12 Wall Painting vs. Chalkboard Paint – Which Is Better for Interactive Spaces?

Wall Painting vs. Chalkboard Paint – 12 Rounds to Decide Which is Better for Your Interactive Spaces

In today’s homes and workplaces, the concept of “interactive spaces” is rapidly gaining traction. These are areas designed to foster creativity, collaboration, learning, and play – think dynamic kids’ rooms, bustling family command centers in kitchens, innovative home offices, or brainstorming hubs in commercial settings. When designing such a space, the walls themselves can become powerful tools. This brings us to a fascinating design dilemma: should you opt for traditional wall painting or embrace the playful functionality of chalkboard paint?

Both options offer distinct advantages and cater to different needs. Standard wall paint provides a vast spectrum of colors and finishes, setting the overall mood and backdrop of a room. Chalkboard paint, on the other hand, transforms a simple wall into a reusable canvas for ideas, lists, art, and messages. But which one truly excels when the goal is to create a genuinely interactive and functional environment?

This in-depth comparison will explore “Wall Painting vs. Chalkboard Paint” across 12 key rounds, helping you decide which surface is the undisputed champion for your specific interactive space needs. We’ll delve into everything from pure interactivity and durability to aesthetics and long-term maintenance, ensuring you make an informed choice that perfectly balances form and function.

1. Primary Purpose & Core Interactivity

The most fundamental difference lies in their intended purpose and the type of interaction they facilitate.

Standard Wall Painting:

• Primary Purpose: To provide color, finish, and protection to walls. It sets the aesthetic tone of the room, acting as a backdrop for furniture, decor, and activities.
• Core Interactivity: Indirect. While a beautifully painted room can inspire certain moods or activities (e.g., a calming blue for a study area, a vibrant yellow for a playroom), the interaction is not typically with the painted surface itself. You don’t usually write on, draw on, or physically manipulate a standard painted wall as part of its intended function. Any direct interaction (like posting notes with tape) can damage the surface over time.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Primary Purpose: To create a durable, writable, and erasable surface directly on the wall (or other objects). Its core function is interaction.
• Core Interactivity: Direct and explicit. Chalkboard paint invites users to write, draw, brainstorm, make lists, play games, and express themselves directly onto the wall. This makes it inherently more suited for spaces where dynamic, hands-on engagement with the wall surface is desired. Think of a kitchen wall for grocery lists and family messages, a child’s room for artistic expression, or an office wall for collaborative brainstorming.

Verdict: For pure, unadulterated interactivity where the wall itself becomes a canvas for expression and utility, chalkboard paint clearly takes the lead. Standard wall paint serves a more passive, though still crucial, aesthetic role.

2. Surface Functionality: Beyond the Visual

How does the surface itself function in daily use within an interactive space?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Functionality: Primarily visual and protective. It shields the drywall or plaster from minor wear and tear and can be chosen in finishes that offer some washability (e.g., eggshell, satin, semi-gloss). However, its functionality doesn’t extend to being a tool for direct input or display in the way chalkboard paint does. Attaching items usually requires nails, tacks, or adhesives, which can mar the finish.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Functionality: Multifunctional. Beyond its decorative aspect (often a matte black or a chosen color), its key function is to serve as a reusable writing and drawing surface.
  • Writability: Allows for easy application of chalk (traditional or liquid chalk markers).
  • Erasability: Can be wiped clean with a dry eraser or a damp cloth, ready for new content.
  • Magnetic Option: Some chalkboard paints can be combined with magnetic primers underneath, adding another layer of interactivity by allowing users to stick magnets and magnetic items to the wall. This transforms the wall into a dual-purpose chalkboard and magnetic board.

Verdict: Chalkboard paint offers superior surface functionality for interactive tasks. Its ability to be written on, erased, and potentially magnetized makes it a far more versatile tool within a space designed for dynamic engagement.

3. Durability for Intended Use

Durability is crucial, but it must be assessed based on the intended use within an interactive space.

