Is There a Budget-Friendly Paint for Living Room Walls That Lasts Long and Doesn't Need Frequent Repainting
Every time Priya thought about repainting with washable paints, her heart sank. High-end paints with a fancy promise of durability and washability were way beyond her budget. Being a stickler for quality that justifies price, she needed something affordable yet long-lasting—something that wouldn't force her to repaint every couple of years.
The Hunt for an Affordable Yet Durable Paint Priya began her research by talking to neighbors and scrolling through endless home improvement blogs. Emulsion paints were tempting, but their costs made her hesitate. Then, a friend mentioned Birla White TRUTONEx Distemper. At first, Priya was skeptical. Distemper had a reputation for being a budget option but not very durable. However, her friend insisted that this one was different—washable, long-lasting, and available in the best interior paint colors of Off White, Super White, Pastel Green, Merrie Pink, Daffodil Yellow and Electric Blue.
Intrigued, Priya dug deeper. She learned that TRUTONEx is a premium distemper with superior washability, meaning she could easily wipe off stains without damaging the paint. Plus, it was affordable—perfect for someone like her who wanted quality without burning a hole in the pocket.
Taking the Leap With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Priya bought Birla White TRUTONEx Distemper in a soothing interior colour shade. The painter, an experienced local contractor, assured her that applying distemper was straightforward and wouldn't require expensive primers or putty.
As the first coat went on interior walls, Priya noticed how smoothly it spread. Unlike some low-quality distempers that leave streaks, this one had a rich, even finish. By the end of the day, her living room was transformed—the dull patches were gone, replaced by a fresh, bright hue that made the space look bigger and cleaner.
The Real Test: Life After Painting The true test came in the weeks that followed. Priya's son, as naughty as he is, decided to test the walls with his crayons. To her surprise, a damp cloth easily wiped off the marks without leaving a trace. Even the stubborn grease stains near the kitchen area came off with a little soapy water.
Months passed, and the walls still looked as good as new. Unlike traditional distempers that fade or peel, TRUTONEx maintains its durability. Guests often complimented the color, and no one believed it was a budget-friendly distemper! Why Birla White TRUTONEx Distemper Won Priya Over Looking back, Priya was glad she chose Birla White Distemper Paint. Here's why it stood out for her: 1. Superior Washability – Stains, fingerprints, and even accidental spills can be wiped off without damaging the paint.
2. Affordable Luxury – It offers premium quality at a fraction of the cost of high-end paints.
3. Wide Range of Shades – From elegant Super White to vibrant Electric Blue, Daffodil Yellow, Merrie Pink, Off White, and Pastel Green, there's a shade for every taste.
4. Long-Lasting Finish upto 2-3 years– No frequent repainting needed, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
5. White Cement Advantage – Being white cement-based, it provides better durability and brightness compared to ordinary distempers.
6. Easy Application – Can be applied with a brush or roller after simple dilution with water.
7. Eco-Friendly – Contains zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), making it safe for homes.
8. High Coverage – Covers 85-105 sq. ft. per kg (depending on surface conditions), ensuring value for money.
Final Thoughts If you're looking for a budget-friendly yet durable paint for your living room, Birla White TRUTONEx Distemper is a fantastic choice. It gave Priya's home a fresh, elegant look without straining her finances. And with its super washability, stunning shade options, and long-lasting finish, it's proofed that great quality doesn't always come with a hefty price tag.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Want to say 'no' at work without saying it? These tactful ways help you do it without sounding rude
If you're the type who finds it easier to say 'sure' than 'sorry, I can't,' you're not alone. For many professionals, especially early in their careers, saying 'no' at work feels like crossing a line. Maybe it's the pressure to appear collaborative, the fear of being seen as difficult, or just a long-standing habit of being agreeable. Whatever the reason, the inability to decline requests, tactfully, can quietly build into burnout. But here's the truth. Saying 'no' doesn't have to sound harsh. In fact, in today's workplace, where emotional intelligence and clear communication are prized as much as any other skill, knowing how to push back with grace is becoming a sign of professional maturity. Why saying 'no' feels so hard Most people aren't taught how to say no in professional settings. In school, compliance is rewarded. In internships, eagerness gets noticed and in your first job, the urge to prove yourself often outweighs personal bandwidth. So, when you're already juggling a full plate and someone casually asks, 'Can you take this on?' your default response might still be 'Sure, no problem.' But what you're really thinking is, 'I don't have time, but I don't want to upset anyone.