Types of Paints in Kenya: Wall, House & Interior Paint Colours
Comparison of Major Paint Types (Kenya)
Paint Type | Best Use (Wall / House / Interior / Exterior) | Key Advantages | Trade-offs / Considerations |
Emulsion (matte, silk, vinyl) | Interior & exterior walls | Quick drying, low odour, good coverage | May require repainting in harsh UV zones; not ideal for wood/metal |
Acrylic / Weatherguard exterior | Exterior house walls, façades | UV resistance, water repellency, durable finish | Higher cost per litre; surface prep critical |
Gloss / Enamel | Doors, windows, trims, metalwork | Easy to clean, durable, moisture-resistant | Stronger smell, longer drying, sensitive to surface flaws |
Textured / Specialty (stone effect, anti-mould, heat reflective) | Accent walls, boundary walls, and roofs | Conceals imperfections, adds decorative effect, functional benefits | More expensive, heavier coats required, skilled application |
Roof & Floor Paints / Epoxies | Roofs, terraces, garages, patios | High abrasion resistance, weatherproofing, UV protection | Requires specific substrate preparation, often not ideal for vertical walls |
When you search for paints, wall paint, house paint, interior paint colours, or exterior house paint in Kenya, you’ll find many options—each tailored for a particular environment or surface. Choosing the wrong type might lead to fading, peeling, or needing to repaint sooner than expected.
In this guide, I share what I’ve learned over years of working with painters in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities: which paint types make sense where, how to match interior and exterior needs, and how you can get the best life out of your coating. (Yes, I’ve had to repaint an entire wall halfway through a job because the wrong paint was used — a mistake I won’t repeat!)
Let’s break down the Types of Paints in Kenya and help you choose wisely.
Emulsion Paints: The Everyday Wall Paint Choice
Emulsion (or latex) paints are water-based, making them ideal for many interior wall applications. In Kenya, they are widely used because they dry fast, emit low odor, and allow easy cleanup.
Common finishes
- Matte / Flat – non-reflective, good at hiding wall imperfections
- Silk / Vinyl / Semi-satin – slight sheen, washable surfaces, popular in living rooms & kitchens
- Eggshell – subtle sheen, balance between matte and satin
Where and when to use
- Bedrooms, lounges, corridors, offices
- On plaster, concrete, gypsum, or well-primed surfaces
Tip (from experience):
Always apply a primer (or undercoat) before the emulsion. In one project, skipping primer meant the final coat “ghosted” through underlying stains. A cheap primer is often better than a poor topcoat.
You can explore more in your Your Complete Guide to Paint Products in Kenya to see how emulsions fit into the broader paint family.
Exterior & Weatherguard / Acrylic Paints
Outside walls in Kenya face intense UV, rain, dust, and temperature swings. For this reason, exterior acrylics or weatherguard paints are favored.
These paints include additives to resist moisture, fading, mold, and dirt. Some even have silicone or “self-cleaning” features.
When using exterior paint:
- Choose lighter colours (they reflect heat better and fade less)
- Use two coats (or more)
- Pay attention to the specification on UV stability
- Ensure surfaces are fully dry and well-primed
If you want premium exterior house paint options, check out your “High-Quality Paints in Kenya” landing page (link it in the relevant place on your site) so customers see you’re serious about quality.
Gloss & Enamel Paints (for Trims, Doors, Metal)
Gloss or enamel paints (often oil-based, sometimes “alkyd”) are better suited to wood, metal, doors, window frames, trims—anywhere durability and washability matter.
These are tougher, shine more, and resist stains, but they also tend to emit stronger fumes and take longer to dry.
Good practices:
- Ensure smooth, well-sanded substrate
- Use a matching primer or undercoat
- Apply thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid runs
Textured & Specialty Paints
To go beyond flat walls, textured paints or specialty coatings are a growing trend in Kenya. These include stone effects, sand finishes, anti-mould formulations, fire-retardant paints, and heat-reflective coatings.
These kinds of paints do double duty: they decorate and perform — like hiding wall flaws or resisting harsh conditions.
Use cases:
- Feature/accent walls
- Boundary walls and fence facades
- Areas exposed to dampness or mold risk
Because they are more complex formulations, skilled application (or hiring a contractor who understands them) is essential.
Roof, Floor & Specialty Coatings
For your roof (metal, tiles, concrete) or floors (garages, patios), regular wall paint won’t suffice. You’ll need roof coatings or floor/epoxy-based paints that resist abrasion, temperature changes, and moisture.
These paints often bind strongly, include UV-reflective or heat-proof formulations, and are ideal for horizontal and sloped surfaces.
When planning a full house, think of roof paint as part of your exterior “shell” system—not just decorative paint.
How to Choose Paint Colours (Interior & Exterior)
Choosing interior paint colours and exterior house paint shades depends on lighting, size, and ambience.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Neutral palettes (whites, creams, taupes, greys) are safe bets for interior spaces—they complement furniture and décor.
- Accent walls: use a colour contrast (but not too stark)
- For exteriors: go with colours that blend with surroundings (earth tones, soft pastels)
- Use sample jars/testers on small patches first
- Watch how the colour looks in different lighting or at different times of day
Articles like “Premium Paint Products in Kenya” on your site could host curated colour palettes that guide clients toward trustworthy combinations.
Quality, Longevity & Common Mistakes
What makes a paint “good”?
- High pigment and binder content
- Proper UV and weather resistance
- Compliance with Kenyan quality standards (avoid lead-based paints)
- Matching paint to substrate (wood, metal, concrete)
Common pitfalls:
- Inadequate surface preparation (dust, moisture, cracks)
- Skipping primer
- Applying in ambient heat or humidity
- Using interior paint on exterior walls (or vice versa)
- Buying low-cost paints just based on price
In my earlier years managing small jobs, I once tried to save costs by using interior emulsion on an external wall at a hot site in Mombasa. Six months later, the wall had begun flaking. Lesson learned: invest in the right type from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of paint for exterior walls in Kenya?
For exteriors, high-quality acrylic or weatherguard paints are optimal—these resist UV, moisture, and fading. Emulsions meant for exterior use can also be suitable if their formulation supports weather protection.
Can I use the same paint inside and outside of the house?
Not ideally. Interior paints prioritize low odor, easy cleaning, and matte/satin finishes. Exterior ones include additives for UV, fungi, and water resistance. Some hybrid paints exist, but they may compromise performance.
How many coats are needed for a durable finish?
Most walls or surfaces require two good coats (after primer). For textured or highly exposed surfaces, you may need a third. Always allow proper cure times between coats.