My top tip: best results are achieved with proper preparation and the use of a quality roller – I personally recommend the Hamilton microfibre 12-15”. If you’re worried that this is going to make your surface look shiny, you don’t need to be. Most emulsions come in a flat or matt finish which essentially means you’ll be getting a pure, modern white look without the high sheen. How to Paint Using Emulsion It’s not the most durable paint on the market so really I would only recommend using it on ceilings but if that’s what you want it for, it’s well worth the money.

Any missed spots or touch-ups can be performed after a minimum of four hours without over coating the whole surface; the fresh paint will dry to match the original coat. With its high opacity, it bleaches out beautifully when drying, injecting a fresh brightness to the walls which is ideal if you’re painting rooms that get minimal natural light. Valspar Tough Matt is a superior choice for pure brilliant white emulsion, especially when compared with brands like Dulux Diamond Matt. It offers superb coverage and a pleasing finish. Just remember to thin it down and mix well before application, and you’re all set. Ever since changing over to MacPherson Eclipse, there’s nothing else I’d consider using. Tikkurila AR2 is a quality white ceiling paint but it’s just too expensive considering Eclipse does the same job.Albany Supercover offers exceptional quality and coverage. Despite a few minor issues, it’s a worthwhile choice, especially for transformations involving light shades over dark colours. It was my go-to before Covaplus, and it certainly holds a premium standard in my book.

I noted that Good Home’s White Emulsion is less flat than its previous version and slightly less opaque. However, it is more durable. While it’s a decent choice for retail gear and rental properties, I wouldn’t recommend it for personal use, particularly when compared to paints such as Johnstone’s Durable Matt. Trade paint covers in fewer coats, has much better opacity and lasts much longer than retail paint. Whilst the opacity isn’t great, I give Zinsser Permawhite a solid 9/10. It’s resistant to moisture and can be cleaned many times over which makes it the perfect investment for kitchens and bathrooms. Valspar Tough Matt, my preferred pure brilliant white emulsion, is an impressive product with standout qualities. When compared with brands like Dulux, specifically its Pure Brilliant White Emulsion, Valspar Tough Matt outshines in terms of coverage, rendering Dulux’s version quite disappointing. Whilst the opacity is good, it’s not the best so you will probably need at least 3 coats, especially if you’re covering a darker colour than white but it’s a price worth paying as you’ll avoid problems further down the line.You may now be wondering, why would all paint not be trade paint if it is better quality? This is because a retail paint is kept as cheap as possible as the average homeowner does not want to spend more money than needed on decorating, while a trade decorator must achieve a consistently professional finish. Furthermore, a professional decorator is time sensitive as labour costs will significantly increase if they have to apply three coats of paint rather than two. Overall, trade paint offers higher quality for anyone who is willing to pay slightly more. Having said this, the average trade paint costly marginally more than its retail version and significantly less than a designer paint. The Best White Emulsion Paint For Walls & Ceilings When painting an interior wall, there are a number of qualities that you want from a paint, especially when using a lighter shade like white. You need a paint to has a strong white colour and that has a good opacity, otherwise known as its coverage or its ability to cover the wall. This is crucial if you are painting over a previously coloured interior wall as without a strong opacity, you will need to apply three or more coats of paint to get a high-quality finish. I use this myself as my go-to ceiling paint and can vouch for its quality at hiding imperfections. Oddly enough, after a couple of coats, it looks as if it hasn’t covered well. But you just need a little bit of patience. As it dries and hardens, the topcoat becomes fuller and more opaque to leave you with a lovely solid finish that doesn’t flash when touching up or when exposed to critical lighting. White is one of the most popular colours used when decorating the home as it provides a clean, timeless and versatile look that can be used on any surface and in any occasion. This popularity and versatility is why there is an abundance of white emulsion paint available on the market, which can make it difficult to figure out exactly which one is best for the job you have. Whether you are painting a ceiling, a bathroom or need to prevent stains on your walls, there is a white emulsion paint that best suits you.