Introduction
Picking the right paint for your home is tough because there are so many options. Two of those options are distemper and emulsion paints. They are relatively cheap options for finishing your walls. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that are relative to your situation.
When picking a distemper paint color, or an emulsion shade for that matter, there are other things to consider beyond just design. You have to think about how long the paint will last, what the quality of the finish will be, and how each paint type will hold up over time to different situations. Homeowners often get lost in the many details of paint because of all the jargon.
At Angie Homes, we think that the more information you have, the better the outcome will be. In this article, we explain as much as we can about both distemper and emulsion paints. We will go over the pros and cons of each, their chemistry, and provide a head-to-head comparison for ten different areas. This info will help you pick the right paint for your situation whether you are just repainting one room, or doing a whole house makeover.
What are Distemper Paints or an OBD (Oil Bound Distemper)?
Distemper paint is a cheap and easy to use option for wall finishes. An improved version of traditional distemper paints is Oil Bound Distemper (OBD). The formulation of OBD uses oil-based binders, which results in a better durability and a more refined finish compared to water-based distempers.
characteristics of distemper and OBD paints are:
· Composition: Chalk, lime, water, and pigment are the main components of distempers, while OBD paints have a better performance due to the use of oil-based binders.
· Finish: The finish of distemper paints is a little bit powdery, whereas OBD paints have a much better, smoother finish.
· Usage: A lot of commercial and residential projects use distemper paints on interior walls and ceilings because of the low cost.
· Application: Not a lot of special equipment is needed for the application of distemper paints because they can be brushed or rolled on.
Even though traditional distempers have a good reputation among consumers for being a cheap option for interior makeovers, the durability of distempers is only good for a limited time.
What are Emulsion Paints?
Compared to distemper paints, emulsion paints are water based and have a greater durability, washability and better finish, making them suitable for both external and internal painting.
The main components of emulsion paints are pigment, binder (acrylic or vinyl) and water, which results in a better and more flexible paint film.
· Finish options: More choices for the types of finishes (matte, satin, glossy, etc.) mean more design options.
· Performance: Compared to distemper, it is more resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. As a result, it can be used in more delicate areas, like high-traffic regions.
· Application versatility: Can be used on both interior walls and on exterior surfaces, as long as the correct formulation is used for each.
Emulsion paints have become increasingly popular with the modern homeowner, as they provide a quality, long-lasting finish, and are superior to other paints in areas subjected to regular cleaning and the elements.
Pros & Cons of Distemper Paints
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of distemper paint will help the homeowner evaluate if if the right paint for the project.
Pros:
· Inexpensive, making it an attractive option for large projects.
· Relatively easy to apply, low skill and equipment requirements.
· Good coverage for walls and ceilings.
· A lot of basic colors are available.
Cons:
· Distempers are not very durable and can fade and chalk off.
· Not as moisture safe as Emulsions, and not as traffic safe, either.
· Not as strong a finish as Emulsions, and washability is limited.
Distemper paints are a good option for projects where not a lot of durability is required, but homeowners have to evaluate the costs of using distempers versus the costs of maintenance over the years.
Pros and Cons of Interior and Exterior Emulsion Paints
When homeowners want a more permanent wall finish, emulsion paints provide some pros and cons that are different from other types of paints.
Pros:
· Paints provide a more durable wall finish, resulting in less cracking, peeling, and fading.
· The wall finish can be cleaned, unlike other paints, where the dirt and grime would ruin the wall finish.
· There is a wider selection of paint finishes, from a matte wall finish to a shiny, high-gloss wall finish.
· Emulsion paints can be used on both the interior and the exterior of a home; each type of paint is specifically designed for that environment.
Cons:
· Compared to distemper paints, emulsion paints cost more.
· There is a higher skill floor for getting a good wall finish, because there is more room for error.
· The drying time of the wall finish is affected by how humid it is and how well-ventilated the area is.
A long-term, low-maintenance goal for homeowners typically includes a good wall finish that is easily cleanable, and emulsion paints fit that goal because of their durability and good wall finish.
Distemper Paint vs Emulsion Paint
Ultimately, deciding between distemper and emulsion paints comes down to comparing a few key features of each. Here is what you need to know.
1. Finish of the Material
Distemper paints generally flatten out to a matte finish with a chalky texture, while emulsion paints can be smoother with a more refined finish and a wider range of sheens from matte to glossy.
2. Composition of the Paint
Distemper paints can be water- or oil-based with chalk and lime, while emulsion paints have acrylic or vinyl binders, making the paint film more flexible and durable.
3. Odour
Water-based paints used in distemper have a better odor during application when compared when emulsion paints, with the latter having a stronger odor which evaporates sooner.
4. Cost
Distemper is the more affordable option and is used for larger projects where cost is a consideration. Emulsion paints have a higher cost due to their better durability and finish.
5. Ease of Application
Distemper and emulsion paints are similar in the ease of application when using a brush or roller, with emulsion paints requiring a slightly better application for a better finish, especially for a smooth glossy outcome.
