Dispersion paint: The universal wall paint
Emulsion paint is a synonymous term for wall paint or ceiling paint. But they all ultimately mean the same thing. If you want to give your interior rooms a new coat of paint, then use white or pigmented emulsion paints. They consist of binding agents, water, fillers and additives. The advantages of wall paints for renovating your living spaces are their high coverage, good adhesion, wipe-resistance, quick drying and easy application. Environmentally friendly versions of emulsion paint do not contain solvents or plasticizers and are recognizable by their odorless nature. Natural or synthetic resins are used as binding agents. So that you are well informed for your next project, we will tell you everything you need to know about emulsion paint below.
Dispersion paint, latex paint, mineral paint: what are the differences?
Different emulsion paints are suitable for different surfaces. This is mainly because surfaces in rooms always have to withstand different stresses. A surface in the stairwell or hallway is subject to greater stress than other rooms, while the bathroom has a high level of humidity. There is a risk of mold here. The walls in the living room or bedroom, on the other hand, are uncomplicated as far as painting is concerned.
Properties of emulsion paint
Dispersion paint includes wall paints, tinting paints and silicate paints. The paints are usually thick, but can be easily diluted with water. Dispersion paint is particularly versatile and offers a great deal of creative freedom as a paint.
The paint consists of synthetic resin as a binding agent, water as a solvent, color pigments for the paint, fillers to improve opacity and consistency, as well as various additives such as preservatives and thickeners that improve the durability and workability of the paint.
Synthetic resin emulsion paint impresses with its high coverage, good adhesion to walls, wet abrasion resistance, breathability and the wide range of color options. Our BAUFIX painter's room white, for example, has a silky matt shimmer and is available as a solvent-free version that is free of preservatives.
durability of emulsion paints
Unopened paints should be kept for a maximum of 5 years. Once opened, it is recommended that you use them quickly within 12 months. After use, make sure that the container is hermetically sealed and, if possible, turn it upside down. This increases the shelf life and you can use the paint for painting over. Anyone who knows the smell of spoiled paint will certainly not wait too long to renovate.
What is the difference between silicate and dispersion?
Dispersion and silicate paint differ mainly in their composition and properties. Silicate paint uses potassium water glass as a binding agent, which makes it very durable and permeable (breathable) and prevents the formation of mold. It is ideal for mineral substrates such as plaster and concrete. Dispersion paint, on the other hand, uses synthetic resin as a binding agent, is easy to apply, flexible and adheres to many substrates, but is less breathable than silicate paint. Dispersion paint is versatile and widely used for interior and exterior painting.
Which wall color should I use for which room?
You can use the properties of the paints in different rooms. This way, surfaces and plaster not only get a fresh or new look, but also a functional interior paint job. Below we present you, as a DIY enthusiast, the best paints for different interior areas.
Hallway, staircases and busy areas
Surfaces that are subject to wear and tear should be painted with latex paint. This includes hallways, staircases and even children's rooms. The paint is particularly hard-wearing, water-repellent and resistant to dirt. The ingredients such as binding agents and additives make the latex paint robust. Our BAUFIX Ultra covering paint, for example, is free of solvents.
walls and ceilings
Walls and ceilings in interior areas are painted with classic interior emulsion paint. In addition to the high coverage, the surfaces remain breathable and the quick-drying properties ensure quick renovation. A plus for all rooms that need to be painted quickly. The healthy paint adheres to almost all surfaces without priming, such as plaster, plasterboard, woodchip wallpaper, brickwork, old coatings and concrete, and thanks to the many colors available through the addition of color pigments, you can paint your walls according to your personal taste.
bathroom and kitchen
Bathrooms and kitchens tend to have high humidity. Mold quickly forms on the walls. In addition to proper ventilation, it is a good idea to paint with a special kitchen and bathroom paint or with silicate paint. Thanks to the silicates, these are able to bind the acid in the walls and thus protect against mold. Here, too, you can use different colors when renovating.
outdoor area
For exterior facades and walls, you should definitely use special facade paints, glazes or varnishes. The main aim here is to make the surface weatherproof and UV-resistant. For example, emulsion paint with synthetic resin or silicone reinforcement is suitable for greater protection. This can of course be just as colorful with its ingredients.
plasterboard:
Dispersion paints or drywall paints are ideal. However, a primer (deep penetration primer) should be applied before painting to reduce the absorbency of the plasterboard and ensure even paint absorption.
