Paints for painting indoors: what can you paint on the wall in an apartment, preparing the surface for painting with acrylic paints

One easy way to update your apartment and show off your personal style is to paint the walls. To get a smooth, durable finish, the surface must be properly prepared and the appropriate paint used. Because of their range of colors, ease of application, and durability, acrylic paints are a popular option for interior walls.

It’s crucial to know what surfaces can be painted and how to properly prepare them before you start. A well-prepared surface guarantees excellent paint adhesion and long-lasting beauty. Preparing the wall will make all the difference in the outcome, regardless of whether you’re working with freshly installed drywall or an old, painted surface.

Stylistic solution for decorating rooms using patterns and drawings

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Minimalism in the space is reflected in the wall painting. Choosing a simple color for the room gives it a sense of unfinishedness. Nevertheless, chic interior design ideas can liven up even the dullest design. It will take some imagination, a variety of color choices, and the drive to produce a work of art for this.

Selecting the appropriate paint and adequately priming the surface are essential for obtaining a durable and appealing wall paint job in an apartment. Because of their strength and adaptability, acrylic paints are a popular choice, but in order to achieve the best results, it’s crucial to understand which surfaces to use them on and how to prepare them in advance.

DIY wall walls option – drawings

Not just parents of small children have the notion to change the room’s walls. Experience has shown that drawing designs can be pleasing to the eyes of both visitors and the housing owners. When deciding on a specific course for independent work, the most important thing is to come up with a sensible and accurate solution.

Preparation of the surface for painting

Painting or adding specific color elements to walls is done on a level surface. It is impossible to paint or partially remove wallpaper from a concrete wall that does not have a pre-putty surface. If not, the drawings will just come off the walls and leave a bubbly base.

Before painting, the wall must have the bare minimum of the following completed:

• cleaning the surface from paint residues, wallpaper, unevenness;
• leveling with plasterboard and putty;
• grouting;
• priming.

Once the work is completed, move on to the next steps of the manipulation process to paint the walls.

Acrylic paints

Because acrylic paints are resistant to direct sunlight, painting the wall is the best option. It is important to note the following benefits:

• the ability to give the pattern a matte deep shade or a glossy festive shine;
• the composition does not emit harmful toxic compounds into the air even at a temperature of +50-60 degrees;
• the paint is resistant to fading;
• patterns can be washed with water;
• acrylic protects walls from damage, forming a thin film, counteracts moisture absorption.

Can a wall that has been painted with water-based paint be painted again?

When a major repair is not feasible, the question of whether it is wise to use a pattern on water-based paint arises because modern apartments with older repairs are typically painted with water-based paint.

Walls that have previously been painted with colored or white water-based paint can be painted again. All that is needed is a level surface free of edema and irregularities. Additionally, using ornamental design with patterns on wallpaper is not possible. The paint will eventually expand, flake off, or distort the vinyl base and paper.

What is needed for painting walls with paints: a list of tools

Depending on how patterns or drawings are applied, different tools are listed. What you’ll need if you want to use stencils to draw is:

• stencil blanks (disposable or reusable);
• roller;
• masking tape;
• thin brushes;
• paint;
• varnish or fixative base;
• 2-3 containers of different sizes;
• bucket of water;
• hard cardboard;
• scissors and a stationery knife;
• clean towels or sponge.

With the exception of the first point, you will require the same set for work done without stencils. Furthermore, you can apply volumetric overhead patterns to add realism and integrity to the image.

What paints are used to paint in an apartment

Both indoors and outdoors, wall painting is used. But, if you do choose to use the technology in the space, you should give careful thought to your options for the paints that will work best for your needs.

Odorless

Painting a room’s walls is a creative way to add color, personality, playfulness, and beauty to the space while also decorating it with fresh feelings. However, it’s essential to use paints free of hazardous chemicals and odors if you want to be happy with both the finished product and the painting’s functional life.

To apply a drawing or pattern in a room, a variety of paint types are used:

1. Acrylic with a high degree of adhesion and resistance to sunlight. Used to apply a drawing in a nursery, bathroom, hall and other rooms where a creative composition is needed. Acrylic paints are divided into organic and synthetic. Such paints differ in the palette of colors. Organic – with light shades without bright tones. Synthetic – on artificial resin, used to create drawings in bright colors. Both compositions do not harm the body, are odorless and have a drying time of no more than 10 minutes.
2. Fluorescent or luminescent paints are used to decorate part of the drawing so that the desired detail glows at night. For example, a drawing on the wall in the form of an illuminated bridge over a river or the lights of a night city looks original and extraordinary. In a children"s room, drawings with fairies and butterflies are used, which seem to come to life after sunset.
3. Professional oil paints in tubes are used by specialists for painting on walls. In addition to experience and aesthetic taste, a certain level of professionalism is required to perform such work. Drawings applied to the wall with artistic oil paints are realistic, and the pictures seem to come to life in the hands of the master.

