Review of the best paints for wallpaper for painting

Wallpaper for painting is a practical solution for those who want to have a flexible interior: change colors, update the space without major repairs, experiment with styles. But for this approach to be not only aesthetic, but also durable, it is important to choose the right paint. Not only the color and texture of the walls depend on it, but also the durability of the coating, its wear resistance and behavior in operation. In this material, we will consider which paints are best suited for wallpaper for painting, how they differ and what to pay attention to when choosing.

Which wallpaper for painting requires a special approach

Not all wallpapers interact equally well with paint. Most often, non-woven, vinyl on a non-woven basis or glass wallpaper are used for painting. Non-woven wallpaper withstands several cycles of repainting, retains its relief well and does not deform. Vinyl requires paints with high adhesion, because the surface can be glossy or micro-relief. Glass wallpapers are the most durable and long-lasting, but the paints for them should have increased elasticity. Therefore, the type of wallpaper directly affects the choice of paint - and this should not be neglected.

Water-based paints: a classic for non-woven wallpaper

Water-based paints are the most common option for painting wallpaper. They dry quickly, do not have a pungent odor, are easy to apply and allow the walls to "breathe". There are several subtypes: acrylic, latex, silicone and silicate. Acrylic paints perform best - they have good covering power, are elastic, do not turn yellow over time and are suitable even for delicate wallpapers. However, before painting, you should definitely test the compatibility on a small area.

Latex paints: an ideal option for rooms with high humidity

Latex paints are characterized by increased resistance to washing, abrasion and moisture. They form an elastic but dense film that protects the wallpaper and at the same time does not crack when deformed. This option is ideal for kitchens, hallways, bathrooms - or any room with increased operational load. Latex paint also allows you to preserve the texture of the wallpaper, if you choose the right application tool - for example, a short-pile roller.

Silicone paints: maximum resistance and durability

Silicone paint is one of the most expensive, but most effective options. It perfectly covers even porous or structured surfaces, has high elasticity, is not prone to fading and is excellently resistant to moisture. It is often used for glass wallpaper in public spaces or in interiors where exceptional wear resistance is required. However, due to its high price, it is not always justified for ordinary residential premises. If you plan to paint the wallpaper rarely, but want maximum durability - this is your option.

What paints should be avoided: mistakes that shorten the life of wallpaper

Not all paints, even those labeled as "universal", are really suitable for wallpaper. Too thin paints can ruin the structure of the canvas, and too thick ones can clog the relief. Oil paints or solvent-based paints are almost never compatible with wallpaper for painting: they have excessive adhesion, a long drying time and the risk of wrinkling the base. It is also not recommended to use paints without checking compatibility with the base - even within the same type of wallpaper, different brands can react differently.

Rating of popular brands of wallpaper paints: what professionals choose

Among the brands that have earned the trust of designers and craftsmen, the following are most often mentioned:

• Dulux EasyCare - resistant to washing, has a large palette of shades, fits well on non-woven fabric;
• Tikkurila Harmony / Luja - premium paints with high covering power, suitable for complex surfaces;
• Caparol Samtex - latex paint with a matte effect, withstands washing well;
• Śnieżka Ecoline Latex - a budget alternative with good characteristics for domestic use;
• Sadolin EasyCare - an option for wet rooms, has a water-repellent effect.

When choosing a specific brand, you should pay attention not only to the price, but also to the level of gloss (matte, semi-matte, silky-matte), abrasion index (class 1 or 2 according to DIN EN 13300).