6. Paint Spread
Emulsion paints have better spread and coverage compared to distemper, meaning better value for money, even with the higher cost per unit, but requiring fewer coats.
7. Durability
In terms of durability, emulsion paints are better than distemper paints, with better resistance to fading, cracking and general wear, especially in humid conditions and high traffic areas.
8. Market Availability
There is similar availability for distemper and emulsion paints, with most hardware stores and paint brands carrying both. Emulsion paints have a better finish and color selection.
9. Surface Preparation
Distemper requires less surface treatment, while emulsion paints benefit from a smoother surface with a primer for a better finish and adhesion.
10. Color Palette and Texture
Distemper paints have fewer color options. However, with the advancement of distemper technology, color options have increased. Emulsion paints, on the other hand, have a wider color palette as well as a wider range of textures and finishes.
Using Distemper and Emulsion Paints
These tips can be used whether you choose to use distemper, emulsion, or a combination of the two paints.
· Use distemper on the ceiling, which is touched less, and use emulsion on the walls, which are touched more, like in the living room or on the hallways.
· Test colors. See how your chosen distemper paint color or emulsion shade looks in your home's lighting by testing the colors on a small wall section.
· Clean and dry surfaces are a must. Primed walls ensure the paint adheres well and gives a good finish.
· Use emulsion in kitchens and bathrooms, and in children's rooms, where distemper finishes are likely to be used, since these rooms need paint colours that can be easily washed.
· Distemper is cheaper, but if you take maintenance into account, emulsion paints are a better long-term option.
When repainting your home, using a wide range of colors in a smart way can make your home beautiful and increases its functionality.
Which One is the Best According to Your Needs?
The decision between distemper and emulsion paint depends on your trade-offs. Maybe it’s the budget, how long it lasts, or how it looks.
· If you’re working with a limited budget and want to paint a large area, such as the exterior of a rental property, then distemper paint is a good option, as it is a cheap choice, even if it doesn’t last as long.
· If you want a paint that lasts a long time and can be easily washed, and you don’t mind paying a bit extra, then emulsion paint is a good choice.
When using both types of paints, many homeowners think using emulsion paint in the living rooms and distemper paint in other rooms is a good compromise between cost and performance.
How Can Angie Homes Help You Choose the Right Paint for Your Home?
When you're trying to choose paint for your home, you have to consider a lot of different things. You have to think about how long it lasts, what it looks like, how much it costs, and more. With all of this in mind, choosing paint can feel overwhelming. This is where Angie Homes can help.
Angie Homes help homeowners in this process in these three ways:
1. They offer personalized consultations. In order to recommend the best paint for your home, they take into account your home's specific needs, the functions of the rooms, and your design preferences.
2. They help homeowners choose colors of distemper or emulsion paints that were appointed to room's functions and design preferences, taking the lighting of the room into account as well.
3. They help homeowners make the best value choice by painting long-lasting areas of the home, taking the budget into account as well.
4. Professional application support - We can help you achieve a smooth, even, and long-lasting finish throughout your whole home.
5. Ongoing design advice - We can help you with your interior design plans by offering advice on how your paint choices should coincide with your decisions regarding furniture and lighting.
Angie Homes can help homeowners choose paint colors without guesswork and get the beautiful results that they have chosen to incorporate into their home.
Conclusion
Deciding between distemper and emulsion paints typically depends on your budget, how long you expect to live with your choices, and the range of designs you want to achieve. Distemper paints are a good, cheap option for yields pieces, but emulsion paints have a greater range of finishes, are more washable, and more Vesatile, making them a better choice for more of your living spaces.
No matter what kind of paint you choose, the results will only be as good as the planning that went into it. Angie Homes can help you make the right choices for your home and help you accomplish your goals for your home.
Choosing the right paint for your walls gives you the opportunity to create the design and atmosphere that you want for your entire home, and makes this process a good one to take your time with.
FAQ’s
Q. Which distemper colour is best?
Choosing the best distemper paint color is about more than just picking a color. You need to take into account the size and shape of your room as well as the kind of lighting it has. Smaller rooms can benefit from using pastel colors to make the room appear bigger. Larger rooms can benefit from using warmer colors to make the room appear smaller. To be sure, you can always ask a professional for help.
Q. How much area does 1 kg distemper cover?
A kg of distemper paint can cover about 110 to 130 square feet. Keep in mind that this can vary from paint brand to paint brand and also how smooth the surface is that you are painting.
Q. Which is better distemper or emulsion?
Of the two, emulsion paint is better because it holds up better to cleaning and uses a better kind of finish, but distemper paint is much cheaper, so it is better if you are wanting to save money.
Q. How much distemper is required for 1000 sq ft?
A space of about 1000 square feet would need about 8 to 10 kg of distemper paint for one coat, give or take, based on how smooth the surfaces are and how many coats you are putting on.
Q. What is the approximate paint quantity for a 12x12 room?
For a standard 12x12 foot room with an average ceiling height, you would need about 1 to 1.5 liters of paint per coat. Wall height, the number of doors and windows, and the type of paint used can cause this estimate to vary.