Concrete walls and plaster:
Dispersion paints or silicate paints are well suited for use on plaster and concrete. Silicate paints offer additional advantages such as high vapor permeability and mold resistance.
Facades:
Facade paints based on silicone resin, silicate or acrylic are suitable. Silicone resin paints offer high weather resistance and dirt repellency.
Wallpapers:
Dispersion paints are suitable. For heavily structured wallpaper or woodchip wallpaper, a thicker emulsion paint may be necessary to cover the structure properly.
How do you recognize good quality paint?
Good quality interior paint can be recognized by its high coverage, optimal wet abrasion class and intense color brilliance. A high-quality paint has a high pigment content, which ensures good coverage and color strength. It should be neither too thick nor too thin to ensure easy processing and good hold. Good paint hardly drips, adheres well to various surfaces, is low in yellowing, healthy for living, low in odor, highly opaque and abrasion-resistant, which makes it durable and easy to clean. It is also permeable to water vapor, which allows the walls to "breathe" and prevents mold formation. Durability and environmental friendliness are also important features, which are achieved through the absence of harmful solvents and low emissions. Quality features are often indicated on the paint label; if these are missing, the paint is usually of inferior quality.
Dispersion paint: matt, satin or glossy finish?
Emulsion paint is available in matt, semi-matt and glossy. The degree of gloss affects not only the appearance but also the durability of the paint. Matt paints conceal small damage well, but are the least durable. Semi-matt paints are slightly glossy, less sensitive and suitable for damp rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. Wall paints with a high degree of gloss are very durable and easy to clean, suitable for children's rooms and business premises, but quickly show defects and require regular care.
What is abrasion resistance all about?
The paint is divided into wet abrasion classes, which show how hard-wearing and robust a paint is. Class 1 is extremely resistant and can be brushed with water without any problems, while class 5 is hardly resilient. Extensive cleaning should therefore be avoided. Paint in wet abrasion class 2 is therefore very robust and can be cleaned easily and gently.
Can you paint over old paint with emulsion paint?
Yes, you can paint over emulsion paint. However, the surface should first be thoroughly cleaned and loose old paint removed. Cracks and holes must be repaired. In some cases, a primer is useful, especially with highly absorbent surfaces or when changing colors. The new color can then be applied evenly in one or more coats.
Is there an environmentally friendly alternative?
Natural emulsion paints are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional emulsion paints. They consist of natural ingredients such as vegetable oils, natural resins, lime and chalk. The living room paint is biodegradable, low in emissions and free of synthetic and petrochemical components, making it ideal for ecological construction and healthy living. Natural resins, which are obtained from plant sources, are often included as binding agents in these paints and ensure good adhesion to the surface.
How to use emulsion paint?
Before you start, you have to stir the paint well. The room temperature should not fall below +5 °C. Temperatures between 15 and 25 °C are ideal. The humidity of the air should be at least 40% and a maximum of 80%. If you want to apply the paint to the surface several times, make sure that the paint is completely dry first. The drying time is between 3 and 4 hours in good conditions. Cool rooms and high humidity can prolong the drying time. Whether you use paint rollers, brushes, sponges or even a spray can, there are no limits to the application options with the right accessories. Now it's your turn. Start your home project with BAUFIX emulsion paints and turn your home and outdoor area into an oasis of well-being. With emulsion paints, it's child's play to conjure up a very personal touch. If you have any questions, we are always available to help and advise you.
Our wall paint: BAUFIX Ultra-Deckfarbe
- Coverage class I according to DIN EN 13300 at 7 m²/l/l
- Wet abrasion resistance class III according to DIN EN 13300
- pearl white satin finish
- covers perfectly
- low-emission
- for walls & ceilings indoors