For sheer diversity, it’s hard to look beyond Dulux’s range of emulsion paints. Although we’re reviewing the five-litre Pure Brilliant White Matt emulsion, it’s possible to get seven other finishes, from satin and silk to gloss and eggshell. You can buy 30ml tester pots and various tin sizes containing anything from 0.75 litres to five litres.

MacPherson Eclipse is a flat emulsion that’s hugely popular with professional decorators with some refusing to use anything but this on ceilings. Trade paint covers in fewer coats, has much better opacity and lasts much longer than retail paint. One thing I would say is anyone can get a flawless finish with Johnstone’s perfect matt. If price doesn’t come into it and you’re not bothered about other products being better value for money, then perfect matt may be the product for you. It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve only given you a review in white, but this product can actually be tinted into any colour from Johnstone’s vast range. Ask any professional decorator worth their salt how good Zinsser paints are and they will tell you that they’re one of the most reliable brands in the industry. With that in mind, Zinsser Permawhite is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a white emulsion that can handle the vigours of kitchen and bathroom environments.Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether a particular shade will complement or contrast against its surroundings, use a 30ml tester pot in an inconspicuous location (such as behind a sofa) before investing enough paint to cover an entire room. Applying Emulsion

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. For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned. Our trade paint emulsion is available in a selection of neutral colour choices ranging from pure brilliant white to magnolia and classic grey. With tin sizes ranging from 2.5L to 15L, choose the right size for the job in a range of finishes including eggshell, gloss, matte, satin and silk. On the other hand, if I’m painting over lighter colours, I would go with Covaplus because it’s a dream to apply. White Emulsion: Trade or Retail?

Frequently asked questions

As always, the way you paint will depend on which emulsion you have at hand but there are a few tips you can follow to get that perfect, modern finish. The opacity is good too, better I would say than Crown and Dulux. When dry it is a matt finish as stated, unlike diamond Matt that has a soft sheen finish. 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

Can be temperamental on extra porous surfaces, such as unsealed coving and filler, where flaking can occur. However, a primer can easily remedy this. Anti-Reflex 2 in white and Macpherson Eclipse don’t picture frame, go patchy and I’ve touched it in without issue. The big difference the Perfect Matt is how white the paint is. I’m a big Anti-Reflex fan, but the Perfect Matt is definitely the crispest, bright white I’ve ever seen. Inhibits the growth of mould which is essential if you have moisture issues in your kitchen or bathroomI did have to apply a third coat, could be because I didn’t use a Johnstone’s contract matt, I do think that if I was putting it over an existing white ceiling it would go in two coats.