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Great news for Filipinos! Read More Undo This gap, between what you want to say and what you end up saying, can quietly erode your boundaries. With blurred schedules, and digital overload, that erosion happens faster than ever. How to say 'no' without saying it Tactful refusal doesn't mean deflection. It means being honest without being abrasive, assertive without sounding superior. Here's how to start building that skill: Use the 'yes, but' technique Instead of an outright no, offer a qualified yes. For example: 'Yes, I can help with that, but I'll need to shift timelines on my other deliverables.' It shows willingness while resetting expectations. Offer an alternative Don't just decline, redirect. 'I may not be the best fit for this, but I think Priya, who just wrapped up something similar, might be able to jump in.' You're still a team player, just not at your own expense. Frame it as a bandwidth issue Sometimes the best way to say no is to make your priorities visible. Try: 'I'm currently focused on wrapping up the quarterly report. If this can wait till next week, I'll have the capacity to give it proper attention.' Ask for context Before committing, say: 'Happy to consider it. Can you walk me through the timeline and expectations first?' This buys time, shows thoughtfulness, and may lead the requester to rethink if you're the right person. Be direct, but courteous There's room for politeness and clarity to co-exist. A simple, 'I won't be able to take this on right now, but let me know if there's another way I can support,' can do the trick. Set the tone early If you're new to a team, establishing boundaries from the start is easier than trying to draw them later. Let people know how you work best, your peak productivity times, or your capacity limits. That way, a future 'no' won't come as a surprise. It will be part of your rhythm. Saying no, when done well, protects your time, energy, and professional reputation. People trust colleagues who are clear about what they can and cannot deliver. It signals confidence, not conflict. And in a workplace culture that often rewards the loudest voices or fastest replies, the ability to slow down, assess, and respond with intention is quietly powerful. You don't need to be the office contrarian, but you also don't have to be the person who says yes to everything and resents it later. Somewhere between the two lies your professional voice, one which is respectful, clear, and sometimes, just a little bit bold. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!


India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Garbage piles, foul air: Chennai ranks 38th in Swachh Survekshan cleanliness survey
In the Centre's annual Swachh Survekshan survey, Chennai has been ranked a low 38th in terms of sanitation, cleanliness, and hygiene. The survey assessed cities on parameters like functional toilets with water supply, garbage-free surroundings, proper disposal of sanitary, biodegradable, and plastic waste, and measures to tackle to the ranking, Chennai Mayor Priya told India Today, 'We have a huge population in Chennai. Everyone must take the responsibility to keep the city neat and clean.' She added that new garbage pick-up vehicles for Zones 9 to 15 were launched on Monday to improve door-to-door collections and clean up beach generates nearly 6,500 tonnes of garbage daily. While Kodungaiyur and Perungudi remain the official landfills, unofficial dumping has mushroomed in empty plots, riverbanks, and roadside corners, particularly in Nolambur, Ambattur, Pallikaranai, Korattur, Ennore, Madhavaram, and parts of Nungambakkam and Choolaimedu. An India Today reality check in Nolambur and Nungambakkam revealed uncollected garbage at multiple sites. In Nolambur, the riverside road has deteriorated into a pigsty, swarming with stray animals and emitting a foul stench despite several apartment complexes lining the stretch. Overflowing bins and scattered trash make the air unbearable for Chanakya Road, near an educational institution, piles of construction waste lie unattended, stagnant water mixes with plastics and food scraps, and an adjacent empty plot used as a dumping point overflows daily. A polytechnic college next to the site sees students complain of the smell seeping into prime localities like Nungambakkam are not spared. A residential street in the heart of Chennai was strewn with garbage until Greater Chennai Corporation collectors arrived only by 12:30 pm, leaving residents to endure the mess all morning. While the city administration promises better collection measures, the Mayor stressed that civic responsibility also lies with the public to maintain cleanliness in the city.- Ends


Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: From expansive spaces in colonial compounds to finding space in apartment corners, city's ornamental gardens have changed over time
When Priya Mascarenhas relocated to Bengaluru as a newlywed nearly five decades ago, every house, big or small, had a garden. She distinctly recalls how roses blooming in the neighbourhood would leave her spellbound during her strolls. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'My mother-in-law kept a lovely rose garden surrounded by a lot of flowering plants, bushes, and shrubs. For my birthday celebration, my husband surprised me with a bouquet of 200 red roses,' reminisces Priya, who has received accolades for her ornamental gardening. Back then, the city had gardeners trained by the British. 'They were very good with their hands and did a good job with the manuring and pruning,' said Priya. Priya's 150-year-old home in Richards Town now features a splendid ornamental garden spread across half an acre, offering an extensive array of heliconias, vines, water plants, roses, and shrubs, while Buddha statues add a zen vibe to the space. She particularly enjoys growing ornamental plants, with lantanas, monstera and verbenas being her most cherished varieties. An avid gardener, Priya would get plants from all over Europe and South America while setting up her garden. 