What is emulsion paint?

What does emulsion paint contain?

Emulsion paint is made up of four main ingredients: pigment, emulsifier, coagulant, and water.

• The pigment is what gives the paint its colour and can be either organic or inorganic.
• The emulsifier binds the pigment to the water and helps keep it dispersed evenly throughout the mixture.
• The coagulant is a substance that causes small particles to clump together, which eventually results in the formation of paint droplets.
• And finally, water is used as the solvent for all of these ingredients.

The quality of emulsion paints can vary depending on what type of pigments are used as well as how much solid content (pigment + emulsifier) is in the mix. More advanced emulsion paints will usually have better quality pigments and emulsifiers, resulting in a more viscous emulsion.

How to apply emulsion paint?

The emulsion paint process is relatively simple, with a few steps involved. It's also important to note that emulsion paint requires no priming, sanding, or prepping of the surface before application.

• First, emulsion paint should be stirred thoroughly to ensure that there are no clumps in the mixture and it is evenly mixed.
• Once this has been completed, prepare your surface by removing any dirt or debris from its surface.
• The next step is applying the emulsion paint itself! There are three ways you can apply emulsified paints:
  1. Spraying
  2. Brushing
  3. Rolling with a brush-like motion (not traditionally done)

If using a roller for application, make sure to use one similar to what would be used on an exterior wall as they have thicker nap covers allowing more emulsion paint to adhere, resulting in fewer strokes required.

After completing these steps, allow several hours for drying time before using the surface. If emulsion paint is applied in thick coats or under humid conditions, it may take longer to dry!

Features of emulsion paint

There are a few key features that emulsion paint has to offer:

1. Low odour:

   Emulsion paints have low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels meaning they do not emit as many chemicals into the air. This is beneficial for those who may be sensitive to these types of fumes and also allows exterior applications without your neighbours complaining about the smell!

2. Higher sheen:

   Emulsified paints can achieve higher levels of shine, allowing an attractive final product, especially when used on furniture or other decorative pieces.

3. Durable finish:

   Emulsion paints provide a long-lasting, durable surface, making them ideal for both interior walls and exterior walls of your house or apartment. They are even resistant to mildew growth, which makes them perfect for bathrooms where moisture tends to accumulate.

Types of emulsion paint

There are two different types of emulsion paint available, each with its own unique properties.

• Interior Emulsion Paint:

  As the name suggests, interior emulsion paint is designed for use on interior surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. The interior paint comes in a variety of finishes, including gloss, semigloss, matte, eggshell, and velvet.

• Exterior Emulsion Paint:

  Exterior Emulsion Paint is formulated to withstand outdoor elements like wind and rain. The exterior paint typically has a higher sheen level than its indoor counterpart and is available in both gloss and semigloss varieties.