Using acrylic paints to paint pictures and elements

An acrylic paint pattern on a room’s wall creates a thin layer that keeps moisture out and also serves to shield the surface that has been treated. Depending on the type of composition, the acrylic base takes 10 minutes to dry and forms a glossy or matte surface that is resistant to moisture, heat, and water. Any stains seen on the drawing are removed using just warm water and no cleaning solutions.

It is advised to use acrylic paints organically if the task is to paint the wall in pastel or natural shades (for bedrooms, for example). It is preferable to use synthetic compositions based on artificial pigments for contrasting patterns and designs.

Selecting a direction for style

Since the wall drawing establishes the mood for the entire room, selecting the appropriate stylistic path to complement and decorate the space in the desired interior solution is crucial.

Paintings in the shape of an open window with natural compositions and subtle pastel colors work well in a bathroom, living room, or veranda.

Separate compositions that contrast with the room’s primary color scheme are selected for the hallway. Patterns with geometric shapes and flowers are in.

Calm color schemes with hints of luminescent paint—which stores light during the day and releases it at night—are utilized for children’s and bedrooms.

Painting: step-by-step instructions for creating a drawing

There are numerous methods for painting walls with acrylics. Using acrylic paints to decorate walls is one of the most common options.

Master class on acrylic paint application on walls.

1. Apply a basic tone to the prepared surface, on top of which a drawing or pattern will be applied.
2. Use masking tape to outline the side parts that you do not need to step on, as well as the plinth at the top (when applying a pattern up to the ceiling), and always on the bottom plinth to avoid contamination on this part of the wall.
3. On the working surface of the wall, draw geometric shapes or other designs with masking tape. If oil paint is used, make a rough drawing.
4. Outline the figures with paint, using a roller for a stencil pattern or a brush for individual elements.
5. Remove the masking tape at an angle of 30-40 degrees after the paint has hardened (after 10 minutes).
6. Apply a fixer or varnish if necessary.

Help for a beginner: stencils and blanks

Using ready-made stencils with patterns and designs is simpler. Paint, a template, tape, and some time are all that are needed for this. The task can even be completed by someone without artistic talent.

Create a work surface by evenly applying the primary tone for painting. Using masking tape, define the lateral portions. If the stencil is self-adhesive, adhere it to the wall or to the four corners. Use a brush on individual pieces and a roller with short, thick fur if the work is a large surface.

Once the design is applied, let the paint dry before removing the stencil and then the tape. It’s crucial to wait until it dries fully to prevent paint from smearing or leaving streaks around the edges.

It’s best for beginners to use self-adhesive stencils. In this manner, applying the design is simple and free of streaks and smudges.

Professional tips

An attention-grabbing piece of art is a design on the wall. It’s important to select shades carefully, favoring aesthetically pleasing options when possible, in order to bring a positive vibe to the space. Expert advice to help you paint a masterpiece on the wall:

• When painting over a pattern on a stencil with a roller, re-paint after the first layer has dried;
• For voluminous textured designs, use 5-6 layers of paint in the right place: in the center of the flower, on the sides of the composition to give a 3D effect;
• When using aerosols with paint, outline a large surface with masking tape, since the sprayer will stain the walls at a distance of 20-40 cm from the design.

Decorating the interior with drawings is not a novel idea. Nevertheless, this design choice has been neglected for a while with the introduction of photo wallpaper and wall paper. Currently, the trend is making a comeback, and adorning a space with original drawings lets you showcase your unique perspective on daily objects and convey your creative aspirations.

Surface Type	Preparation Steps
Drywall	Fill and sand any holes, apply a primer for a smooth finish
Plaster	Check for cracks, repair if needed, prime before painting
Concrete	Clean thoroughly, fill any gaps, use a primer for better paint adhesion
Wood	Sand the surface, remove dust, apply a wood primer
Brick	Brush off loose material, repair joints, use a masonry primer

Selecting the appropriate paint for your apartment walls is crucial to attaining the desired appearance and longevity. Choosing the right paint is only as important as properly priming the surface, whether you’re using acrylic or another type of paint.

You can make sure that your walls not only look fantastic but also endure over time with the correct preparation. In addition to improving the overall finish, proper surface preparation lowers the chance of peeling or cracking paint and improves paint adhesion.

You can create a new and inviting space in your home that reflects your personal style by taking the time to prepare your walls and choose the right paint.

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