Emulsion Paints - Which to use? March 16, 2007
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Between the 2 big brands - Nippon and ICI - there are about 12 - 14 different types of water-based paints suitable for our walls. Most customers who come to my outlets are quite confused with the different types available. I hope this post will not add to that confusion.
The questions I would normally ask a user in order to narrow down to correct product are:
1) Are you painting interior walls or exterior walls?
2) If exterior, the choice is simple - Nippon Weatherbond (pg 16-17**) or ICI Weathershield (pg 11-12***)
3) If interior, do you need the walls to be washable*?
4) If you do not need washability, the choice is again simple - Nippon Vinilex (pg 12-13**) or ICI Pentalite (pg 7-9***)
5) If you want washability, you can choose the following:
For Nippon
Vinyl Silk (pg 10-11 **)
Easy Wash (pg 8-9 **)
3-in-1 Soft Matt (pg 6-7 **)
3-in-1 Medifresh (pg 4-5 **)
Odour-less (pg 2-3 **)
For ICI
Pearl Glo (pg 9***)
Wash & Wear (pg 5-6***)
Supreme (pg 3-4***)
All-in-1 (pg 1-2***)
The products listed above are all washable. I would recommend the 3-in-1 Medifresh or the Odour-less for Nippon and the Supreme or the All-in-1 for ICI. These products besides being washable, can also cover hairline cracks and are waterproof. If you specifically need something without odour, the NP Odour-less should be your choice.
Now dear, lets choose the colours…..
*Washable means that after the paint is dry, you can use water (or with a bit of detergent) to clean off any dirt or marks. Some of these paints have been tested in the lab for scrubability and conforms to a certain standard. For example, ICI Wash and Wear has a minimum scrub resistance of 50,000 cycles. Washable paints are especially useful in homes with young children who have the impression that your newly painted walls are large versions of drawing blocks or gigantic Magna-Doodle for them to play with.
* Nippon Colour My World 2007 booklet
*** ICI Dulux Colour Card
The colour charts mentioned are available at my outlets. If you need them by mail, please send me your address through the Contact Us tab all the way on top of the page, next to the About tab
