Paints and putty — price, types and what to check
Putty, primer, emulsion — and the final colours.
Paint is the last layer everyone sees, but surface preparation decides how long it lasts. Putty and primer do as much work as the top coat.
The basics
- Interior system: two coats of putty, one primer, two coats of emulsion.
- Exterior walls need alkali-resistant primer and weatherproof, anti-algal emulsion.
- Emulsions range from economy distemper to washable premium and luxury sheens.
Paints and putty types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall putty | Acrylic / cement based | Smooth base on plaster | ₹18–35 |
| Interior primer | Water-based | Seals putty | ₹150–300 |
| Exterior primer | Alkali-resistant | Exterior walls | ₹180–320 |
| Acrylic distemper | Economy | Budget interiors | ₹90–180 |
| Interior emulsion | Premium / luxury | Washable, low-VOC walls | ₹250–750 |
| Exterior emulsion | Anti-algal, weatherproof | Facades | ₹300–800 |
| Enamel / PU / wood finish | Solvent / water | Grills, doors, woodwork | ₹250–900 |
| Texture and designer finish | Applied | Feature walls | ₹60–300 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Check batch numbers and mix all cans of one colour together for a uniform shade.
- Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC for bedrooms.
- Ask for the warranty card on premium exterior systems.
- Match shade codes on the cans with the shade card.
- Paint should stir smooth, with no lumps or skin.
- Check the VOC label and warranty terms.
Pro tips
- Let new plaster cure 28 days before painting; confirm with a moisture meter.
- Coverage is roughly 100–140 sq ft per litre per coat for emulsions.
- Paint the ceiling first, then walls, then enamel on woodwork.
- Use a waterproof base coat on exterior walls facing driving rain.
- Test colours on a 2×2 ft patch in both daylight and at night.
- Use elastomeric or anti-carbonation exterior coats in heavy-rain areas.
- Sand putty between coats with fine emery paper.
- Record every shade code for future touch-ups.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping primer.
- Painting in monsoon humidity.
- Thinning paint beyond the maker's ratio.
- Painting over damp patches without fixing the leak.
- Exterior painting in harsh midday sun.
Where you can save
- Premium paint in high-touch rooms, economy emulsion in store rooms.
- Buy main shades in 20 L packs.
How much you need
Interior paintable area is roughly 3.5× the carpet area.
Brands to know
Asian Paints, Berger, Nerolac, Dulux, Indigo, Birla Opus, JSW Paints, Nippon
Related materials
Waterproofing and chemicalsSmall cost, big protection against leaks and cracks.False ceiling and POPGypsum, POP, PVC and grid ceilings.Ready-mix plaster and gypsumCement, ready-mix and gypsum plaster, mesh and bonding agents.Wall panels and wallpaperFluted panels, WPC louvers, PVC boards, wallpaper, acoustics.Insulation and heat reductionXPS, PUF, glass wool, rock wool and reflective barriers.