We’ve all been there – excited to renovate our home with a fresh new coat of paint but end up entirely disappointed with the results. Making sure that the results match our expectations, it is crucial to choose the right type of paint. When painting our homes, we often face the dilemma of choosing between distemper and emulsion paints. Hence, to ensure you get a finish that can stand the test of time, we’ve curated this guide to help you choose between distemper and emulsion paints. Through this comprehensive guide, you will be able to understand them better and make an informed decision for your next painting project.
What is a distemper paint?
Distemper is one of the oldest and most popular paints in India. It is a common choice among individuals for centuries because of its simplicity and affordability. Distemper paint is made out of water, chalk, and animal glue. The glue is made up of caseins and resins.Â
Known for its soft, chalky appearance, the paint leaves a distinct matte finish on the walls which provides a vintage look to the homes.
In the market, you can find two main types of distemper paints – water-based distemper and oil-based distemper paint.Â
Water-based distemper: It is a classic form of distemper, made up of chalk, water, and glue. It is known for being breathable and is often used on the interior walls of older buildings.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Easy to apply and clean up. | Not as durable or washable as modern paints. |
Oil-based distemper: As the name suggests, an oil-based distemper uses oil as a binding agent. This type of distemper leaves a marginally more durable finish.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Slightly more durable finish. | Takes longer to dry and can emit stronger odors during application. |
What is an emulsion paint?
An emulsion paint is one of the more popular choices of paint these days. It is made up of water/polymer binder. Synthetic resins, such as acrylic or vinyl are also mixed to make make emulsion paint more durable and versatile in different applications.
Emulsion paint comes in a variety of finishes such as matte, silk, and gloss.Â
Matte emulsion: Matte emulsion offers a flat and smooth finish and provides a soft, non-reflective appearance.
Satin/Gloss emulsion: More resin is used for Gloss emulsions and hence, this type of paint has a softer shine to it and is more durable compared to vinyl and matte.
Silk emulsion: It is the most commonly used emulsion paint. Silk emulsion is well known for its shine and durability. This type of emulsion is also a lot easier to clean compared to other emulsions.
Emulsion paint vs distemper paint
Composition
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Typically made from a mixture of chalk, lime, and animal glue. It can be both water-based or oil-based and has been in use for centuries. | Made from synthetic resins – acrylic or vinyl. |
Finish
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Provides a matte finish that is softer and chalky. Distemper has good light absorption and gives a vintage look. | Emulsion paint comes in a variety of finishes – matte, silk, and gloss. Each finish has its own characteristics. |
Durability
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Distemper paint is less durable and more prone to wear and tear. It is non-washable and hence, can appear less appealing in the long run. | Emulsion paint is more durable and is resistant ton stains. It can also be washed easily. Emulsion paints with acrylic or vinyl resins tend to last longer. |
Application and drying time
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Applying distemper is pretty straightforward. However, it takes longer to dry and requires multiple coats for even coverage. | Emulsion paint applies easily and dries faster. You also would not require to paint multiple coats to achieve even coverage. |
Cost
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Distemper is a cheaper choice because of its simpler composition. It is best suitable if you are operating under budget. | Emulsion paint is costlier compared to distemper because of its higher quality and performance. |
Maintenance
| Distemper paint | Emulsion paint |
| Maintaining a distemper finish can be challenging as it can not be washed. You may need to repaint more frequently. | As emulsion is easier to clean and is more resistant to stains, it lasts longer and requires minimum maintenance. |
Impact of climate on paint performance
Paint selection should consider the local climate, as different paints react differently to humidity and temperature changes.
- Distemper paint: Tends to fade faster in humid conditions and may peel or crack over time in areas with excessive moisture. It is best suited for dry, low-humidity regions or ceilings where minimal exposure to water occurs.
- Emulsion paint: More moisture-resistant, making it ideal for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and coastal regions. Its ability to resist dampness and fungal growth ensures a longer-lasting, vibrant finish.
