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What is emulsion paint and when to use it

Ready to give your walls and ceilings a makeover? Emulsion paint is the perfect choice for a fresh, new look.

It’s affordable, quick-drying, and a favourite for DIY decorators. But what exactly is emulsion paint, and where can you use it around your home?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you through the different types of emulsion paint, along with their pros, cons, and ideal uses. So, you can pick the perfect product for your project!

Four cans of paint with a paint brush resting on top of them. The paint colours are pint, white, yellow and blue.Four cans of paint with a paint brush resting on top of them. The paint colours are pint, white, yellow and blue.Four cans of paint with a paint brush resting on top of them. The paint colours are pint, white, yellow and blue.Four cans of paint with a paint brush resting on top of them. The paint colours are pint, white, yellow and blue.

What is emulsion paint?

Emulsion paint (sometimes referred to as just ‘emulsion’) is a water-based paint made up of water, pigment, additives, and some sort of emulsifier. Typically, this is a vinyl or acrylic resin that acts as a ‘binder’ to prevent your paint from separating.

Loved for its affordability, durability, and quick drying time, it’s also easy to clean off hands and clothes. Unlike oil-based paints, emulsion has a low odour and is less prone to discolouration over time.

Emulsion lacks the weather-resistant properties needed for external use, and it can take longer to dry in humid atmospheres. However, it's straightforward to apply and comes in a range of finishes - making this type of paint the best option for several interior projects.

So, what is emulsion paint used for?

Emulsion is a great choice for interior walls and ceilings, with glossy and matt finishes available to suit different styles. You can use it on wood, including furniture, doors, and skirting boards, which can help create a seamless look in your room. Just make sure that you’re choosing a durable matt paint for your skirting boards to avoid scratches, scuff marks, and flaking.

Types of emulsion paint

There are plenty of different types of paint in the emulsion category. Below, we’ve listed the most common options and how they’re used:

A tin of matt paint is on a table with a paintbrush resting on top.A tin of matt paint is on a table with a paintbrush resting on top.A tin of matt paint is on a table with a paintbrush resting on top.A tin of matt paint is on a table with a paintbrush resting on top.

Matt

Matt emulsion is a go-to for interior decorating. With its smooth, flat finish, it’s perfect for modern spaces, and the lack of shine helps hide any surface imperfections. Plus, it’s one of the most popular options out there, so you’ll find it in a huge range of colours to match your style.

A modern living room, where the door and half the wall are painted using silk grey paint.A modern living room, where the door and half the wall are painted using silk grey paint.A modern living room, where the door and half the wall are painted using silk grey paint.A modern living room, where the door and half the wall are painted using silk grey paint.

Silk

Alongside matt emulsions, we have silk emulsion paint, a reflective option with a subtle sheen. Its polished finish makes it easy to wipe clean — ideal for high-traffic areas in your home, such as hallways, kitchens, and children’s bedrooms.

Silk emulsion offers better moisture resistance and durability than matt paint. Its reflective sheen bounces light around the room, creating the illusion of more space. This makes it a wonderful choice for small, cramped rooms. It's worth noting that silk paint can highlight existing surface imperfections, so keep that in mind when choosing your finish.

A black satin-painted staircase with a white bannister.A black satin-painted staircase with a white bannister.A black satin-painted staircase with a white bannister.A black satin-painted staircase with a white bannister.

Satin

Also known as ‘soft sheen’ paint, satin emulsions have a slightly reflective finish that bounces light around and makes a room feel more spacious.

Think of satin emulsion paint as somewhere between matt and silk. They have many of the same qualities as silk emulsions but will hide more imperfections due to their softer, flatter finish. As such, satin paints are often the top choice for bedrooms and living rooms. They’re great for painting woodwork, too!

A paint tray with a pot of paint and a paintbrush covered in green paint is placed on top of a brown dust sheet.A paint tray with a pot of paint and a paintbrush covered in green paint is placed on top of a brown dust sheet.A paint tray with a pot of paint and a paintbrush covered in green paint is placed on top of a brown dust sheet.A paint tray with a pot of paint and a paintbrush covered in green paint is placed on top of a brown dust sheet.

Eggshell

The clue’s in the name with this one! Eggshell paint sits between matt and satin, offering a subtle finish that mimics the surface of an eggshell. This gives your walls a lovely depth without being too shiny.

