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What is Emulsion Paint? Everything You Need to Know

What is Emulsion Paint? Everything You Need to Know

Q: Should you thin emulsion paint?

In most cases, emulsion paint doesn't need to be thinned before use. It's supplied ready to apply and thinning it unnecessarily can reduce its coverage and affect the final finish. However, some manufacturers may recommend adding a small amount of water in certain situations, such as when applying a mist coat to fresh plaster or when using a paint sprayer. Always check the instructions on the tin before adding water.

Q: Does emulsion paint need primer?

Whether emulsion paint needs primer depends on the surface you’re painting. New plaster, bare wood, metal and glossy surfaces usually require a suitable primer or preparation coat to improve adhesion and create an even finish. However, if you are repainting a previously painted wall that is clean, dry and in good condition, you can usually apply emulsion directly without primer.

Q: Does emulsion dry lighter or darker?

Emulsion paint usually dries slightly darker than it appears when wet, although the difference is quite subtle. The final colour can also look a little different depending on lighting conditions, the surface it’s applied to and whether the underlying colour shows through. For the most accurate result, be sure to let the paint fully dry before judging the final shade.

Emulsion paint is a water-based paint that dries quickly, emits less fumes compared to other types of paint, and is easy to clean up in the event of spillages. This makes it the DIY and trade go-to when it comes to decorating a range of interior surfaces, whether that's painting coving or refreshing a living room wall.

The term “emulsion” refers to the way the ingredients are combined. Paint ingredients that would not naturally mix together, such as water and resin, are blended into a stable mixture using emulsifiers. This allows the paint to provide the performance of a durable coating while retaining the benefits of a water-based formula.

While most emulsion paints are designed for interior use, specialist versions are available for rooms that require additional protection. For example, bathroom and kitchen emulsions often include mould-resistant properties, while washable emulsions are designed to withstand regular cleaning in high-traffic areas.

In this article, we've pulled together everything you need to know about emulsion paint, including its benefits, the different finishes available, where you can use it (and where you shouldn't!), and how to choose the best emulsion paint for your next decorating project.

Benefits of Emulsion Paint

It’s Fast Drying

Emulsion paint dries much quicker than many other types of paint, meaning you’ll save time and complete decorating jobs faster. Most emulsion finishes are touch dry within a few hours, allowing additional coats to be applied without long waiting times.

Emits Fewer VOCs

Water-based emulsion paints typically contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based alternatives. This means they release fewer fumes during and after application, making them a better choice for indoor painting jobs.

Easy to clean Up

Because emulsion paint is water-based, cleaning paint brushes, rollers and wiping away accidental spills can usually be cleaned with warm soapy water before the paint dries. This tends to make it a more practical choice, particularly for DIY jobs.

Low Odour

Unlike some solvent-based paints, emulsion paint has a much milder smell during application and as the paint dries. This makes it ideal for use in living spaces such as bedrooms, hallways and lounges where strong paint odours can linger for some time.

Where Can You Use Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paint is specifically designed for indoor use and is most commonly applied to walls and ceilings. It adheres well to a variety of surfaces including plaster, plasterboard and previously painted walls, making it a firm favourite when it comes to decorating living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.

While walls and ceilings are its primary purpose, emulsion paint can also be used on other interior surfaces, as long as the right product is chosen. Washable emulsions, for example, are formulated to withstand frequent cleaning, making them perfect for busy hallways, kitchens and kid's bedrooms.

Although standard emulsion is intended for plaster-based surfaces, you can also use it on areas like skirting boards, architraves and doors, as long as you’ve applied a primer first. That said, you’ll usually find that most decorators prefer using satinwood, gloss or eggshell paints on trim, as these offer a tougher, more hard-wearing finish that's better suited to areas exposed to frequent knocks and scuffs.

One lesser-known benefit of emulsion paint is that some formulations are slightly breathable. This allows small amounts of moisture vapour to pass through the painted surface, helping to reduce the likelihood of trapped moisture which often causes paint bubbling, blistering or peeling on interior walls.

When to Avoid Using Emulsion Paint

While emulsion paint is an ideal choice for indoors, it’s not suitable for every surface or environment. Its main limitation is that standard emulsion is not designed for outdoor use. That’s because exterior surfaces are exposed to rain, temperature changes and UV rays from sunlight. In time, this can cause interior emulsion paint to fade, peel, blister or flake much faster when compared to dedicated exterior paint, such as masonry.

Emulsion paint typically lacks the specialist additives, weather-resistant binders and UV protection that are needed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. If you’re painting surfaces such as garden walls, exterior brickwork, render or masonry, it’s important to choose a purpose-made masonry paint that has been formulated to protect against the elements.

