Distemper vs. Emulsion — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Distemper is a type of paint made from water, chalk, and pigment, often used for interior walls. Emulsion is a water-based paint with synthetic resins, providing a durable and washable finish for various surfaces.
Difference Between Distemper and Emulsion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Distemper is a traditional paint, primarily composed of water, chalk, and pigment, and is known for its matte finish and breathability. It’s commonly used on interior walls and ceilings but lacks durability compared to modern paints. Emulsion, on the other hand, is a water-based paint that contains synthetic resins, offering a more durable and washable finish suitable for a wider range of surfaces, including interior and exterior walls.
Distemper is relatively easy to apply and remove, making it a preferred choice for temporary finishes or decorative arts. However, it is not water-resistant and can be damaged by moisture. Emulsion provides a more resilient finish, being resistant to moisture and stains, which makes it ideal for areas with high traffic or exposure to humidity.
The cost of distemper is generally lower, making it a budget-friendly option for large surfaces where frequent repainting is acceptable. Emulsion tends to be more expensive but offers long-term savings due to its longevity and reduced need for maintenance.
Distemper paint’s application requires minimal surface preparation, as it adheres well to various substrates. In contrast, emulsion often requires a well-prepared surface for optimal adhesion and finish, emphasizing its use in more permanent and high-quality applications.
Comparison Chart
Composition
Water, chalk, pigment
Water-based with synthetic resins
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Finish
Matte
Durable and washable
Durability
Less durable, not water-resistant
Highly durable, moisture-resistant
Cost
Generally lower
Generally higher
Application
Easy application and removal
Requires well-prepared surfaces
Compare with Definitions
Distemper
A type of water-based paint with a matte finish.
The artist chose distemper for its soft texture and easy application.
Emulsion
Paint that provides a washable and resilient surface.
Kitchen walls are often coated with emulsion to withstand grease and stains.
Distemper
Canine distemper.
Emulsion
Generally more expensive but offers long-term value.
Although pricier, emulsion paint saved them money on frequent repaints.
Distemper
Feline panleukopenia.
Emulsion
Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces.
Emulsion paint was chosen for the exterior walls due to its weather resistance.
Distemper
An illness or disease; an ailment
"He died ... of a broken heart, a distemper which kills many more than is generally imagined" (Henry Fielding).
Emulsion
A water-based paint containing synthetic resins for durability.
The new living room was painted with emulsion for a sleek, modern finish.
Distemper
Ill humor; testiness.
Emulsion
Requires proper surface preparation for best results.
They sanded and primed the walls before applying the emulsion.
Distemper
Disorder or disturbance, especially of a social or political nature.
Emulsion
An emulsion is a mixture of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible (unmixable or unblendable) owing to liquid-liquid phase separation. Emulsions are part of a more general class of two-phase systems of matter called colloids.
Distemper
A process of painting in which pigments are mixed with water and a glue-size or casein binder, used for flat wall decoration or scenic and poster painting.
Emulsion
A fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible
Oil beaten to an emulsion with a half tablespoonful of vinegar
Distemper
The paint used in this process.
Emulsion
A type of paint used for walls, consisting of pigment bound in a synthetic resin which forms an emulsion with water
Three coats of white emulsion
Distemper
A painting made by this process.
Emulsion
Paint with emulsion
If the lining paper is not opaque, the wall should also be emulsioned
Distemper
To put out of order.
Emulsion
A suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
An emulsion of oil in vinegar.
Distemper
(Archaic) To unsettle; derange.
Emulsion
A photosensitive coating, usually of silver halide grains in a thin gelatin layer, on photographic film, paper, or glass.
Distemper
To mix (powdered pigments or colors) with water and size.
Emulsion
A stable suspension of small droplets of one liquid in another with which it is immiscible.
Mayonnaise is an emulsion where egg is used to keep oil and water mixed.
Distemper
To paint (a work) in distemper.
Emulsion
(chemistry) A colloid in which both phases are liquid.
Distemper
A viral disease of animals, such as dogs and cats, characterised by fever, coughing and catarrh.
Emulsion
(photography) The coating of photosensitive silver halide grains in a thin gelatine layer on a photographic film.
Distemper
(archaic) A disorder of the humours of the body; a disease.
Emulsion
Any liquid preparation of a color and consistency resembling milk; as: (a) In pharmacy, an extract of seeds, or a mixture of oil and water united by a mucilaginous substance. (b) In photography, a liquid preparation of collodion holding salt of silver, used in the photographic process.
Distemper
A glue-based paint.