Standard Wall Painting:

• Durability: High-quality standard wall paints, especially those with satin or semi-gloss finishes, are very durable against general wear and tear, scuffs, and can be quite washable. They are designed to last for many years (5-10 years or more) looking good, provided they are not subjected to constant direct physical interaction like writing or aggressive cleaning of specific spots.
• Limitations in Interactive Context: If a standard painted wall is frequently touched, leaned against, or has items taped to it (common in interactive spaces), it will show wear more quickly. Fingerprints, smudges, and damage from adhesives can degrade its appearance. It’s not designed for the kind_of repeated writing and erasing chalkboard paint handles.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Durability: Good quality chalkboard paint is formulated to withstand repeated writing with chalk and erasing. It creates a hard, durable film.
  • Chalk Wear: Over time, the surface can develop a “ghosting” effect, where faint remnants of previous writings remain, especially if chalk is left on for extended periods or if harsh cleaning methods are used.
  • Scratching: While durable against chalk, the surface can still be scratched by sharp objects, similar to other painted surfaces.
  • Lifespan: A well-maintained chalkboard wall can last for many years (3-7 years or more before needing a refresh coat), but its aesthetic lifespan as a pristine writing surface might be shorter than the decorative lifespan of standard paint if heavily used.
• Maintenance for Longevity: Regular “seasoning” (rubbing the entire surface with the side of a piece of chalk and then erasing it) of a new chalkboard surface helps prevent initial ghosting. Using good quality chalk and appropriate erasers also contributes to its longevity.

Verdict: For its specific intended use of writing and erasing, good quality chalkboard paint is remarkably durable. However, for overall wall protection against general scuffs and when no writing is involved, a premium standard wall paint with a washable finish might offer a longer pristine decorative lifespan. It’s a nuanced win depending on the primary type of interaction.

4. Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance

How easy is it to keep the walls looking good and functioning well in an active, interactive environment?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Cleaning:
  • Flat finishes: Difficult to clean; rubbing can damage the paint.
  • Eggshell/Satin finishes: Generally washable with a soft cloth and mild detergent for common marks and smudges.
  • Semi-gloss/Gloss finishes: Highly washable and scrubbable, making them good for areas prone to getting dirty.
• Maintenance: Low. Beyond occasional cleaning of marks, there’s no specific maintenance routine required until it’s time to repaint. Touch-ups can be tricky with higher sheens due to “flashing.”

Chalkboard Paint:

• Cleaning (Erasure):
  • Dry Erasing: Standard chalk erasers work for quick removal.
  • Damp Cloth Cleaning: For a more thorough clean and to remove stubborn chalk dust or ghosting, a damp cloth is often recommended. The wall should be allowed to dry completely before rewriting. Some manufacturers recommend specific cleaners.
  • Chalk Dust: This is a significant maintenance factor. Traditional chalk creates dust that can settle on floors and furniture, requiring regular cleaning of the surrounding area. Liquid chalk markers minimize this issue but may be harder to erase completely over time.
• Maintenance:
  • Seasoning: Required for new surfaces to prepare them for use.
  • Regular Cleaning: To prevent excessive chalk build-up and ghosting.
  • Recoating: If the surface becomes too heavily ghosted or scratched over years of heavy use, a fresh coat of chalkboard paint may be needed to restore its optimal writability and appearance.

Verdict: For general wall cleanliness with minimal fuss (assuming no writing), standard wall paint in a washable sheen (eggshell or satin) is easier to maintain. Chalkboard paint requires more specific maintenance (erasing, managing chalk dust, potential for deeper cleaning to combat ghosting) directly related to its interactive function.

5. Aesthetic Versatility & Color Options

How much freedom do you have to achieve your desired look?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Color Options: Virtually limitless. Paint can be tinted to tens of thousands of colors, allowing for precise matching with decor, branding, or specific mood requirements.
• Finish Options: Wide range of finishes available, from flat/matte for a non-reflective look that hides imperfections, to eggshell, satin, pearl, semi-gloss, and high-gloss for varying degrees of sheen, durability, and light reflection. This allows for nuanced aesthetic choices.
• Overall Look: Can create any desired ambiance – from minimalist and modern to cozy and traditional, vibrant and energetic to calm and subdued.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Color Options:
  • Traditional: Classic black is the most common and often considered the best for chalk contrast. Green is another traditional option.
  • Tintable Versions: Many brands now offer tintable chalkboard paint, allowing you to create a chalkboard surface in a much wider array of colors (though typically not as vast as standard paint, and often in deeper or more muted tones for good chalk contrast). The effectiveness of chalk contrast can diminish with very light or very vibrant chalkboard paint colors.
• Finish Options: Almost exclusively a matte or very flat finish. This is necessary for the chalk to adhere properly and to reduce glare.
• Overall Look: Creates a distinct, often playful or utilitarian aesthetic. A large black chalkboard wall makes a strong statement. Colored chalkboard paint can integrate more subtly but still carries the inherent “chalkboard” look.

