Pros and Cons of Emulsion Paint


A fresh paint job on the outside makes your house look pleasant and last longer.  The paint job indicates that the work of a home is completed. It gives a sense of completion and newness. Selection of paint is the very important task.
Nowadays different types of paints are available in the market. One of them is emulsion paint. Emulsion paint is basically water based paint. Water based paint is a popular choice for the industrial and commercial project. Emulsion paint can be applied to both interior as well as exterior walls. Before selecting emulsion paint for your house, you must know the pros and cons of emulsion paint. Here we have given pros and cons of emulsion paint, which you should know before painting your house.

Pros and Cons of Emulsion Paint

Pros of Emulsion Paint 

Emulsion paint has many benefits other types of paint such as:

  • Emulsion paints are less toxic as compared to other oil based paints and have less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and also cause fewer problems such as skin irritations. Emulsion paints use water as the medium which carries the colour pigment to the surface that is being painted. By the time the paint dries, the water evaporates completely. These paints have very little risks for humans and animals around because the only thing that evaporates and enters the air is hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Emulsion paints are easy to apply and dry quickly than other water based paint and oil based paint.
  • The surface of emulsion paint is hard and can be easily cleaned by washing with water. The droplets of the paint after the paint job can be easily cleaned with mild detergent.
  • Exposure to water will not affect the colour or quality of emulsion paint.
  • Emulsion paints can be painted on to any surfaces like metal, wooden furniture, walls, glass, and concrete.
  • Emulsion paint is available in paint sheen such as matte finish and egg shell finish.
  • It is non-inflammable and hence safe for our health.
  • Emulsion paints are ideal for ceilings and walls because it is thick and easy to apply. They are humidity – resistant and hence can be easily used in steamy rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Emulsion paints don’t dry, crack or fade in the sunlight. They are less likely to attract the growth of mildew on it.
  • Emulsion paints hold well to almost any surface. It can also used without any pre-treatment. But for a smooth finish, primer is necessary.

Cons of Emulsion Paint 

Emulsion Paint has some disadvantages, too.

  • Emulsion paints have low drying rate in high humidity atmosphere.
  • It may be more expensive than the oil based paint.

Emulsion paints are known to have more elasticity than oil based paints. The above mentioned pros and cons of emulsion paint must be considered before buying it. Emulsion paints are gaining vast popularity with the public’s efforts to avoid using paints that involve harmful solvents and dangerous chemicals in its application and cleanup. Emulsion paint gives excellent matte finish. For glossy sheen, oil based paints are more preferred.

Also Read:
12 Qualities or Characteristics of Ideal Paint: Know Before Painting
Steps to Check for a Quality Paint Job
5 Steps You Must Know While Painting External Walls

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