Comparative table of murals, what are the types of compositions of the top 11
There is a fairly wide variety of types of murals. Comparing each material makes it easier to choose an appropriate formulation. It is also necessary to take into account the characteristics and scope of paints. In particular, the degree of wear resistance of the material used for processing exterior walls and rooms with constant high humidity is considered an important parameter.
Basic requirements for a paint composition for walls
The paints used to treat the walls must meet the following criteria:
- Opacity. The higher this indicator, the fewer layers of paint need to be applied to the surface to achieve the desired shade.
- Water vapor permeability. The ability of the walls to "breathe" depends on this parameter. The lower the vapor permeability, the higher the risk of mold and mildew forming in rooms with high humidity.
- Wear resistance. This parameter determines the lifetime of the applied material.
You also need to consider how ultraviolet radiation affects the paint.This criterion is important for rooms whose windows open to the south and west sides.
Suitable types of paints
More than 10 coloring compositions are suitable for painting walls. In this case, no more than three are considered universal.
Oil Formulas
Oil paints oxidize during the drying process, forming a film on the treated surface. This feature determines the following disadvantages of such a composition (in relation to the internal walls):
- low wear resistance;
- short life;
- early appearance of cracks;
- low vapor permeability.
Also, no colorants can be applied to the oil base after drying. The only advantage of this material is its low price compared to other similar products. Therefore, oil dyes are not used when decorating parts.
Alkyd paints
These paints are based on alkyd resins, which are additionally mixed with the corresponding pigments. After drying, the material also forms a film. Due to the presence of alkyd resins, these paints acquire the following characteristics:
- moisture resistance;
- the color does not change with prolonged exposure to the sun;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- high hiding power.
Among the disadvantages of alkyd paints are the following:
- when dry, they give off a pungent odor;
- over time, white paint acquires a yellowish tint, including in dark rooms;
- Limited range.
The last parameter is determined by insufficient vapor permeability. Alkyd paints are not recommended for the treatment of walls in nurseries, bedrooms and living rooms.
Silicate
The basis of silicate compositions is liquid glass, which determines the characteristics of the material:
- increased strength;
- resistance to mechanical stress and abrasives;
- resistance to moisture, fungus and mold;
- ensures good air circulation.
Due to the described features, after applying silicate paint, the wall does not require additional protection. However, such formulations have several drawbacks:
- differs in aggressive effects on the body;
- narrow palette of shades;
- increased concentration of alkalis in the paint;
- the dyeing is carried out with special alkaline-based pigments.
Silicate dyes can only be applied to surfaces treated with mineral compounds. Organic materials must be completely cleaned before starting the procedure. Also, other formulations do not overlap with silicate colorants.
water soluble
Water-based formulations are a group of paints that dissolve in water. These products are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- dry quickly due to water evaporation;
- suitable for processing almost any surface;
- well tinted;
- does not give off an unpleasant odor.
Due to the fact that this group includes several types of paints, it is impossible to highlight the general disadvantages inherent in each material. In particular, PVA is quickly contaminated and does not tolerate humidity.
Therefore, this composition is used for painting ceilings (but not walls) in living rooms or bedrooms.
Acrylic
These paints contain acrylic resins, which give the materials the following properties:
- elasticity;
- high strength after drying;
- resistance to sunlight;
- does not absorb moisture.
Acrylic paints are often used in interior decoration. These materials along the way provide protection for the metal against corrosion. However, acrylics are expensive compared to other formulations.
Latex
The basis of these paints is latex, thanks to which the materials:
- dry quickly;
- form a water-repellent film;
- do not wear out with regular cleaning;
- eliminate minor wall defects;
- suitable for dyeing wallpaper.
Latex paints are available in a wide range of shades. These products do not have significant drawbacks, except for the too high price.
water-based
Another group of paints that contain water. In terms of characteristics, this product is in many ways similar to water-soluble formulations. However, water-based paints are not used for wall treatments. This is explained by the fact that the dried layer is quickly washed off with water.
dispersed in water
The advantages of water disperse dyes are:
- moisture resistance;
- forms a wash layer;
- good vapor permeability;
- resistance to mechanical damage.
Mixtures dispersed in water, after drying, do not tolerate temperature extremes. Therefore, due to these properties, these compositions are mainly used for painting rooms with high humidity. Water dispersed blends are only available in black or white. For other shades, the appropriate pigment must be added.
Styrene butadiene
According to their characteristics, styrene-butadiene dyes are close to latex and water-based compositions. This product has the following properties:
- resistance to mechanical stress;
- not afraid of moisture;
- does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Styrene butadiene dyes are not recommended for wall decoration.
Silicone
Silicone dyes combine all the virtues that characterize water-based materials. This product is considered versatile and suitable for wall decoration in various rooms.
This material is able to hide small defects and does not require the imposition of several layers to achieve the desired shade.
Polyurethane
These dyes are based on polyurethane resins, which are mixed with special hardeners. The advantages of this product are:
- the ability to withstand vibration and mechanical stress;
- resistance to ultraviolet light and temperature extremes;
- the service life reaches 20 years.
The main and only drawback of polyurethane dyes is their too high price.
Comparative table of paint characteristics
The feature comparison looks like this:
Painting name | Dignity | Defaults |
Oil | Low price | Short life, low vapor permeability |
alkyd | Resistant to humidity and extreme temperatures, good hiding power | Intense smell when dry, suitable for painting kitchen walls |
Silicate | Increased resistance to various influences, creates a vapor-permeable layer | Alkaline base (dangerous for the body), a narrow palette of shades |
water soluble | Suitable for various surfaces, dries quickly, has a wide palette of shades | A number of water-soluble dyes do not tolerate contact with moisture |
Acrylic | Versatility, protection against fungus and corrosion, wide range | When it comes to wall decoration, there are no flaws |
Latex | Dries quickly, hides minor flaws, does not wear out | Not |
water-based | Water vapor permeability, dries quickly | Not suitable for wall decoration |
dispersed in water | Vapor permeability, moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical stress | Does not tolerate temperature extremes, requires dyeing |
Styrene butadiene | Resistance to mechanical stress, humidity and sunlight | Does not apply to wall painting |
Silicone | Versatility, suitable for different materials and environments | Not |
Polyurethane | Resists all types of stress, including vibration | Overpriced compared to other dyes |
How to choose the right paint
In addition to meeting the above criteria, when choosing a paint for interior walls, you should take into account the scope of the compositions. In particular, if the material is required for a bathroom, the product must be moisture resistant.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that bright dyes visually enlarge the room, but also highlight the flaws of the treated surface. Also, when choosing a material, it is recommended to take into account that in rooms with high humidity, the walls should be decorated with compounds that prevent the formation of fungus and mold.
Additional tips and expert advice
Due to the fact that wall paints are of different types, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the reviews of a specific material before buying. In frequently visited rooms and homes where children live with pets, silicone or latex compounds should be used. In compact rooms, the walls should be painted with materials with a glossy effect.