Verdict: Standard wall painting offers far superior aesthetic versatility due to its boundless color palette and range of finishes. While chalkboard paint has expanded its color options, it’s still more limited and primarily offers a matte finish.

6. Application Process & DIY Friendliness

How easy is it to apply each type of paint, especially for a DIY enthusiast?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Preparation: Requires standard wall prep: cleaning, patching holes, sanding, and priming (especially for new drywall or significant color changes).
• Application: Relatively straightforward for DIYers. Can be applied with brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Typically requires two coats over primer for best results.
• Learning Curve: Moderate. Basic techniques are easy to learn, but achieving a professional-looking finish requires care, especially with cutting in edges and avoiding roller marks.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Preparation: Similar standard wall prep is needed. A very smooth surface is crucial for a good writing experience, so meticulous sanding of any imperfections is even more important.
• Priming: A primer is generally recommended, and some manufacturers may suggest a specific type of primer for best adhesion and surface quality.
• Application:
  • Usually applied with a dense foam roller or a good quality synthetic brush for a smooth finish. Multiple thin coats (often 2-4) are typically recommended for optimal durability and writability.
  • Requires careful application to avoid streaks or texture, as these can affect how well chalk writes and erases.
  • Adequate drying time between coats is critical.
• Curing Time: Chalkboard paint often requires a longer curing period (e.g., 3-7 days) after the final coat before it can be “seasoned” and used. This requires patience.

Verdict: Standard wall painting is generally more DIY-friendly for beginners due to a more forgiving application process and shorter curing times before the room is fully usable (though not for direct wall interaction). Chalkboard paint requires more meticulous surface prep for smoothness and careful application of multiple coats, plus a significant curing period.

7. Long-Term Appearance & Wear Patterns

How does each surface age, and what are common wear patterns?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Wear Patterns:
  • Fading: Can occur over many years, especially in direct sunlight or with lower-quality paints.
  • Scuffs & Marks: Common in high-traffic areas. Washable paints can mitigate this, but some marks may become permanent.
  • Chipping/Peeling: Can occur if preparation was poor or moisture is an issue.
  • Dirt & Grime: Can accumulate over time, especially around light switches or where hands frequently touch.
• Overall Aging: A good quality paint job can look fresh for 5-10 years. The primary reason for repainting is often a desire for a color change or because of accumulated minor wear and tear that makes the room look tired.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Wear Patterns:
  • Ghosting: As mentioned, faint images of previous drawings can remain, especially if chalk isn’t cleaned off regularly or if the surface is heavily used. This is the most common aesthetic wear issue.
  • Scratches: While durable to chalk, it can be scratched by harder objects. Scratches can be more noticeable on the dark, matte surface and may interfere with writing.
  • Chalk Dust Residue: Even with regular cleaning, a fine layer of chalk dust can sometimes persist, making the surface look less crisp.
  • Uneven Sheen: Repeated cleaning of certain spots might slightly alter the matte finish over time.
• Overall Aging: The functionality might remain for a long time, but the pristine appearance of a chalkboard wall can degrade more visibly with heavy interactive use compared to a standard painted wall that is largely untouched. It requires more effort to keep it looking “like new.”

Verdict: For maintaining a consistently clean and unblemished decorative appearance with less intervention, standard wall paint typically ages more gracefully. Chalkboard paint’s appearance is intrinsically tied to its use, and signs of that use (like ghosting) are part of its character but can be seen as wear.

8. Health & Safety Considerations

Are there any specific health or safety aspects to consider?

