Holi is easily one of the most vibrant times of the year. It’s a season of joy, music, and, unfortunately for your home, a fair amount of stubborn stains. Whether it’s a stray splash of purple gulal or a full-on water balloon fight that makes its way into the living room, your walls usually bear the brunt of the celebrations.
If you are planning to refresh your home before the festivities, you’re likely stuck between two popular choices: Matte and Washable paint. Each has its own charm, but when the “Festival of Colours” is knocking at your door, the choice becomes a bit more strategic.
Understanding the Matte Finish: Elegance Above All
Matte paint is the go-to for anyone who loves a sophisticated, velvety look. Because it doesn’t reflect light, it’s incredibly forgiving. If your walls have minor bumps, scratches, or uneven patches, a matte wall paint colour will hide them like a pro.
Why Matte is Great:
- Depth of Colour: Matte finishes provide a rich, intense look that makes your wall paint colour combination feel more “high-end.”
- No Glare: It’s perfect for rooms with a lot of natural light where you don’t want a distracting shine.
- Easy Touch-ups: If a small area gets damaged, you can often paint over it without the patch being obvious.
The Holi Downside:
Matte paint is porous. Think of it like a sponge; when liquid or powder colours hit it, they tend to sink in. During Holi, if someone with stained hands leans against a matte wall, that mark might be there for good. Scrubbing matte paint usually results in “burnishing”, which is just a fancy way of saying you’ll leave a shiny, permanent bald spot on the wall.
The Case for Washable Paint: The Practical Hero
Washable paints, usually sold as satin or luxury emulsions, are built for the mess of real life. They use a tougher resin that acts as a shield, stopping stains from soaking deep into the wall.
Why Washable Wins During Holi:
- Easy Cleaning: Most stains can be wiped away with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap.
- Durability: It stands up to the “wear and tear” of a busy household.
- Long-term Value: You won’t have to repaint the entire room just because of one messy afternoon.
Because washable paint has a slight sheen, it reflects light. This means any imperfections in your plasterwork will be more visible. It requires a bit more prep work to ensure the surface is perfectly smooth before application.
Choosing the Right Wall Paint Colour Combination
When picking your palette from a wall paint colour chart, the finish is only half the battle. The actual shades you choose can help mask the aftermath of Holi.
Interior Ideas
For interiors, a neutral wall paint colour like a warm beige or a soft grey is popular, but if you’re worried about stains, consider slightly deeper tones. Terrazzo-inspired palettes or earthy bolds can be more forgiving than a stark, clinical white. Using a wall paint colour combination that involves a darker “dado” (the lower half of the wall) in a washable finish is a clever hack to keep the splash zone safe.
The Exterior Factor
Don’t forget the outside of your home! Holi often starts in the driveway or the garden. Choosing a sturdy exterior wall paint colour combination is important. You want something that can withstand both the sun and a vigorous hosing down. Darker greys, terracotta, or forest greens are excellent for exteriors as they don’t show dust or light staining as easily as cream or white.
British Paints: Tips for a Stress-free Holi
Whether you choose the understated elegance of matte or the “bring it on” durability of washable paint, here is how you can protect your home.
- Varnish the High-Traffic Zones: If you absolutely love your matte walls, consider a clear protective coat on the lower sections of the walls just for the festive week.
- Act Fast: The longer gulal stays on the wall, the harder it is to remove. Dust it off with a dry cloth first, never use water immediately on dry powder, or you’ll just create a “paint” of your own!
- Check the Chart: Look through a wall paint colour chart to find high-performance emulsions that offer a “soft matte” look with washable properties, the best of both worlds.
Which is Better?
If your priority is a flawless, magazine-style finish and you’re confident you can keep the celebrations outdoors, Matte is a beautiful choice.
However, for most Indian households during Holi, Washable paint is the clear winner. It gives you the peace of mind to enjoy the festival without hovering over your guests with a cleaning rag. It’s an investment in your home’s longevity.
British Paints has a huge variety of finishes and a massive colour chart to help you find the right fit for your home and your life. This Holi, keep the colours on your face and in your heart, not stuck on your walls.
