Blog>Questions>What's the best white emulsion paint?
Last updated: 2 November 2023
What's the best white emulsion paint?
When it comes to choosing paint, it's always a good idea to take your time and research the best paint for you and your home. Keep reading to find out which is the best white emulsion paint.
When it comes to choosing paint, it's always a good idea to take your time and research the best paint for you and your home. So, what's the best white emulsion paint? Keep reading to find out.
What is emulsion paint?
Emulsion paint is one of the most popular types of paint in the UK, but what is it exactly? Put simply, it's a water-based paint used for interior decorating.
An emulsion paint is typically made up of a mix of water (up to 50%), colour pigment, an emulsifier (also known as a binder or binding agent), and additives, such as hardeners and preservatives.
The emulsifier is used to suspend pigment particles throughout the paint and stop them from separating. That’s where the paint gets its name from: 'emulsion’.
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What's the best white emulsion paint for my home?
The best white emulsion paint will depend on where and how you're using it. Here are some of our recommendations for choosing the best white emulsion paint for your home.
1. The best emulsion paint for interior walls and ceilings
For interior walls and ceilings, you'll want to choose a white emulsion paint that has a strong white colour and good coverage. Especially if you're painting over a previously darker colour paint.
It's also important to look at the sheen of the emulsion paint – the higher the sheen, the more durable it will be.
One of the most popular finishes for interior walls is matt. A vinyl matt emulsion is a great option if you want paint that you can easily clean with a quick wipe of a cloth.
If you do opt for a white vinyl matt emulsion, it typically won't have great scuff resistance; it's best suited for rooms with lower foot traffic, such as living rooms and bedrooms.
2. The best white paint for kitchens and bathrooms
When painting kitchens or bathrooms, it's important to choose a white emulsion paint that is going to be durable. You want a paint that will withstand condensation and be stain resistant.
White acrylic eggshell paints are a great option, as they're more durable than matt emulsion paints. They're also moisture resistant, making them ideal for rooms with high condensation such as kitchens and bathrooms.
3. The best emulsion paint for blocking stains
If you want to cover up stains on walls or ceilings, we would recommend applying a stain-blocking primer before you apply your chosen white emulsion paint.
A stain-blocking primer acts as an undercoat that you can then paint onto. Ideally, you want to choose a low-odour, oil-based primer and stain blocker.
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