Standard Wall Painting:

• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Traditional solvent-based paints had high VOC levels, which can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.
• Modern Formulations: Most interior wall paints sold today are water-based (latex or acrylic) and are available in low-VOC or zero-VOC formulas, significantly reducing harmful emissions during and after painting. This makes them a safe choice for all rooms, including children’s rooms and for individuals with sensitivities.
• Lead: Lead was banned in residential paint in many countries decades ago (e.g., USA in 1978). If dealing with very old painted surfaces, lead is a concern and requires professional handling.

Chalkboard Paint:

• VOCs: Many chalkboard paints are also water-based and available in low-VOC formulations. Always check the product label.
• Chalk Dust: This is a primary health consideration, especially for individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities.
  • Traditional Chalk: Composed mainly of calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate, it produces fine dust particles that can be inhaled.
  • Dustless Chalk: Reduces, but doesn’t entirely eliminate, airborne dust.
  • Liquid Chalk Markers: A good alternative to minimize dust, but check their ingredients for any potential irritants and ensure they are compatible with your chalkboard paint for erasability.
• Ingestion: Small children might try to eat chalk, which is generally non-toxic in small amounts but not ideal.

Verdict: Modern low-VOC or zero-VOC standard wall paints are generally a safer option from an air quality perspective, especially if chalk dust is a concern. If choosing chalkboard paint, opting for dustless chalk or liquid chalk markers and ensuring good ventilation during use and cleaning can mitigate respiratory concerns.

9. Cost Effectiveness (Initial & Long-Term)

What are the financial implications of each choice?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Initial Cost:
  • Paint: $30-$80 per gallon for good quality paint.
  • Supplies: $50-$150 for brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, tape, primer.
  • DIY Labor: Free (your time).
  • Professional Labor: $300-$1000+ per room, depending on size and complexity.
• Long-Term Cost:
  • Repainting typically needed every 5-10 years for aesthetic reasons or due to wear.
  • Costs per repaint cycle are similar to initial costs.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Initial Cost:
  • Paint: $20-$50 per quart (chalkboard paint often comes in quarts as it has good coverage for accent walls). A gallon might be $70-$150 if available. Coverage per square foot needs to be compared.
  • Supplies: Similar to standard paint, but a good quality foam roller for smoothness is recommended.
  • Primer: May be needed.
  • Chalk/Markers/Erasers: Ongoing small cost.
  • DIY Labor: Free (your time), but potentially more meticulous.
  • Professional Labor: May be slightly higher than standard paint for the same area if the painter charges more for specialized paint application and ensuring a perfectly smooth surface.
• Long-Term Cost:
  • May need a refresh coat every 3-7 years if heavily used and ghosting becomes significant. The cost of a refresh coat is just the paint and your time/labor.
  • If chalk dust leads to more frequent cleaning of surrounding areas, this is a minor indirect cost.
  • Potential need to repaint the entire wall with standard paint if the chalkboard feature is no longer desired, which is an added step.

Verdict: Standard wall painting is often more cost-effective for initial full room coverage and has predictable long-term repainting costs. Chalkboard paint can be cost-effective for smaller accent areas, but if covering large walls, the specialized paint and potential need for more frequent refreshing of the writing surface (not necessarily the whole paint job) could add up. The real value of chalkboard paint lies in its unique functionality, which might outweigh purely financial considerations for an interactive space.

10. Suitability for Different Types of Interactive Spaces

Where does each option shine brightest?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Best Suited For:
  • General living areas where interaction is less direct: Living rooms, dining rooms, adult bedrooms where the wall is primarily a backdrop.
  • Spaces requiring specific, durable finishes: High-traffic hallways (with satin/semi-gloss), bathrooms, and kitchens (with moisture-resistant, scrubbable paints) where hygiene and resistance to general wear are key, but not necessarily writability.
  • Home offices needing a calm, professional backdrop without dynamic wall collaboration.
  • Any space where a vast color choice and specific sheen are paramount for the overall design.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Best Suited For:
  • Kids’ Rooms & Playrooms: Perfect for fostering creativity, drawing, practicing writing. An entire wall or a large section can become an endless canvas.
  • Kitchens: Ideal for grocery lists, meal planning, family messages, kids’ doodles while parents cook.
  • Home Offices/Study Areas: Great for to-do lists, brainstorming, mind maps, quick notes, and formulas.
  • Mudrooms/Entryways: For family reminders, chore charts, welcome messages.
  • Creative Business Environments: Brainstorming walls in meeting rooms, menu boards in cafes, feature walls in retail.
  • Doors or Cabinet Fronts: For a smaller touch of interactivity.