With a touch more gloss than matt paint, it’s easier to clean but not as durable as satin. It’s best suited to low-traffic areas like living rooms and entryways for a finish that lasts.

Where to use emulsion paint

Water-based emulsion formulas are perfect for beginners as they’re easy to apply and wash off if things get messy. Before you whip out your painting and decorating tools, we’ll show you where emulsion is best used and why.

Emulsion paint is most commonly used for walls and ceilings due to its cost-effectiveness and quick-drying nature. If you’re looking for a smooth and sophisticated finish that helps conceal cracks and dents, matt emulsions are the solution. On the other hand, if you want something that reflects light around your home, opt for a satin or silk paint emulsion instead.

These durable paints are well-suited to bathrooms and kitchens, where easy cleaning and moisture resistance are a must. Acrylic emulsions are great for wooden doors, skirting boards, and furniture, allowing you to breathe new life into old spaces.

Emulsion finishes aren’t just great for your home, either! Indoor emulsion paints are also suitable for commercial spaces such as offices, garages, and factories. They offer high durability and easy maintenance with the affordability to cover large spaces on a budget.

Just remember: most interior emulsion paints can’t be used outside. They lack the chemical properties to withstand the elements, meaning they’ll crack and fade easily over time.

Instead of using leftover emulsion on your fencing, save it for indoor touch-ups on scuffs and marks. Store your paint in a cool, dry spot to keep it in good condition.

For more guidance on storing paint check out our article, how to store paint. Check out our available exterior emulsion paints to find what you need for your next outdoor project!

Yellow living room, with a white fabric sofa in the centre with a potted plant to the left and a modern bookshelf to the right.Yellow living room, with a white fabric sofa in the centre with a potted plant to the left and a modern bookshelf to the right.Yellow living room, with a white fabric sofa in the centre with a potted plant to the left and a modern bookshelf to the right.Yellow living room, with a white fabric sofa in the centre with a potted plant to the left and a modern bookshelf to the right.

Starting a DIY interior design project this year? Emulsion paint is your best friend, offering great coverage with minimal prep and a standard brush or roller.

Matt paints are best for hiding surface flaws. For high-traffic areas that need regular cleaning, we’d recommend glossier satins or silks. And when it comes to revamping your woodwork, make sure you’re preparing the area properly and using the best paint for your furniture.

Simply select the type of emulsion finish that best suits your needs — matt, silk, satin, or eggshell. Once you’ve chosen the right paint, give your walls, ceilings, doors, and skirting boards a new lease of life.

Looking for more interior design inspiration? Here, you can find more painting ideas and advice.

A blue living room, that has a white sofa with a lamp to the right of it, and a coffee table in front of the sofa.A blue living room, that has a white sofa with a lamp to the right of it, and a coffee table in front of the sofa.A blue living room, that has a white sofa with a lamp to the right of it, and a coffee table in front of the sofa.A blue living room, that has a white sofa with a lamp to the right of it, and a coffee table in front of the sofa.

Emulsion paint FAQs

Got more questions? Here’s what people are asking about emulsion paint:

What is the difference between emulsion paint and normal paint?

Emulsion paint contains acrylic or vinyl resins and pigment for a long-lasting finish, whereas normal paints are made from oil or alkyd resin. Normal formulas are harder to apply and have longer drying times, making emulsion the paint of choice in most cases.

Are emulsion paints washable?

Many emulsion paints are washable, though some are more than others. High-shine formulas are usually the most durable and water-resistant, whereas matt finishes tend to show stains more easily. However, you can now get specialised washable matt emulsions that allow you to use this finish in more high-traffic areas.

How long does emulsion paint last?

Emulsion paints last several years. Unopened tins can survive up to 10 years in cool, dry storage spaces. Even opened cans can last a couple of years before going off — check with the paint manufacturer to be sure. Once applied, emulsion paint should look good for up to 10 years, depending on the quality of the product, application, and maintenance.

How long does emulsion paint take to dry?

Emulsion paint drying times vary between brands and finishes. However, thanks to their water-based formulas, they could be touch-dry in as little as one or two hours! Double-check the recommended drying time for your chosen paint before applying another coat.