Collection: White Emulsion Paint

Providing the ultimate clean and fresh background, our collection of white emulsion paint is a must-have when undertaking your painting project. Designed to be used on interior walls & ceilings, these water-based white emulsion paints deliver excellent coverage and professional results time and time again.

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Popular White Emulsion Paints

White emulsion is one of the most versatile choices for decorating walls and ceilings, creating a clean and timeless backdrop that works with almost any interior style. Our range includes white emulsions from leading decorating brands such as Johnstones, Leyland & Zinsser, with different formulations and finishes to suit everything from ceilings and bedrooms to busy hallways and living spaces.

When choosing a white emulsion, consider more than just the colour. Coverage, durability, washability and finish can all vary between products, so selecting the right paint for the room can help you achieve a better and longer-lasting result.

Choosing The Right White Emulsion

For ceilings and low-traffic areas, a matt white emulsion can provide a smooth, low-sheen appearance and help disguise minor surface imperfections.

For walls that receive more wear, consider a durable or washable white emulsion. These products are designed to withstand more cleaning and everyday use, making them particularly useful for hallways, living rooms and family areas.

For kitchens and bathrooms, look for a specialist moisture-resistant or washable emulsion designed for use in areas where condensation and regular cleaning are more common.

If you're decorating new plaster, check whether your chosen product can be used as part of the preparation system or whether a suitable mist coat is required.

White, Brilliant White & Pure Brilliant White

You'll find a variety of white shades across our collection, including White, Brilliant White and Pure Brilliant White. Remember that these names aren't necessarily identical between manufacturers, so if you're trying to match existing paintwork, it's worth checking the specific brand and product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is white emulsion paint?

White emulsion paint is a water-based decorative paint primarily used on interior walls and ceilings. It is available in a range of finishes and formulations, from standard matt emulsions to more durable, washable paints designed for areas that experience greater wear.

The level of durability, washability and coverage varies between products, so it's important to choose a white emulsion that's suitable for the room and surface you're decorating.

White emulsion is a popular choice for creating bright, clean-looking interiors and can be used on a variety of suitably prepared surfaces, including plaster, previously painted walls and ceilings.

What is the best way to apply white emulsion paint?

For the best results, make sure the surface is clean, dry, sound and properly prepared before applying white emulsion.

Use a good-quality roller for larger wall and ceiling areas and a suitable brush for cutting in around edges, corners and detailed areas. Apply the paint evenly and avoid overloading the roller or brush.

For previously painted surfaces, remove any loose or flaking paint and fill imperfections before sanding and cleaning the surface. New plaster will require appropriate preparation before applying the finishing coats.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding application, drying times, recoating and the recommended tools for the specific white emulsion you're using.

Paint Roller - Use a medium pile roller.

Paint Brush - Load generously. Apply liberally and evenly avoid overspreading

What are the most popular white emulsion paints?

Anti Reflex Paint

A go to for many professional decorators, anti reflex white 2 is a perfect choice for walls and ceilings. A full matt emulsion paint, the Tikkurila AR2 effortlessly removes imperfections, delivering a high level of coverage and providing a beautifully smooth finish. 

Johnstone's Trade Jonmat Premium Contract Matt

Featuring improved application, Johnstone's Jonmat Contract Matt paint is suitable for using on new plaster, walls & ceilings. Suitable for applying through a number of ways including brush, roller or spray, this water based paint has outstanding dry & wet opacity and delivers an outstanding level of coverage. 

Macpherson Trade Eclipse Emulsion

A premium quality high opacity contract emulsion, the Macpherson Eclipse Emulsion has been designed to allow new plaster, render or brickwork to dry out after application. Featuring a beautiful matt finish, this high quality water based paint is quick drying and available in a range of sizes. 

How many coats of white emulsion paint should I apply?

The number of coats required depends on the condition and colour of the surface, the colour of the new paint and the specific product you're using.

Two coats of white emulsion will often provide a more even and consistent finish, particularly when painting over a contrasting colour or a surface that has been repaired or filled.

A well-prepared surface that is already white and in good condition may require fewer coats, depending on the opacity of the paint.

Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product, as recommended coverage and the number of coats can vary between white emulsions.

Can white emulsion paint be used on exterior walls?

Standard white emulsion paint is generally intended for interior walls and ceilings and should not be used on exterior walls.

Exterior masonry requires a paint specifically formulated to withstand outdoor conditions, including moisture, temperature changes and exposure to the elements.

If you're looking to paint an exterior wall white, choose a suitable exterior masonry paint rather than an interior emulsion.

What is the difference between white, Brilliant White and Pure Brilliant White paint?

The terms White, Brilliant White and Pure Brilliant White are used to describe different white shades, but there is no single definition that applies across every paint manufacturer.

A Brilliant White is generally intended to provide a clean, bright white appearance, while Pure Brilliant White is often marketed as an especially bright or crisp white. However, the actual shade can vary between brands and individual paint products.

If you're trying to match an existing white wall or ceiling, it's best to compare samples or check the manufacturer's specific colour information rather than assuming that two products with the same name will be identical.

This is particularly important when touching up existing paintwork, as even small differences in undertone can be noticeable next to one another.

Which white emulsion is best for ceilings, and which is best for busy walls?

The best white emulsion depends on the level of wear and the finish you want to achieve.

For ceilings, a durable matt emulsion or a product specifically designed for ceilings can provide a low-sheen finish that helps minimise the appearance of surface imperfections.

For busy walls, hallways and other areas that are more likely to be touched or marked, consider a durable or washable white emulsion. These products are designed to withstand more frequent cleaning than standard matt emulsions.

Always check the product specification before buying, as durability, washability and suitability for walls or ceilings vary between paints.

Can I use white emulsion on new plaster, and do I need a mist coat?

Yes, white emulsion can be used on new plaster, but the plaster needs to be properly prepared first.

New plaster is porous, so applying a standard full-strength coat of emulsion straight onto it can cause the paint to dry unevenly and may affect adhesion. A mist coat is commonly used to seal and prepare bare new plaster before applying the finishing coats.

A mist coat is typically made using a suitable water-based emulsion diluted according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations. However, some products are specifically formulated for use on new plaster and may have different preparation requirements.

Always check the technical information for your chosen paint before applying it to new plaster.

Which white emulsion should I use in kitchens and bathrooms?

For kitchens and bathrooms, choose a durable, moisture-resistant or washable emulsion such as Zinsser Perma White specifically suitable for the conditions of the room.

Standard matt emulsion may not be the best choice in areas exposed to regular moisture, condensation or frequent cleaning. A specialist kitchen or bathroom paint can provide a more durable finish designed for these environments.

For areas directly exposed to water, such as inside a shower enclosure, use a coating specifically designed for that application rather than standard wall emulsion.