Verdict: This depends entirely on the type of interaction desired. For direct, writable interaction, chalkboard paint is purpose-built and excels in dedicated zones. For spaces that are “interactive” in a broader sense (e.g., facilitating conversation through ambiance), standard wall paint sets the stage effectively. Often, a combination is ideal – standard paint for main walls, with a dedicated chalkboard accent wall.

11. Impact on Room Ambiance & Light

How does each surface affect the feel and brightness of a room?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Ambiance: Highly versatile. Can create any mood – light and airy, dark and dramatic, warm and cozy, cool and sophisticated – based on color and sheen.
• Light Reflection:
  • Flat/Matte: Absorbs light, reduces glare, good for hiding imperfections, creates a soft look.
  • Eggshell/Satin: Offers a soft glow, reflects some light, making spaces feel a bit brighter and larger.
  • Semi-Gloss/High-Gloss: Highly reflective, bounces a lot of light around, can make spaces feel brighter and more spacious but can also create glare and highlight flaws.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Ambiance:
  • Classic Black: Creates a bold, dramatic, and often utilitarian or industrial-chic look. Can make a small room feel smaller or a large room feel cozier if used extensively.
  • Colored Chalkboard Paint: Offers more flexibility. Lighter chalkboard colors can feel less heavy, but still provide a distinct, matte, functional aesthetic.
• Light Reflection: Predominantly a matte finish, so it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This can make a room feel darker, especially if a large area is painted in traditional black chalkboard paint. This needs to be balanced with other light sources and lighter colors in the room.

Verdict: Standard wall painting offers far greater control over room ambiance and light manipulation due to its wide range of colors and sheens. Chalkboard paint, especially in its classic black form, has a more specific and light-absorbent impact that needs careful consideration within the overall lighting design of the interactive space.

12. Reversibility & Future Updates

How easy is it to change your mind or update the look later?

Standard Wall Painting:

• Reversibility/Updates: Relatively easy. To change the color, you simply prepare the wall (clean, light sand if glossy) and apply new primer (if needed) and paint. It’s a common and straightforward home improvement task.

Chalkboard Paint:

• Reversibility/Updates: More involved if you want to return to a standard painted wall.
  • Painting Over: You can paint over chalkboard paint with standard wall paint. However, due to its typically dark color and very matte, sometimes slightly rougher texture (from chalk use), it will likely require:
    1. Thorough cleaning to remove all chalk residue.
    2. Potentially sanding to smooth the surface, especially if it’s heavily used or has scratches.
    3. A good quality stain-blocking primer (or multiple coats of regular primer) to prevent the dark chalkboard color from bleeding through the new, lighter topcoats.
  • This process requires more prep work and potentially more coats of primer and paint than simply repainting a standard wall.
• Updating the Chalkboard: If you just want to refresh the chalkboard surface itself, applying a new coat of chalkboard paint is straightforward.

Verdict: Standard wall painting is much easier and more cost-effective to update or reverse. Removing or effectively covering a chalkboard paint wall to return to a traditional finish requires more effort and materials.

Conclusion – The Right Choice for Your Interactive Canvas

After 12 rounds of comparison, it’s clear that both standard wall painting and chalkboard paint have their unique strengths when it comes to designing interactive spaces. There isn’t a universal “better” option; instead, the ideal choice hinges on the specific needs and priorities of your space and its users.

Choose Standard Wall Painting if:

• Your primary goal is to set an aesthetic backdrop with a wide range of color and finish options.
• Interaction in the space is more about ambiance and less about direct physical engagement with the walls.
• You prioritize lower maintenance for general wall surfaces and easier, less costly future updates.
• Air quality (re: chalk dust) is a major concern, and low/zero-VOC standard paints are preferred.
• The wall needs to be highly washable against general grime without the specific maintenance of a writable surface.

