Interior and Exterior Building Paints

Washable interior paint withstands cleaning with a damp cloth and is designed for walls and ceilings in dry rooms. Exterior paint must withstand rain, sun and temperature swings: in quartz-based models the grain size creates a surface that is more resistant to wear and dirt. Do not use an interior paint on a façade, as it lacks the same resistance to weather.

For bathrooms and kitchens choose a washable interior paint, including one with a hygienic finish, as it withstands steam and frequent cleaning. The catalogue includes 4-litre Vigor paints designed for bathrooms and kitchens, in white. Constant steam still requires good ventilation and a primer suited to the substrate, as paint does not cover mould or rising damp.

Primer prepares the substrate. Acrylic bonding primer is used on smooth or low-absorbency surfaces, water-based sealing primer consolidates and evens out porous walls and plaster, and two-pack epoxy primer is designed for surfaces that need a strong base, such as raw concrete. The choice depends on the substrate: clean it, and check that it is dry and not powdery before applying the product.

For decorative paints, what matters is the content of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which Directive 2004/42/EC limits by product category. The technical data sheet shows the VOC class and, for interior wall paints, the wash resistance classification under standard EN 13300. Compare these figures between products before choosing, especially for enclosed, frequently used rooms.

For external façades use quartz paints or thick-film acrylic or siloxane coatings, which protect against moisture and weather. Thick-film coatings are heavier and suit surfaces with small imperfections; quartz paints are thinner. Before applying, check that the wall is clean and dry, and that there are no leaks or rising damp to resolve.

Chalkboard paint creates a surface you can write on with chalk and is suited to smooth, well-prepared interior walls. After cleaning and filling, apply a primer, then two or more coats of black paint by roller, as stated on the technical data sheet. Wait until the wall is completely dry before using chalk on it, to avoid smudges and peeling.

Paints contain solvents and additives that can irritate the skin and respiratory tract. Work in well-ventilated areas, use gloves and a filter mask if you spray or sand, and do not pour residues into drains. For products with a hazard classification, the safety data sheet states the protective equipment to use and the disposal methods.