Difference between Enamel Paints and Emulsion Paints? A guide by Bluebird Paints

Deciding the right colours for your living room or bedroom can be pretty exciting yet confusing. Finding the right colour often takes a lot of time. However, at this point it is important to note that finding the right color is not enough. Finding the right kind of paint as well as its texture is equally important. There are two common paints used for renovations and revamps and they are commonly known as enamel paints or emulsion paints.

This detailed guide produced by Bluebird paints will help you understand the differences between enamel and emulsion paints and how they can be used for different surfaces and looks to help you find the right fit for your house!

Emulsion Paints

Emulsion paints are often water-based paints that are mixed with chemicals or additives to ensure the longevity of the paint. The additives are mainly added to make sure the paint is durable. To better understand emulsion paints, it is important to know how they are made. These paints are acrylic resins and pigments that are mixed with water and eventually disperse. Once the process is completed, the water evaporates resulting in the formation of solid paints from the materials left behind.

Emulsion paints can further be classified into two categories namely, for interior use and exterior use. It is also important to remember that emulsion paints have different finishes like matt, full gloss, smooth and eggshell. Emulsion paints are ideal for painting walls and ceilings because of their water-based properties. However, a lesser-known fact is that emulsion paints work wonders with woodwork. Even though such paints are not as durable as paints with oil-based properties.

The interesting thing about emulsion paints is that they can be strategically used to make rooms look bigger and aesthetically pleasing. For example, emulsion paints with silk finish are high-sheen paints that can help in making rooms look bigger than they are. This is because such paints possess light-reflective characteristics that affect how a room appears to the human eye. Similarly, emulsion paints with softer sheens are ideal for walls and ceilings.

Considering the erratic climate in Pakistan, emulsion paints are a perfect choice. This is because their texture and durability would help fight the moisture-ridden climate. Moreover, emulsion paints are the most common choice for interior decoration and painting mainly because of their rigid nature, durability and lack of odour issues. Exposure to water will affect neither the quality nor the colour of the walls with emulsion paint as they are water-based substances. Furthermore, these paints are safe and can be vouched for because of their non-inflammable properties. For countries with warmer temperature all year round, emulsion paints are ideal.

In fact, even for busy households that are always at risk of wall stains, emulsion paints are the go-to choice! Most of the stains on emulsion paints can be wiped with a moist or damp cloth.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints are oil-based and stain-resistant paints that are known for their durability. The main difference between enamel and emulsion paint is that the former is used for exterior painting or outdoor surfaces. Just like emulsions paints, additives are added to create enamel paints as well. However, since it is an oil-based paint, thinners like kerosene are used to perfect the liquid.

Other additives used to create enamel paints are also oil-based as opposed to emulsion paints that are mixed with water-based additives. Similarly, enamel paints due to their oil-based properties take a lot of time to dry up when compared to emulsion paints. Moreover, since stronger materials are used as additives, the odour produced from enamel paints is also very strong as opposed to emulsion paints that have a faint odour. The washability of these paints also differs, as emulsion paint stains can be cleaned by a moist cloth, whereas enamel paints are stain-resistant. One of the key benefits of using enamel paint is that it is thicker and requires lesser coats. Additionally, it is heat and water-resistant which makes it an ideal choice for painting kitchens and balconies. Prices for both paints also vary as enamel paints are relatively cheaper when compared to emulsions paints. Enamel paints work better with wood and metal surfaces as well.

These two paints share some similarities as well. As emulsion and enamel paints both have various kinds of finishes. Enamel paints have high-gloss, smooth and opaque finishes which can be used depending on the kind of look required after revamps or renovations.

Emulsion or Enamel? The final verdict

After a detailed analysis of both emulsion and enamel paints, it can be concluded that both are ideal depending on the usage and requirement. For example, enamel paints work better as a finishing touch, for areas that are prone to heat, water or stains like kitchens, bathrooms and balconies. Moreover, such paints are also ideal for metal and wood surfaces because of their thick texture and longevity. While the utility and pricing of enamel paints are better, the appearance and durability of emulsion paints are known to all. The high prices of emulsion paints can be justified by their aesthetics, washability and longevity. For walls and ceilings, emulsion paints would be the right choice because of their quick drying properties, faint odour and final look!

Bluebird specializes in enamel paints for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and interior and exterior surfaces. Bluebird is also a proud supplier of high-quality emulsion paints that are easy to apply. The best part of Bluebird paints is that they are lead-free products that are safe for internal and external uses but also the environment!

Difference between Enamel Paints and Emulsion Paints? A guide by Bluebird Paints