Choose Chalkboard Paint if:

• The core purpose of the wall is to be a dynamic, reusable canvas for writing, drawing, and direct interaction.
• You’re designing dedicated zones for creativity, learning, or organization (e.g., kids’ art walls, kitchen command centers, office brainstorming areas).
• You value unique functionality over boundless aesthetic options (though colored chalkboard paint offers some versatility).
• You are prepared for the specific maintenance routine (cleaning chalk, managing dust, potential ghosting).
• The unique, engaging look of a chalkboard wall fits your desired style.

Often, the best solution for an interactive space is a thoughtful combination: use standard wall paint for the overall room to establish the desired color scheme and ambiance, and then designate a specific wall or section as an accent feature with chalkboard paint (or even magnetic chalkboard paint) for targeted, hands-on interactivity.

Ultimately, whether you opt for the versatile hues of traditional wall paint or the inviting canvas of chalkboard paint, the goal is to create a space that not only looks good but also actively supports and enhances the interactions within it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make any standard wall paint into a chalkboard surface?

A1: No, standard wall paint is not formulated to be a writable and erasable chalkboard surface. You need to use specially designed chalkboard paint, which creates a hard, matte finish suitable for chalk.

Q2: Is chalkboard paint only available in black?

A2: While classic black is the most common and often provides the best contrast for chalk, many brands now offer tintable chalkboard paint, allowing you to create chalkboard surfaces in a variety of colors.

Q3: Does chalkboard paint ruin walls?

A3: Chalkboard paint itself doesn’t ruin walls if applied correctly over a properly prepared and primed surface. However, the process of converting a chalkboard wall back to a standard painted wall requires more prep work (cleaning, sanding, priming) than simply repainting a regular wall.

Q4: Which is more durable: standard satin wall paint or chalkboard paint?

A4: It depends on the type of “durability.” For resisting general scuffs and being washable against everyday dirt, a high-quality satin wall paint is very durable. For withstanding repeated writing with chalk and erasing, good chalkboard paint is specifically designed for that purpose and is durable in that context. Chalkboard paint can be more prone to showing “ghosting” from heavy use over time.

Q5: Can I use liquid chalk markers on all chalkboard paints?

A5: It’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific chalkboard paint. Some chalkboard paints are better suited for traditional chalk, while others are formulated to work well with liquid chalk markers. Some markers can be harder to erase completely from certain surfaces or if left on for very long periods. Always test markers in an inconspicuous area first.

Q6: How do I clean a chalkboard painted wall effectively?

A6: For regular cleaning, a dry felt eraser or microfiber cloth works well. For a deeper clean to remove stubborn chalk or ghosting, use a slightly damp cloth (water only, or water with a tiny amount of mild dish soap if recommended by the paint manufacturer). Ensure the wall is completely dry before writing on it again. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners unless specified.

Q7: Is chalkboard paint safe for kids’ rooms?

A7: Most modern chalkboard paints are water-based and low-VOC, making them safe for kids’ rooms once cured. The primary concern is chalk dust from traditional chalk, which can be an irritant for children with asthma or allergies. Consider using dustless chalk or liquid chalk markers to minimize this.

Q8: Can I create a magnetic chalkboard wall?

A8: Yes! You can do this by first applying several coats of magnetic primer to the wall, allowing it to dry and cure, and then painting over it with your chosen chalkboard paint. This creates a dual-function surface.

Q9: How long does chalkboard paint need to cure before I can use it?

A9: Curing times vary by brand but are typically longer than standard wall paint. It’s common for chalkboard paint to require 3 to 7 days to fully cure before you should “season” it (rubbing the entire surface with the side of chalk and erasing) and begin regular use. Painting and using it too soon can affect its durability and performance.

Q10: Is chalkboard paint more expensive than regular wall paint?

A10: Chalkboard paint is often sold in quarts and can be more expensive per quart than standard latex paint. However, its coverage and the fact that it’s often used for accent walls might make the overall project cost comparable for smaller areas. For very large walls, it will likely be more expensive than standard paint.