What color to paint the balcony, types of coatings and step-by-step instructions
Balcony painting is the simplest type of cosmetic repair. Choosing what color it is better to paint the balcony, it is worth considering popular options and stylistic directions. A wide variety of design solutions allows you to embody classic and original ideas.
The main criteria for choosing a color
Thinking about painting the walls of a balcony or loggia, you must adhere to a number of criteria. Including, what matters:
- Individual preferences. To decorate the space pleasing to the eye, you need to choose your favorite shades.
- The overall style in the apartment. The harmonious combination of colors with the room to which the balcony is attached will create a unified style. In this case, you can play on the contrasts and choose the opposite shade, which will be a good plus.
- Colors of other coatings.If the floor covering has already been installed on the balcony and the ceiling is painted, the color of the walls must be adapted.
Varieties of coatings
Several types of coatings are suitable for painting a balcony. When choosing the best option, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the main features, advantages and features of use.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints are made from a polyacrylic emulsion that dissolves in water. The material creates a surface with high performance and decorative properties. The following characteristics are inherent in the acrylic coating:
- preservation of brightness for more than 10 years;
- resistance to moisture and solvents, except for special substances;
- absence of toxic emissions when heated;
- dense structure, resistant to scratches and other defects.
alkyd
Alkyd paint contains polyester resins used as a film-forming component. The main distinguishing features of the coating are lower luminosity and a muted matte effect. A wide range of color solutions opens up opportunities for the implementation of artistic ideas and basic construction and finishing works. Weather immunity allows the material to be used for painting not only the interior space, but also the facade.
Latex
The latex coating is an enamel created on a water dispersion basis. Its main advantages are:
- ease of application on any type of surface in different ways;
- durable and long-lasting coating compared to other water-based paints;
- environmental friendliness and complete absence of toxic substances;
- production in white and the possibility of tinting in any shade using a special paste.
Of the minuses of the latex variety, it is worth highlighting the low resistance to temperature changes. This often leads to cracking of the top layer and the need for additional finishing.
Silicone
Silicone coatings are made from organic particles, water and oxygenated resins.
These give the paint unique characteristics and the following list of benefits:
- universality of application on any surface, including internal partitions and external elements of the balcony;
- preservation of the original appearance for several years without the need for large-scale repairs;
- ease of application to the surface and the ability to change shade with the help of colors;
- resistance to pollution, as well as mechanical, thermal and other influences.
Silicate
In finishing works, silicate paints based on water glass are often used. The addition of special pigments in powder form makes it possible to give the coating the desired shade. The presence of ethyl silicate in the composition contributes to the formation of a thin film with high refractoriness and strength. When decorating a balcony, it is important to take into account that silicate material is incompatible with natural wood, stone and various types of plastics.
water-based
The composition of the aqueous emulsion includes latex, thickener, antiseptic and filler. After application to the surface, the material dries quickly and does not emit hazardous substances. Compared to many other types of coatings, the aqueous emulsion does not have a pronounced odor.
Features to choose from depending on the base
Different types of substrates can only be painted with specially selected materials. In order for the paint to lie flat on the surface and not lose its appearance and performance in a short time, compatibility with the substrate must be taken into account.
Masonry
In many residential buildings, the walls of the balconies are made of brick. Before painting, the base is covered with an acrylic emulsion, after which two layers of water-based emulsion are applied. If desired, the composition is diluted with a dye to achieve a certain shade.
Concrete
The best options for concrete substrates are plastic and silicate paints. They can be applied to interior and exterior walls. Strong adhesion to the substrate provides durability and resistance to external influences.
Plaster surfaces
It is better to treat plastered surfaces with acrylate compounds, which are characterized by increased resistance to moisture and ultraviolet exposure. Using color pigments, you can give the surface the desired shade.
Wood or plywood
You can paint plywood or wood siding with ordinary acrylic material, which is easy to apply and has good decorative properties. It is also allowed to finish with simple oil paint.
drywall
For drywall, water-based compositions diluted with color are well suited. It is recommended to use matte shades that visually hide the imperfections of the base.
Plastic
The easiest way to paint plastic is to use a water-based acrylic material. If an improper coating is selected, it will bleed onto the plastic base.
How to paint with your own hands
The process of decorating the walls of the balcony requires preparatory stages and competent direct painting. In order to avoid common mistakes, it is worth studying the instructions for repairing the gap in advance.
puttying
Applying putty forms a flat smooth surface, eliminating all defects.The putty mixture is applied in one layer, smoothed with a suitable tool and allowed to dry.
Primer
Priming is carried out before applying putty for better adhesion of the top layer to the wall. To apply the primer, use a special roller.
Paint
The coloring technology depends on the type of substrate and the chosen coating. Recommendations for applying a specific composition, as a rule, are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging with paint.
All finishing work on the balcony is carried out at temperatures above 10 degrees.
Popular color schemes
In practice, several colors have become widespread, which are often used when decorating a balcony. Each color palette is tailored to specific conditions.
white
The classic white color complements all shades of use in the design of the apartment. In addition, the white composition helps to solve the problem of burnout when the balcony is on the sunny side.
Beige
The beige finish is considered versatile and using it as a base reduces the risk of violating design standards. You can use beige as a backdrop for natural or vibrant colors.
brown
Shades of brown visually narrow the space. On the balcony, therefore, it is better to paint only one wall or separate fragments from it. Combine brown with soft pastel colors.
Gray
Warm tones of gray work well for basic backgrounds that can be diluted with bold accents and textures. Most often, gray is combined with natural wood and brick surfaces.
Blue
The south-facing balconies are painted blue to visually enlarge the space. Bright, warm color accents look great on a blue background.
Other colors and combinations possible
The use of original colors allows for a unique design. On the balcony, you can use light green, terracotta and pink tones. By experimenting, you can discover many harmonious color combinations.
Style features
Knowing the basics of choosing shades for painting a balcony, it will be possible to determine a single style. There are several popular styles with special features.
shabby-chic
A distinctive feature of the shabby chic style is the white color with a pronounced aging effect. Scratches and neglect are created on walls and furniture.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean style is based on the use of light shades. In addition to light-colored walls, plants are placed on the balcony.
Japanese
When outfitting a Japanese-style balcony, the walls are painted cream or beige and the beams are left dark to create contrast. You can diversify the Japanese interior with national ornaments, bamboo decorations and low furniture.
Moroccan
The Moroccan style is characterized by the abundant use of exotic interior items in bright colors. When arranging a balcony, you can use colorful carpets, Moroccan furniture and dishes. The walls are finished with beige and pink plaster.
Cottage
You can create the style of a chalet by using wooden lining, which is upholstered in the walls. The wood surface is treated with wood stain or wax. The chalet style has a characteristic color palette, designed in terracotta, chocolate and cream tones.
Eco-style
Modern eco-style involves the use of natural shades of nature, including beige, sand and olive. The straw and bamboo inserts are a great addition.
Attic
When decorating in the loft style, a light gray scale of the walls is used as the basis. One of the bases can be made in a bright color or create the texture of aged wood.
Additional tips and tricks
When choosing a material for painting a balcony, you should always study the composition. The coating should not emit toxic components, be easily washed off from plastic frames and glass, pass steam. A careful choice of finishing materials and shades for the walls of the balcony facilitates the implementation of original design solutions.