Choosing the right paint is a bit like picking the outfit for an important date: get the color, fabric, or finish wrong and you risk ruining the evening (or the meeting). Here you'll find everything you need to know — types of paint, finishes, health, preparation, application, and a few ready-made jokes to lighten the mood while you spread on white number 27.
Why the choice matters (besides the fact that it looks good)
Appearance and light: color and finish influence how big, bright, or elegant a room looks.
Durability: good paint, properly applied, lasts longer and needs fewer “touch-ups of love.”
Maintenance: in the kitchen, bathroom, or office you need washable paint; in the living room you can be more daring.
Health: low VOC emissions mean less “solvent-scented” indoor air and fewer headaches for colleagues and housemates.
Corporate image: in the office, color communicates professionalism, creativity, or that “casual-chic” vibe you wanted.
Total cost: cheap paint may cost less per liter but can have you coming back more often with brush and regret.
Main types (don’t let them scare you)
Water-based paints (acrylic/latex): the most commonly used today. They dry quickly, have little odor, and are easy to clean. Good for interior walls.
Solvent-based paints (alkyd, oil): glossier and more resistant on certain materials; used less for general interiors today due to odors and VOCs.
Breathable paints: ideal for aged or damp walls where it’s important for the wall to “breathe” (e.g., old masonry).
Mold-resistant/antibacterial paints: formulated for humid environments (bathrooms, basements). They help but don’t eliminate the causes (humidity, poor heating, poor ventilation).
Washable / extra-washable paints: withstand scrubbing; great for hallways, kitchens, busy offices.
Eco-friendly / low-VOC / zero-VOC paints: fewer emissions; perfect for interiors and for those with children or sensitivities.
Special coatings: thermal insulating or soundproofing paints exist but manage your expectations — they’re not miracles, but can help in specific cases.
Finishes: matte, satin, glossy — what personality do you want?
Matte: elegant, hides imperfections. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Note: traditional mattes can be less washable; modern washable mattes exist.
Satin / silk: a good compromise between looks and washability. Perfect for hallways and children’s rooms.
Semi-gloss / gloss: very durable and easy to clean — perfect for doors, frames, kitchens, and bathrooms. Reflects light: highlights imperfections but is easy to sanitize.
Color and psychology (it’s not magic, it’s practice)
Home: warm colors (beige, terracotta, soft yellows) feel welcoming; cool tones (blue, green) are relaxing. Light walls increase light and space; an accent wall can add character without overdoing it.
Office: neutral colors + company accents (brand color) work well. Blue is associated with trust and focus; green with calm and creativity. Avoid too much red on large surfaces if you don’t want hyperactive colleagues.
Open space vs meeting room: in open spaces, choose colors that promote concentration; in meeting rooms you can go for stronger, reassuring tones.
Surface preparation — 70% of the result (yes, it’s boring but essential)
Cleaning: remove dust, grease, and residue. In the kitchen, use a degreaser.
Repairs: fill cracks and holes, sand surfaces once dry.
Primer: essential on new, very absorbent surfaces or after renovations. Helps paint coverage and reduces the number of coats.
Mold removal: treat with specific products and solve the cause (ventilation/humidity).
Sanding: on old glossy paints, sand before painting.
Test on a small area: paint a sample to see color and finish in real light.
Application: brush, roller or spray? And how to do it without crying
Brush: details, corners, baseboards.
Roller: for walls and ceilings. Choose short nap for smooth surfaces and longer for rough walls.
Spray: very even finish, requires experience and protection for furniture/areas.
Number of coats: often two coats + primer. Check the coverage indicated in m²/liter on the package and buy ~10% extra for waste.
Drying: varies by product (water: hours; solvent: longer). Check the label for overcoating times.
Health and environment: VOCs, labels, and good practices
VOCs: choose paints with low or zero emissions for healthier indoor air.
Useful labels: look for “low-VOC,” “A+” (or similar for indoor emissions), and environmental certifications (e.g., EU Ecolabel when present).
Getting sick from paint: ventilate well during and after work; keep vulnerable people away for the first hours/days if possible.
Disposal: do not pour down the drain; check with your municipality for collection centers and disposal rules.
Home vs office: practical differences not to ignore
Traffic and wear: offices and hallways require more resistant and washable paints.
Regulations & safety: in some environments (server rooms, labs) you need specific coatings or fireproof treatments; consult a technician.
Color and brand: in the office, color is part of the company identity; coordinating with graphics and communication is often useful.
Ventilation and CO₂: in very crowded rooms, ventilation is essential — paint doesn’t freshen the air, only the right technology does.
Common mistakes (that make even the most experienced painter cry)
Skipping the primer “to save time” → uneven finish or more coats needed.
Choosing color from the online catalog without testing samples under real light.
Not considering washability in messy environments.
Using non-breathable paint on damp walls → mold problems.
Ignoring safety labels: ventilation and PPE are there for a reason.
When to DIY and when to call a professional
DIY if: small rooms, smooth surface, you want to save money and like working neatly.
Call a professional if: high ceilings, exterior facades, persistent mold, new surfaces to be skimmed, bold colors on large surfaces, or you simply want a perfect finish. Also, if you suspect paints with lead (very old houses), don’t improvise: you need analysis and professional removal.
Small practical checklist before buying paint
- Measure the surface (m²) → (walls: perimeter × height; subtract doors/windows).
- Check coverage (m²/liter) on the package.
- Decide on primer + number of coats.
- Choose finish (matte/satin/semi-gloss) based on the room.
- Check “washability” and scrub resistance class.
- Prefer low/zero-VOC if the indoor environment is sensitive.
- Buy 10% extra for touch-ups.
- Test the color on a portion of wall (at least 1 m²) and observe with natural and artificial light.
A practical tip with a smile
The right paint does more than you think: it improves aesthetics, simplifies home and work life, and can even save you time and money in the long run. But before you buy at random, remember: preparation + primer + color test = happiness. And if you want to avoid brush dramas, stains on the sofa, or colleagues giving you dirty looks because the blue isn’t the company blue… Gruppo Impianti Ristrutturazioni is here for inspections, technical advice, and flawless application (irony included, smudges excluded).
