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Emulsion paint is a water-based paint that is commonly used on interior walls and ceilings. It is available in different brands, colours and finishes to suit all design needs and personal tastes. Natural emulsion paints are also available, and they offer more eco-friendly paint solutions.

Emulsion paint is a popular paint option for interior rendered surfaces (along with acrylic paint), especially vinyl emulsion paint, which has a thicker consistency and is easier to apply on rendered surfaces.

What is Emulsion Paint?

Emulsion paint (sometimes also known as latex paint) is a water-based paint that is popular to use on interior walls and ceilings. Most emulsion paints are made from a mixture of water, a binder (emulsifier), colouring (pigment) and additives, including preservatives and hardeners.

Emulsion paint was first introduced in the 1940s as a better alternative to oil-based paints because it was easier to wash off paint brushes and rollers and emitted fewer paint fumes.

The Types of Emulsion Paint

The different types of emulsion paint include:

  • Interior emulsion paint: The most common type of emulsion paint, which is specially designed for use on interior surfaces, including furniture. Available in various finishes such as matte, velvet, eggshell, gloss and semigloss.
  • Exterior emulsion paint: Specially designed to withstand outdoor elements, exterior emulsion paint has a higher sheen level and is available in semigloss and gloss options.
  • Matte emulsion paint: Results in a non-shiny finish. It is generally durable and tough, but some types might be better suited to high-wear surfaces.
  • Satin emulsion paint: Results in a softer sheen and is more durable and moisture resistant than matte emulsion paint. It is commonly used on ceilings for its ability to reflect light.

It may need more preparation than other emulsion paints as it can highlight any visible imperfections.

  • Silk emulsion paint: Creates a glossy finish that is more durable than other emulsion paint and more aesthetically pleasing. It is a popular choice for humid spaces due to its durability and moisture resistance. Able to be cleaned easily.
  • Eggshell emulsion paint: This can be used on both woodwork and walls. Its finish is a mix of satin and matte emulsion paint, and it resembles an eggshell, hence its name.It is more durable than matte emulsion paint. It is commonly used on historic homes for its tough and textured finish.
  • Metallic emulsion paint: A fairly new paint trend, metallic paint reflects light and adds some sparkle and style to your walls. It is currently more expensive than other types of emulsion paints.

The Benefits of Emulsion Paint

The benefits of emulsion paint include:

Less Toxic

Emulsion paints are less toxic than other paint types, especially oil-based ones. Their less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) make them the ideal paint to use for people with paint allergies or irritations, as they let off fewer paint fumes.

Easy to Apply and Quick to Dry

Emulsion paints are typically easier to paint with compared to oil and other water-based paint options. It makes it the perfect paint option for DIY projects, as you don’t have to be a professional painter to use it. It also has the added benefit of drying quickly.

Emulsion paints are easily applied using a paintbrush or paint roller. In most cases, it doesn’t need an undercoat, although a primer may be required on more uneven surfaces. Two coats of paint are often enough to give your wall a nice, vibrant finish.

Durable Finish

Emulsion paints are durable, making them suitable for interiors, exteriors and humid environments.

Easy to Clean

Emulsion paint surfaces are easy to clean due to their hard and strong surfaces. Simply wipe over the surface with water and some mild detergent. Exposure to water will not cause the emulsion paint to fade or chip.

Versatile

Emulsion paint can be used on many surfaces, including concrete, brick, glass, metal and wooden furniture. It bonds well to most surfaces without any pre-treatment.

Humidity Resistant

Emulsion paints are humidity-resistant, which makes them ideal paint options for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Holds Up Well in the Elements

Emulsion paint doesn’t crack, dry out or fade in the sun and isn’t prone to mildew or mould growth.

Eco-Friendly

Emulsion paints are eco-friendly, as they are water-based, meaning they only release oxygen and hydrogen into the air.

Disadvantages of Emulsion Paint

More Costly Upfront

Emulsion paint is more expensive upfront than oil-based paint options. Its higher cost is due to its high-quality ingredients and the addition of pigments and binders, which result in more vibrant colours and enhanced durability.

Slow to Dry in Humidity

Emulsion paint takes longer to dry when applied in a humid environment. This longer drying period is because of the increased moisture in the air, which slows down the evaporation of water from the paint.

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!