them favorably, but not drowning them out

Or maybe you like bright colors?

Therefore, we have put together a few recommendations for you to help you make your choice:

First of all, decide on the interior style. In the corresponding section of our website you can find a detailed description of each of them. This will allow you to choose a suitable color for the walls and ceiling that will harmoniously fit into the design of your kitchen.
If the room faces north or west, it makes sense to think about a warm range of tones - it will visually soften the lack of light and make the room more comfortable. Conversely, in order to slightly extinguish the excess of sun in southern and eastern kitchens, it is better to turn to the cool color segment.
Keep in mind that many paints can be repainted : it is not necessary to remove the previous layer to apply a new one. So don't worry if you weren't able to choose the right shade the first time - it's probably all easy to fix.
Speaking of shades... Any color has many tones. Therefore, experiment when choosing the right one. If you don’t like anything, you can make up the paint yourself. Even the finished mixture is easy to change. You just need to buy the right color scheme and choose the proportions.
Most self-respecting manufacturers sell paint not only in five and ten liter containers. Many produce so-called samples - small jars of 150-200 milliliters. Apply paint to the kitchen wall and evaluate the saturation and color. This will help you avoid wasted expenses, especially since you won’t be able to return the wrong paint to the store.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Combinations of different colors, paints with complex textures, unusual combinations - the range of modern paints and varnishes allows you to create any design.
Don't limit yourself to classic colors. Bronze or golden paint is perfect for luxurious baroque interiors, and translucent acrylic paints look harmonious in romantic styles.

The issue of color selection must be decided individually for yourself, so we are careful not to give specific advice. However, if you use these recommendations, solving it will be much easier.

Experiment with combinations

And you shouldn’t give up drawings with paints. We do not recommend remembering your childhood, but paint is the material that allows you to create truly unusual interiors, such as in this photo.

Why is paint so popular?

Decorating kitchen walls with paint provides several advantages:

a wide range of colors - you can get the desired shade by tinting or purchasing ready-made material;
quick repairs - if you want to change the color scheme of the kitchen, you can do it with paint in a couple of days;
practicality - dirt can be easily washed off from dried paint, and if the top layer of the coating is damaged, it can be quickly restored;
affordable cost - painting walls is much cheaper than finishing them with tiles, wood panels and other materials;
relative simplicity of work - no special equipment or professional skills are required to apply paints and varnishes.

Matte compositions

Matte paints can give a muted shine or a velvety feel. This design looks harmonious in combination with classic and country, but if desired, it can be used for other styles. It should be understood that cleaning walls covered with matte paint can be difficult due to some porosity. In this case, stains penetrate deeper than in the case of a glossy surface and are more difficult to remove. However, such walls will withstand more intensive hygiene procedures without compromising aesthetics. Paint for kitchens and bathrooms PROFI brand TEX is deeply matte, but at the same time reliably protects against household pollution, thanks to the lotus effect (the composition contains wax and drops are not absorbed, but roll off. This paint does not absorb coffee/tea/chocolate stains).

Kitchen walls to be painted

You can decorate the walls in the kitchen with Venetian plaster and brick-like tiles, but the leaders are wallpapering and painting. There are both advantages and disadvantages to painting walls.

Advantages

A varied color palette can bring any fantasy to life. Paints can be found in absolutely any shade, texture and surface type. You can find rollers with different textures on sale, and more and more painting techniques appear every year.
The painting process is much easier to understand (for example, than joining strips of wallpaper).
Proper preparation and application gives long-term results, protection from chips and cracks.
Easy to wash and clean (even from children's creativity).
The painted surface fades more slowly and is resistant to yellowing for a long time.
No scratches from animal claws.
If defects form on the coating, there is no need to renew the entire surface (it is enough to touch up the damaged area).
An easy process of painting complex decorative structures (arches, shaped openings, etc.).
When painting walls, changing the coating from one color to another occurs much faster than with other finishing solutions.

In the video - paint for the walls in the kitchen:

Decorative painting in the form of a pattern on the wall or photo wallpaper can give your kitchen a unique appearance.

Flaws

Before painting, the walls must be carefully and efficiently processed;
Painting is not suitable for walls with significant defects, so treatment is necessary. If it is not possible to remove defects by processing, painting will not be possible;
Paint is able to absorb dust that is in the air. This does not apply to gloss paints;
Paint can absorb contaminants (grease, oil, felt-tip pen, etc.) if they are not wiped off in a timely manner;
The paint may not withstand strong mechanical stress;
With constant temperature fluctuations (cooking and an open window), the surface may crack;
The painting process is tedious; it is undesirable to use a brush or roller on an already painted surface. This can result in more intense color where layers overlap, e.g. the surface may turn out striped;
Any paint has a strong and unpleasant smell. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children to inhale paint fumes. It may cause dizziness and headache.

You can find out what color is best to paint the walls in the kitchen in this article.

It will take a sufficient amount of time for all layers of paint to dry completely. The room requires ventilation, so you need to open a window or window, which can lead to drafts. While the layers are drying, a specific smell may also be present in the apartment.