What Is Distemper Paint?
Distemper paint is a traditional, budget-friendly textured wall paint. It has been around for many years and has a matte, powdery finish. This is the paint that you see in most of the old homes.
What Is Emulsion Paint?
Emulsion paints are the best option when you want a smooth, tough, and washable paint finish. These paints are more modern than distemper paint and impart a smoother look.
- Tough and Washable: Emulsion paints do not crack and show signs of peeling when you clean them, inducing light scrubbing. That makes them great for rooms like the living room or even the kitchen.
- Water-resistant: As mentioned before, emulsion paints are washable, meaning they can handle a bit of moisture, making them a better choice for homes and rooms where humidity levels are high.
- Multiple Finishes: From matte to glossy, emulsion paints come in multiple options, and you can choose any one depending on the look you’re going for.

Difference Between Distemper Paints And Emulsion Paints
Feature | Distemper Paint | Emulsion Paint |
Price | Very affordable | Costs more but is worth it |
Strength | Low – fades and chips easily | High – lasts long and can be cleaned |
Water Resistance | Not water-resistant | Water-resistant |
Finish | Matte, chalky | Matte, Satin, Glossy |
Where to Use | Indoor | Indoors and outdoors |
Best For | Short-term application or with very tight budgets | Long-term, high-quality finish |
Popular Distemper Paint Colour Shades
White Distemper Paint
White distemper gives a bright look to any room. It’s simple, doesn’t overpower, and is great for smaller rooms where you need extra light.
Green Distemper Colour
Like white distemper paint, the distemper green colour brings a bright, fresh, and natural vibe. It's a calming colour that works well in areas where you want a little bit of colour but nothing too visually overpowering.
Terracotta Distemper Colour
The orange-red terracotta distemper paint colour has a very unique look. It is suitably colourful but in an earthen way. Rustic yet charming, this distemper paint colour feels cosy and warm. Check out the exact shade in this wall paint colours catalogue.
Sky Blue Distemper
The sky-blue distemper paint colour is one that feels peaceful and light. It feels especially nice in bedrooms, home offices, and similar parts of the house where you require lower stress levels.
How To Use Distemper Paints?

The answer to how to use distemper paint isn't very complex, but the actual application process might be tough to execute without proper tips.
We'll go over the details that most people don't mention so that you can answer the pressing question of how to use distemper paint correctly.
- Prep the Wall: You cannot and should not apply paint and distemper without first properly cleaning the surface. So, before you start using the best distemper paint you have, make sure that the surface is clean and dry. This mainly includes repairing any cracks or damages so the paint goes on flawlessly.
- Mix with Water: Distemper paint comes in a powder form. Mix the distemper paint with water until you get a mixture that can be spread on walls.
- Apply with a Brush or Roller: Use a brush for edges and a roller for large sections. Apply two coats for a solid finish.
- Dry Time: Let each distemper home paint coat dry completely before applying the next.
Advantages Of Distemper
- Budget-Friendly: Distemper paint is perfect for low-cost projects.
- Eco-Friendly: Distemper paint doesn’t contain a lot of chemicals, so it’s safer for the environment.
- Low Maintenance: It doesn’t attract much dirt and pollution, making it great for less-used areas of the house.
Types Of Distemper Paints
- Dry Distemper: A basic distemper paint that needs water to activate. It’s the most affordable and easy to use.
- Oil Bound Distemper: Has a bit of oil mixed in, making it slightly tougher and giving it a smoother finish.
The different types of distemper paint include paints like the Bison Lite, Bison Glow, and Bison Emulsion.
Emulsion Paint In Detail
- Moisture-Resistant: Emulsion paints are great for kitchens and bathrooms where there’s a lot of moisture.
- Smooth Finish: Emulsion colours and paints go on smooth and look polished, giving your walls a rich look.
- Customisable Finishes: Emulsion paints come in finishes like matte, satin, and gloss.
Advantages Of Emulsion
- Easy to Clean: You can wipe down emulsion walls, making it perfect for rooms that get dirty easily.
- Strong Emulsion paints: This will last for years without needing repainting, saving you time and money in the long run.
- Fungus-Resistant: Emulsion paints don’t attract fungus, so they're highly suitable for humid areas.
Types Of Emulsions Paints
- Bison Emulsion: This choice from Berger offers decent coverage and a matte finish that’s ideal for interior walls.
- Easy Clean Fresh: This emulsion is designed to be washable and stain-resistant, making it easy to maintain.
- Silk Glamor Emulsion: Silk Glamor is a premium emulsion paint offering a luxurious finish. It is known for its excellent washability and provides a smooth, satin-like texture.
Final Thoughts On Paint Choices
If you’re on a strict budget or need paint for a space that doesn’t see much action, distemper paint might be enough. It’s cheap, simple, and gives a nice matte look.
But if you want something long-lasting, durable, and easy to clean, emulsion paints are worth the investment.
For high-traffic areas where moisture can be an issue, emulsion is the obvious choice. Plus, it just looks polished and stays that way for years. Brands like Berger Paints offer some excellent options, like Bison Glow, Bison Emulsion, and Bison Lite. These paints are known for their quality and finish, so buy them today!