Paints
They differ by base and purpose: for walls and ceilings, for damp rooms, for wood and metal. Opacity, scrub resistance and sheen level matter: a matt finish hides minor imperfections, while gloss emphasises them.
Materials
Materials
There are so many finishing materials that choosing easily turns into endless comparing of samples. It is simpler to start by asking where the material will have to perform: in a dry bedroom, a damp bathroom, a hallway with street dirt or a kitchen next to the hob. The conditions of the room rule out half the options straight away.
Even the most beautiful material will disappoint if it does not suit the room. Conditions first, then colour and texture.
How this section works: we describe the main types of finishing materials and their properties in general terms, without brands, prices or coverage figures. For the exact characteristics of a specific product — coverage, application conditions, drying time — see the manufacturer's technical documentation and packaging.
Finishing materials
Six groups of materials you are most likely to come across when renovating a flat.
Decorative plasters
They create texture — from a light roughness to relief that resembles stone. They need a smooth, well-prepared base and some skill; a small test patch quickly shows whether the application technique suits you.
Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles cope well with moisture and wear, so they are chosen for bathrooms, kitchen splashbacks and hallways. For floors, slip and wear resistance matter; for walls, appearance and ease of cleaning.
Wallpaper
Paper, non-woven, vinyl, textile and paintable. They differ in weight, breathability and resistance to wet cleaning. The result depends largely on how the wall is prepared, not just on the wallpaper itself.
Laminate and parquet
Parquet and engineered boards are real wood that can be refinished, but they are sensitive to moisture. Laminate is easier to care for and lay, but copes poorly with water at the joints. Both need a level subfloor and underlay.
Stretch and suspended ceilings
Stretch membranes and suspended systems hide an uneven slab and services, and allow built-in lights. Installation is usually done by professionals, and the wiring for the lights is run by an electrician.
Article catalogue for English-speaking readers
This section will feature standalone articles on renovation and interiors written for English-speaking readers. The editors prepare them specifically for this version of the site rather than translating them from other languages.
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An editorial overview of Grand Theft Auto VI preorders: release date, Standard and Ultimate editions, the preorder bonus, platforms and buying precautions.
Topics the editors are planning
- Matt, eggshell or gloss paint: which finish suits which room
- Reading a product data sheet for a finishing material
- Choosing tiles for a wet room or shower area
- Insulating and decorating a loft room: what to plan first
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not publish shop or contractor advertising, material rankings, prices or reviews.
How to choose a material
| Material | Where it works | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Living rooms, ceilings; special formulations in damp rooms | Purpose, scrub resistance, sheen level, base requirements |
| Decorative plaster | Feature walls, living rooms, hallways | Texture, application method, whether patches can be touched up or repaired |
| Tiles | Bathroom, kitchen splashback, hallway, balcony | Purpose (floor or wall), slip and wear resistance, type of grout |
| Wallpaper | Bedrooms, living rooms, children's rooms | Backing, weight, resistance to wet cleaning, pattern repeat |
| Laminate and parquet | Living spaces | Wear class, tolerance of moisture, subfloor and underlay requirements |
| Stretch and suspended ceilings | Rooms with an uneven slab, built-in lighting | Room height, type of membrane or panels, who does the installation |
Related sections
- How-to
Step-by-step guides for simple jobs: painting a wall and preparing a surface for wallpaper. Plus what you should not do yourself.
- Care
How to care for painted walls, wallpaper, tiles, floors, ceilings and furniture, and what to check each season.
- Tools
A basic tool kit for home renovation, organised by task — no brands — plus personal protective equipment.
Sources
- Manufacturers' technical documentation
- Encyclopaedic sources on colour theory
Information on materials and works is given in general terms, based on manufacturers' technical documentation, the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets and encyclopaedic sources. Coverage, application conditions and drying times for a specific product are set by its manufacturer — always check the packaging and instructions.