Emulsion is the standard paint for interior walls and ceilings. It is water-based, low in smell compared with oil paints, dries quickly and cleans up with water. For a whole house or a project, buying in bulk helps keep the colour consistent and the cost down.
Types and finishes
| Type / finish | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Matt emulsion | Flat, low-sheen finish that hides wall flaws | Ceilings, bedrooms, living rooms |
| Silk / satin emulsion | Soft sheen, easier to wipe | Lounges, corridors, children's rooms |
| Semi-gloss / washable emulsion | Higher sheen, more scrub-resistant | Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic walls |
| Economy emulsion | Lower-cost range, usually lower coverage and durability | Rentals, servant quarters, store rooms |
| Premium emulsion | Better coverage, washability and colour retention | Main living areas |
| Anti-fungal / anti-bacterial emulsion | Contains additives against mould | Damp-prone rooms, bathrooms |
| Ceiling emulsion | Formulated for ceilings, usually white | Ceilings |
Emulsion goes over a suitable primer or sealer, and over putty where a smooth finish is wanted.
Quality checks on delivery
- Seal and lid – lids intact and not dented; no leaks.
- Label – product name, finish, colour or base, volume, batch number and manufacturing or expiry date are printed and match the order.
- Same batch for each colour.
- Count – tins and pack sizes match the invoice.
- Tinted colours – ask for the colour code on each tin and a small test patch before full use.
- Certification – if the supplier says the product meets a Pakistan Standard, ask for details. PSQCA's website lists standards and offers certification-mark licence verification.
How much you need
Use the coverage figure on the product's technical data sheet – it is given per litre per coat and varies by grade and surface.
- Measure each wall: length × height. Add ceilings.
- Subtract large openings like doors and windows.
- Multiply the total by the number of coats recommended.
- Divide by the coverage per litre.
- Add a small margin for wastage and touch-ups.
Rough or freshly plastered walls absorb more paint than smooth, primed walls, so coverage on site is often lower than ideal figures.
Bulk-buying tips
- Order by colour and room, not only by total quantity.
- One batch per colour – ask the supplier to confirm.
- Delivery – agree date, vehicle and unloading. Tins should not be thrown or stacked too high.
- Payment staging – for large orders, agree advance and balance on delivery in writing.
- Invoice – get a proper invoice with product names, pack sizes and quantity.
- Storage – keep tins sealed, upright, shaded and dry. Avoid freezing or direct sun.
- Returns – ask whether unopened tins can be returned or exchanged.
What affects the price
- Grade (economy, standard, premium).
- Finish (matt, silk, washable).
- Colour – deep and custom tinted shades usually cost more than white.
- Pack size – larger packs are often cheaper per litre.
- Order size and supplier discount.
- Delivery distance and floor level.
- Raw material and market price changes.
Ask for dated written quotes from more than one supplier for the same product and pack size.
FAQs
Matt or silk for a lounge? Matt hides flaws; silk is easier to clean. Many homes use matt on ceilings and silk on walls.
How many coats do I need? Usually as many as the data sheet recommends, often more on new plaster or when changing colour strongly.
Can I thin emulsion with water? Follow the thinning ratio on the data sheet. Over-thinning reduces coverage and durability.
Why is my paint peeling? Common causes are damp walls, no primer, or painting over dust. Fix moisture and prepare the surface first.
Can I use emulsion in bathrooms? Use a washable or anti-fungal grade and keep the room ventilated.