Finding the right paint to use can be difficult, with so many to pick from these days. The truth is that it completely depends on what you are using it for. In this article we are going to outline the things to consider when choosing an emulsion paint, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Types of Emulsion Paint
Emulsion paint simply refers to interior paints which contains resins that allow for quick-drying, good workability and durability. They are water-based paints that are usually designed for interior walls & ceilings that come in a range of finishes, including matt, eggshell, satin & gloss. But what is the difference between these emulsions? They mainly vary in their level of sheen or shine, which refers to the amount of light that they reflective.
1. Matt Paint
Matt is type of emulsion paint with the least sheen, meaning it does not reflect much light making it appear flat. This flat look makes it most popular emulsion for interior walls & ceiling. The low reflection means that they help to hide any imperfections on walls as any light will emphasise these. Unfortunately this comes at a cost, as sheen is what provides durability to an emulsion. The higher the sheen, the more durable to scuffs and scratches it will be. Matt paints can be wiped gently to remove slight marks, but they are generally very susceptible to damage.
When should you use matt emulsion?
Matt emulsion is perfect for low traffic areas where they are unlikely to be marked such as living rooms & adults bedrooms. They are not ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or children’s bedrooms as they simply do not offer the durability needed for these rooms.
There are a number of interior durable matt emulsion that have been developed by paint manufacturers to combat this lack of durability, such as Dulux Diamond Vinyl Matt & Crown Trade Scrubbable Matt. While these are more expensive than standard matt emulsions, if you would like a matt finish in a high traffic room, these are ideal for you. It is important to bare in mind however that these are still not as durable as high sheen paint finishes and may not be suitable for woodwork & other parts of interior trim. While we are focusing on interior emulsions, it is also worth knowing that a matt finish is perfect for exterior walls, which is why most masonry paints have a matt finish.
2. Eggshell Paint
A step up in level of sheen brings us to eggshell emulsion, which gets it‘s name from the sheen you find on an eggshell! With a slightly higher sheen, eggshell paint benefits from added durability compared to matt emulsion, and while it does show imperfections more, this is subtle compared to satin and gloss.
When should you use eggshell emulsion?
Eggshell is the best emulsion for the interior walls of high traffic and high moisture rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms, children’s bedrooms and hallways. Eggshell is particularly useful for kitchens and bathrooms as they are often soaked in condensation, which could mark a matt paint.
3. Satin Paint
We continue to move up the levels of sheen with satin, which is the most popular choice for interior trim and woodwork such as skirting boards and doors. These often require slightly more sheen in order to contrast with the walls, plus they can become easily marked due to the placement of these areas in the home.
When should you use satin emulsion?
Satin is the go to emulsion for any interior or exterior woodwork, and is especially effective when paired with a matt paint. It can also leave a lovely modern look when used on kitchen cupboards or cabinets!
4. Gloss Paint
Gloss is the most reflective paint, reflecting a large amount of light. Unfortunately in recent years it has gone out of favour due to many homeowners opting for a modern look, which is often a flat matt coupled with satin. Nevertheless gloss is always an excellent choice for providing light and life to anything you paint it with.
When should you use gloss emulsion?
Any wooden trim is a great match for gloss, especially doors. If you are looking for a unique look then why not try using a gloss paint on interior walls? It sounds crazy but when used correctly with bright, eclectic colours it can create a uniquely striking look!
So Which Paint Finish Is Best?
As we have discussed, there is a huge range of emulsion paints available, giving you freedom to pick an emulsion that will work for you. It is crucial to pick a paint that is going to perform, not just giving you the look you are after. Using a matt emulsion on a surface that will take some wear and tear is not going to work out, just as using a satin paint on an imperfect wall will not.
Ultimately, the emulsion you choose is just as important as the colour, so take your time to find the right one.
We hope this article has helped you in your search for the right emulsion paint. Good luck with the painting and have fun!