Emulsion
(chemistry) a colloid in which both phases are liquids;
An oil-in-water emulsion
Distemper
(countable) A painting produced with this kind of paint.
Emulsion
A light-sensitive coating on paper or film; consists of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in a gelatin
Distemper
To temper or mix unduly; to make disproportionate; to change the due proportions of.
Distemper
To derange the functions of, whether bodily, mental, or spiritual; to disorder; to disease.
Distemper
To deprive of temper or moderation; to disturb; to ruffle; to make disaffected, ill-humoured, or malignant.
Distemper
To intoxicate.
Distemper
To paint using distemper.
Distemper
To mix (colours) in the way of distemper.
To distemper colors with size
Distemper
To temper or mix unduly; to make disproportionate; to change the due proportions of.
When . . . the humors in his body ben distempered.
Distemper
To derange the functions of, whether bodily, mental, or spiritual; to disorder; to disease.
The imagination, when completely distempered, is the most incurable of all disordered faculties.
Distemper
To deprive of temper or moderation; to disturb; to ruffle; to make disaffected, ill-humored, or malignant.
Distemper
To intoxicate.
The courtiers reeling,And the duke himself, I dare not say distempered,But kind, and in his tottering chair carousing.
Distemper
To mix (colors) in the way of distemper; as, to distemper colors with size.
Distemper
An undue or unnatural temper, or disproportionate mixture of parts.
Distemper
Severity of climate; extreme weather, whether hot or cold.
Those countries . . . under the tropic, were of a distemper uninhabitable.
Distemper
A morbid state of the animal system; indisposition; malady; disorder; - at present chiefly applied to diseases of brutes; as, a distemper in dogs; the horse distemper; the horn distemper in cattle.
They heighten distempers to diseases.
Distemper
Morbid temper of the mind; undue predominance of a passion or appetite; mental derangement; bad temper; ill humor.
Little faults proceeding on distemper.
Some frenzy distemper had got into his head.
Distemper
Political disorder; tumult.
Distemper
A preparation of opaque or body colors, in which the pigments are tempered or diluted with weak glue or size (cf. Tempera) instead of oil, usually for scene painting, or for walls and ceilings of rooms.
Distemper
Any of various infectious viral diseases of animals
Distemper
An angry and disagreeable mood
Distemper
Paint made by mixing the pigments with water and a binder
Distemper
A painting created by distemper
Distemper
A method of painting in which the pigments are mixed with water and a binder; used for painting posters or murals or stage scenery
Distemper
Paint with distemper
Distemper
Paint made from water, chalk, and pigment.
Distemper is often used in historic buildings for its breathability.
Distemper
A temporary paint ideal for interior walls and ceilings.
The renovators used distemper to achieve a rustic look in the old cottage.
Distemper
A paint that is not water-resistant and prone to damage.
Rainwater leaked through the roof, ruining the distemper on the ceiling.
Distemper
An affordable paint option for large surface areas.
They selected distemper for the warehouse due to its low cost.
Common Curiosities
Is distemper paint washable?
No, distemper is not washable and can be damaged by water.
How does the cost of distemper compare to emulsion?
Distemper is generally cheaper than emulsion, making it a budget-friendly option.
Does emulsion paint need special preparation?
Yes, surfaces should be well-prepared for the best results with emulsion paint.
What is distemper paint?
Distemper is a traditional water-based paint made from chalk and pigment, used mainly for interior walls and ceilings.
What surfaces are best for emulsion paint?
Emulsion is suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, including walls and ceilings, due to its durability and moisture resistance.
Why might someone choose distemper over emulsion?
Someone might choose distemper for its cost-effectiveness and ease of application.
Why is emulsion paint preferred for high-traffic areas?
Emulsion is durable, washable, and resistant to stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Can distemper be used in humid areas?
No, distemper is not suitable for humid areas as it is not water-resistant.
Is emulsion paint suitable for exterior use?
Yes, emulsion can be used on exterior surfaces due to its weather-resistant properties.
What finish does distemper provide?
Distemper provides a matte finish.
Is emulsion more environmentally friendly than distemper?
Emulsion often contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more environmentally friendly.
How is distemper paint applied?
Distemper is applied easily with minimal surface preparation and can be removed just as easily.
Does distemper have a long lifespan?
No, distemper generally does not have a long lifespan compared to modern paints.
What is the main disadvantage of distemper paint?
The main disadvantage is its lack of durability and water resistance.
Can emulsion paint be used in bathrooms?
Yes, due to its moisture resistance, emulsion is suitable for bathrooms.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
