Paint Type
Emulsion Paint
Emulsion paint is a common UK term for water-based wall and ceiling paint, usually made with acrylic or vinyl binder and formulated for a durable finish.
Emulsion paint surface compatibility
Emulsion paint works well on prepared drywall and fully dry plaster, though new, patched, or wallpapered areas may need a suitable primer or sealer.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall | Excellent with a wall-and-ceiling formula | Repair defects, sand smooth, remove dust, and make sure joint compound is dry. | Seal new or patched drywall with a suitable primer before ordinary finish coats. | Choose the sheen for the room and cleaning needs. | — |
| Plaster | Excellent when fully dry | Let new plaster dry completely and remove dust or loose material. | Use the manufacturer's approved new-plaster sealer or first-coat method. | Apply the specified finish coats after the sealed surface dries. | — |
| Wallpaper | Good on suitable interior wallpaper after priming when required | Secure loose paper, repair damaged areas, and make sure the surface is clean and dry before decorating. | Use a wallcovering sealer or primer suited to the wallpaper and any exposed adhesive before applying the finish coat. | Apply controlled coats and allow the system to dry fully between applications. | — |
Sources: Dulux Matt Emulsion, Dulux new-plaster guidance, Dulux Easycare guidance, Crown Walls & Ceilings Emulsion, and Zinsser wallpaper guidance.
Painters who used emulsion paint
PaintZeal's painter profiles document emulsion paint in wall coatings and selected mixed-media works, with specific materials and contexts in each example.
-
Bridget Riley
Yale records Current (1964) as synthetic emulsion on board, where closely spaced wavy lines create optical movement. Riley later used PVA emulsion on linen for Cataract 3 (1967), showing distinct formulations and supports in her practice.
-
Lucia Di Luciano
Tate’s record for Discontinuous Structural Articulation (1964) identifies black and white household emulsion on Masonite. Di Luciano applied an everyday architectural coating to a rigid board, using its matte surface to sharpen the painting’s measured geometric pattern.
Sources: Yale / Bridget Riley catalogue: Current; British Council: Cataract 3; Tate: Discontinuous Structural Articulation; 10 A.M. ART: Lucia Di Luciano.