Paint lifespan and recoating frequency
The longevity of paint significantly influences maintenance schedules and overall costs. Emulsion paints are known for their durability, often lasting between 5 to 6 years before requiring a repaint.
In contrast, distemper paints have a shorter lifespan, typically needing a refresh within 3 to 4 years due to fading and wear.
Choosing emulsion paint can reduce the frequency of repainting, offering long-term benefits despite a higher initial cost.
What are the top brands for distemper and emulsion in India?
 In India, several reputable brands offer high-quality distemper and emulsion paints, catering to diverse consumer needs.
Top distemper paint brands:
- Berger Paints India Limited: A well-established name in the Indian paint industry, Berger offers a range of distemper paints known for their affordability and decent finish.
- Nerolac paints: Nerolac provides disinfecting options that are both economical and reliable and suitable for interior wall applications.
- Indigo paints: Known for innovation, Indigo Paints offers acrylic distemper products that provide a smooth finish and good coverage.
Top emulsion paint brands:
- Asian paints: As India’s largest paint company, Asian Paints offers a wide range of emulsion paints, including premium products like Royale Aspira and Royale Atmos, which are known for their durability and luxurious finishes.
- Dulux paints (AkzoNobel India): Dulux provides high-quality emulsion paints with a variety of finishes and a broad colour palette, catering to both residential and commercial spaces
- Berger paints: Berger’s emulsion range is recognised for its smooth application and longevity, making it a popular choice among homeowners.
- Nippon paints: Nippon offers eco-friendly emulsion paints that provide excellent coverage and are suitable for various interior applications.
Distemper vs emulsion paint: which is the better choice?
| Factor | Distemper | Emulsion | Winner |
| Composition | Traditional materials, simple formula | Modern, synthetic resins | Emulsion |
| Finish | Flat, matte appearance | Matte, silk, or gloss finishes | Emulsion |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to wear | More durable, resistant to stains | Emulsion |
| Application | More difficult, longer drying time | Easier to apply, quick drying | Emulsion |
| Environmental | Generally lower VOCs | VOC levels vary, more options available | Emulsion |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | Typically more expensive | Distemper |
| Maintenance | Hard to clean, less washable | Easy to clean, washable | Emulsion |
Overall Winner: Emulsion
Housing.com POV
When choosing the right paint for your home, you can choose between distemper paint or emulsion paint. According to different requirements, distemper and emulsion both have their pros and cons.
Distemper paint is less expensive and more suitable for budget projects, whereas emulsion paint is more versatile for modern interiors and quality finishes. We believe it is okay to spend a little more and invest in a nice emulsion paint as it can be more suitable for a long time. Additionally, as the emulsion paint can be washed multiple times, your walls can remain newer for longer. With a careful evaluation of various emulsion paints available in the market, you can easily find one that fits your budget and style.
FAQs
Which is better distemper or emulsion?
Emulsion is generally better for most applications.
What is the benefit of distemper paint?
A distemper paint can be beneficial for those on a limited budget as it is cheaper compared to emulsion paint.
Is primer necessary before distemper?
Yes, a primer is recommended before using distemper paint on walls.
Which paint is best for wall painting?
Since emulsion paint can be easily washed and leaves a better finish on the walls, it is usually the best choice.
Is distemper washable?
No, distemper paint is not washable.
Which paint is cheaper - distemper or emulsion?
Distemper paint is cheaper compared to emulsion paint because of simpler composition.
Does distemper paint smell?
Yes, distemper paint can have a strong odor while painting. However, the smell goes away once the paint dries out.
Does emulsion paint need a primer?
Not always, but a primer can improve results.
Do you add water to emulsion paints?
Yes, water is often added for consistency in emulsion paints.
Can emulsion paint be washed with water?
Yes, emulsion paint can be easily washed with water.
What are the types of emulsion paints?
Three are mainly three types of emulsion paints, namely - matte, silk, and gloss.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