'Now we have better plants available in Bengaluru,' she said. For instance, she could easily arrange fresh Dutch roses to commemorate her husband's death anniversary recently. Bengaluru's tradition of home gardens dates to the 17th century. Those gardens represented a unique fusion of British and Indian gardening practices, featuring diverse indigenous species alongside decorative foreign plants. Over the past four decades, the ornamental gardening scene has undergone a substantial transformation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Driven by the increasing number of plant nurseries and skilled landscape architects, the city marks a striking departure from the colonial-era British garden designs and now boasts meticulously maintained ornamental gardens that meet international benchmarks. 'There has also been a shift over time to more variegated plants. Those with pretty leaves, but no flowers, are much in demand these days. Unlike seasonal flowering plants, they look good all year, though they don't support other biodiversity such as birds and butterflies in the same way,' said Harini Nagendra, author of Nature in the City: Bengaluru in the Past, Present and Future. Most of those trimmed hedge plants are also recent additions to Bengaluru's ornamental garden scene, added Harini, who is also the director of the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University. Amid the rise of multi-storey residential buildings with limited garden spaces, many are choosing to have ornamental plants, notes Radhika Srinivasan, a Bengaluru-based interior design consultant. A wide variety of plants, including Queen Victoria Agave, Petunia, Star Cactus, Tangled Heart Plant, String of Pearls and Mother-in-Law's Tongue (commonly known as Snake Plant), enhance the beauty of Bengaluru's home gardens, complemented by well-manicured lawns and stone-lined pathways. 'In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, people have developed heightened awareness about their surroundings. Indoor and outdoor ornamental plants enhance the aesthetic appeal of residential spaces significantly,' said Radhika. Kunal Dammala, a 34-year-old software engineer at Infosys, fell in love with roses as they are easy to grow and don't require much sunlight. Kunal grows 60 varieties of roses on his 400-sq-ft terrace. 'Ornamental plants, in general, are excellent for landscaping as well,' stated Kunal, a huge fan of the foliage and flowering plants at the Kempegowda International Airport, Terminal 2. Interestingly, Harini points out that even as ornamental spaces have incorporated exotic plants, native herbs thrive in home gardens across the city. A growing trend involves setting up ready-made ornamental gardens. 'Grown-up plants that are 15-20 feet high are brought in and replanted in home gardens,' says Priya. Anyone can maintain a flourishing decorative garden, including individuals who lack gardening experience or have limited time for plant care. Online platforms such as UrbanMali provide access to expert gardening services, including setting up new gardens, upkeep, and renovation of existing ones. Individuals also frequently engage gardeners to handle essential tasks. Some, like Priya, however, prefer to do most of these tasks by themselves. When scientists join hands Bhuvana Sharma, a lead scientist at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms Indigenisation of Diagnostics programme (CCAMP InDx), has been associated with Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK) in Hebbal for the last five years. She has done extensive studies on ornamental and indoor plants. Her research interests include developing superior quality ornamental plant seeds. 'Popular varieties include chrysanthemum, mosquitorepellent aloe vera, and various Vastu plants,' she says. GKVK maintains a seed outlet where the public can purchase quality-verified seeds, including ornamental varieties. The seed project department conducts thorough quality verification, testing germination rates and protein content. 'We are also exploring the possibility of using ornamental plants for rangoli and fabric dyeing,' says Bhuvana. There is a significant demand for Indian ornamental plant resources internationally and GKVK supplies seeds to many countries, including Dubai, Sweden, Japan, and Australia. Discussions are under way regarding a potential collaboration with Maastricht University in the Netherlands, Bhuvana told TOI. Harini advocates planting trees in urban public spaces rather than creating ornamental gardens and prefers trees that require less water, making them a more environmentally sustainable choice for city landscapes. 'Ornamental gardens require significant quantities of water. Scarce groundwater, often delivered through water tankers, are used to water them. Additionally, pesticides are widely used in ornamental gardens, making them environmentally unsustainable,' Harini explained. Home gardeners, however, are increasingly opting for organic manure and insecticides. Many use harvested rainwater to nurture their plants. Odette Katrak, an environmentalist and passionate gardener, follows sustainable gardening practices. 'I've six mini gardens. I water my plants with recycled water used for washing vegetables, fruit, pulses and rice. The gardens thrive on homemade compost, while I protect the plants using a natural pesticide solution prepared by mixing crushed garlic and chilli with water,' she opined. Odette, who lives in an apartment, delights in the fragrance of her blooms while experiencing a connection with the natural world.