Both have their benefits and advantages. Choose the right one according to your needs.
A common dilemma among homeowners is choosing a type of paint that best suits their requirements. Distemper paint and emulsion paint are words that you might hear frequently. The word distemper evokes images of superior white finishes on walls, lending a clean and fresh look. But what is emulsion paint? Is it better than distemper paint? Or, just serves a different purpose?
Here, we will outline the major differences between emulsion paint and distemper paint, and what that means in regards to your product decisions. You can choose both among the vast range of high-quality Berger Interior Paint products.
Table of Contents
Distemper vs. Emulsion Paint: Features
Let’s start by comparing the features of both types of paint.
Features | Distemper | Emulsion |
Constituents | Distemper paint is made of chalk, lime, and water with animal glue and resins as binding materials. | Emulsion paints contain chemicals, colour pigments, solvent along with additives |
Durability | Distemper paint can last for 3 to 4 years. However, they fade faster than emulsion paint. | Emulsion paint has higher durability than distemper paint. |
Odour | Has a distinctive odour | Doesn’t have odour |
Finishes | Provides a uniform matte finish or a rustic finish. However, with the right base, it’s possible to achieve a smooth finish. | Interior emulsions can offer ultra-smooth finish and greater lustre. |
Coverage | Around 2 coats of water-based distemper can cover 50-55 square feet of area | With 2 coats of emulsion paint, you can cover 130-150 square feet area |
You should know that coverage of both types of paint depends on a lot of factors like shade, quality of surface preparation, application condition, weather, etc. This is why it’s always best to get your house painted by experts like those from Berger Express Painting services. Express Painting is the right choice if you want a safer, faster, and more efficient painting service.
Both emulsion paint and distemper paint are available in a wide range of colour schemes. However, if you are looking to get a long-lasting result, along with a designer appeal, emulsion paint could be a better choice. For instance, Berger Silk Glamour is available in metallic and non-metallic shades to cater to all your interior design plans. It also has crystal reflective technology that provides your walls with an intense luxurious sheen.
Distemper vs. Emulsion: Price
The price of distemper paint is usually lower than interior emulsion paint, as the latter contains several superior properties. Since distemper paint is considered low-hassle paint, it might be considered for interior walls like storage rooms, garages, walls with minor flaws, and accent walls. However, if you are looking for paint that adds to your décor and makes it more stylish, choose emulsion paint. Use it to spruce up your living rooms, bedrooms, ceilings, and kitchens.
Pros and Cons of Distemper and Emulsion Paint
Distemper Paint | Emulsion Paint | |
Range of Colours and Fastness | The colour chart for distemper paint might be limited compared to emulsion paint. Colours tend to fade faster than emulsion paint. | Emulsion paints boast of a huge range of metallic and non-metallic shades. Colours are long-lasting. |
Application Process | Easier to apply | Requires expert painting services for the desired effect. |
Surface Preparation | Doesn’t require extensive surface preparation | Requires properly treated surfaces to give walls a lustrous sheen |
Water Resistance | Distemper paint peels under the effect of moisture or water | Emulsion paint has superior water-resistant properties |
Washability | Has lower washability than emulsion paint. | Emulsion paint has superior stain resistance and cleanability |
Since emulsion paint has waterproofing properties, it could also be suitable for exterior walls like that of your patio, balcony, roof, and bathrooms. It could also be considered for your kid’s nursery.
If environmental impact is your concern, then Berger Distemper and Berger Interior Emulsions are both Green Pro certified by the CII-IGBC. All these paints have low VOC content, which means no harmful fumes, and have no harmful chemicals like APEO and formaldehyde. They are also devoid of lead, arsenic, and other such carcinogenic elements.
What Experts Recommend About Distemper and Emulsion Paint
Experts follow these guidelines to ensure a superior finish.
- They prepare the surfaces for paint jobs with sandpaper, primer, and putty. While some may say that distemper paint doesn’t need a primer undercoat, it is essential to follow expert advice to get the desired finish.
- Professionals recommend painting during the summer months. This will help the layers to dry faster and get the best results.
- All furniture, lights, and fixtures need to be covered to be shielded from paint splashes. Experts use masking tape on switches and windowsills to protect them.
Berger Express Painting professionals ensure your valuables are protected from paint splashes and your family is protected from the spread of infection by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). They also clean and disinfect the area thoroughly before leaving.
With Berger’s Express Painting app, you can choose colours online, get home delivery of sanitised products, monitor painters while on the job and receive and pay the painting bill online.
Also read: 5 Perfect Colour Combinations for Good Vibes