You should also avoid using standard emulsion in areas that experience high levels of moisture or humidity, such as inside showers, around baths or on surfaces that regularly come into contact with water. Although bathroom-specific emulsions are available and offer improved resistance to condensation and mould, they’re not a replacement for specialist waterproof coatings in areas exposed to direct water.

Finally, emulsion paint shouldn’t be applied directly to surfaces such as bare metal, glossy wood or previously unpainted surfaces without preparing the surfaces first. Without a suitable primer, the paint may struggle to adhere properly, leading to peeling, cracking or an uneven finish. Taking the time to prepare the surface and choosing the right paint for the job will help ensure a longer-lasting result.

The Different Types of Emulsion Paint

When we talk about the different types of emulsion paint, we’re referring to the finish of the paint rather than the colour or its formulation. The finish determines how much light the painted surface reflects once dry, as well as how durable and washable the paint is.

There are several emulsion finishes available, with the most common being matt, eggshell, soft sheen, mid sheen and high sheen. The right option will depend on where you’re painting, the look you want to achieve and how much wear and tear the surface is likely to experience.

Eggshell Emulsion

As the name suggests, an eggshell finish has a subtle sheen similar to the surface of an eggshell. It sits between a matt and satin finish, offering a low level of shine while still providing a more durable surface when compared to traditional matt emulsion.

It's often used on places such as woodwork, doors and trim, while some specialist eggshell emulsions can also be used on walls where a more hard-wearing finish is required.

Advantages

Provides a soft, understated sheen without being overly shiny.
More durable and washable than standard matt emulsion.
Better at resisting marks and scuffs compared with flatter finishes.

Things to Consider

The slight sheen can highlight surface imperfections, so good preparation is important.
It may not provide the same depth of colour as a matt finish.
Not all eggshell paints are suitable for walls, so always check the manufacturer's recommendations.

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Matt Emulsion

Matt emulsion is the most popular type of emulsion paint and is widely used for interior walls and ceilings. It dries with little to no shine, creating a smooth, flat finish that helps disguise small imperfections on the surface.

It's particularly popular in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways where a modern, understated look is desired.

Advantages

Creates a smooth, non-reflective finish.
Helps hide minor cracks, bumps and imperfections on walls.
Ideal for large surface areas such as walls and ceilings.

Things to Consider

Less resistant to marks and scuffs than higher sheen finishes.
Can be difficult to clean without damaging the finish, although washable matt emulsions are available.
May not be the best choice for busy areas such as kitchens, hallways or children's bedrooms unless a durable version is selected.

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Soft Sheen Emulsion

Soft sheen emulsion sits between matt and silk, offering a subtle reflective quality while still maintaining a relatively low-shine appearance. It's a popular choice for areas that need a little extra durability without too much shine.

The slight sheen makes it easier to wipe clean, making it ideal for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.

Advantages

More durable and washable than standard matt emulsion.
Better suited to rooms exposed to moisture, marks and everyday wear.
Reflects more light, which can help make smaller or darker rooms feel brighter.

Things to Consider

The reflective finish can highlight uneven surfaces and imperfections.
May not provide the same smooth, contemporary appearance as matt emulsion.
Requires more careful preparation before painting to achieve the best result.

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Mid Sheen Emulsion

Mid sheen emulsion offers a higher level of shine than soft sheen, creating a more reflective and durable finish. It's often chosen for areas where walls need to withstand frequent cleaning and everyday use like kitchen and bathroom walls and ceilings.

Advantages

Highly washable and easier to maintain.
More resistant to scuffs and marks than lower sheen finishes.
Provides a brighter finish by reflecting more light around the room.

Things to Consider

More likely to highlight imperfections on walls.
The increased shine may not suit all interior styles.
Requires careful application to avoid visible roller marks or uneven patches.

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High Sheen Emulsion

High sheen emulsion has a noticeably reflective finish and is designed for areas where durability and cleanability are important. It's less commonly used throughout homes but can be useful in specific applications where a tougher surface is needed, such as door frames, skirting boards and wood furniture.

Advantages

Offers excellent resistance to marks and regular cleaning.
Creates a bright, reflective finish.
Suitable for high-traffic environments where durability is a priority.

Things to Consider

Can make surface imperfections very noticeable.
The glossy appearance may feel too intense for large wall areas.
Requires excellent surface preparation and application technique for the best finish.

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Silk Emulsion

Silk emulsion is a high-sheen wall paint that creates a smooth, reflective finish once dry. While softer sheen finishes are usually more common, silk emulsion remains a practical choice for areas that need a hard-wearing surface.

The reflective finish can help bounce light around a room, making it ideal for smaller or darker spaces. However, because it reflects more light than matt or soft sheen finishes, it can also make surface imperfections more noticeable.

Advantages