The Best Emulsion Paint 2022

If you require a quick answer, the best emulsion paint is the Dulux Matte, which provides great coverage upon walls and ceilings and a long lasting matte finish. However, if you need to paint multiple rooms and require the best value for the money, the Crown alternative is the perfect solution that’s touch dry in just 2 hours.

To rate the emulsion paints within this article, we based our recommendations upon plenty of testing, research and a number of factors. The factors that we considered included their coverage, ease of application, time to dry, VOC levels, colours available, finish, tin sizes and value for money.

Emulsion Paint Comparison

It’s worthwhile spending your time to research the latest emulsion paints available as there is a wide variety on the market. Dulux for example offer several different formulas that are suitable for a range of different requirements.

Below is a list of the best emulsion paints that provide great coverage and are perfect for interior walls or ceilings.

The Best Emulsion Paint

1. Dulux Matt Emulsion Paint For Walls And Ceilings

The Dulux Pure Brilliant White is by far the most popular emulsion paint in the UK and for good reason too. It’s easy to apply, provides great coverage and is ideal for walls and ceiling that require a modern, flat finish.

In order to provide unbeatable durability once applied, this emulsion paint uses Chromalock technology. This unique formulation gives it the edge over the majority of paints when it comes to a long lasting finish.

Other features of the Dulux Pure Brilliant White Emulsion include:

• 13 m2 coverage per litre
• Application via brush or roller
• Available in 2.5, 3, 5, 6 and 7 litre tins
• Best used for walls and ceilings
• Requires two coats for maximum durability
• Dries within 2 to 4 hours
• Low VOC level

Although it isn’t the cheapest, the Dulux Pure Brilliant White is the best emulsion paint that provides great coverage and long lasting results. It’s also backed by the reputable Dulux brand for complete peace of mind.
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2. Crown Emulsion Brilliant White Emulsion Paint

Another popular emulsion paint is the Crown Brilliant White Matt, which is designed for use upon interior walls and ceilings. According to the brand, once applied correctly, it provides a durable, non-yellowing and non-reflective finish.

In terms of the application, it’s recommend that you either brush or roller it onto the walls or ceiling. It’s then touch to dry within 2 hours and can be recoated after 4 hours.

Other features of the Crown Brilliant White Emulsion include:

• Matt, non-reflective finish
• Non-yellowing formulation
• 14m2 coverage per litre
• Interior use only
• Low VOC level
• 10 litre tin

The Crown Brilliant White is by far the best emulsion paint for the money and per litre, it’s also one of the cheapest. Unlike similar priced alternatives, this formula retains it’s quality and provides long lasting results that won’t disappoint.
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3. Leyland Matt White Emulsion Paint

Leyland are a brand that’s popular among professionals and they’re well-known for producing high quality yet affordable paints. This Matt White emulsion paint follows that great reputation and is ideal for painting fresh plaster.

In terms of the application, the brand states that it’s capable of providing up to 14 m2 coverage per litre and it’s touch dry within 2 to 4 hours.

Other features of the Leyland Contract Emulsion include:

• High opacity formulation
• One year manufacturers guarantee
• 14 m2 coverage per litre
• Available in a bulk buy 10 litre tin
• Perfect for new work application
• Requires two coats for the best results

Overall, the Leyland Emulsion Paint is an excellent all-round option that provides excellent value for money and a high quality finish. Whether you are painting fresh plaster or tired existing paint, the Leyland emulsion won’t disappoint.
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4. Dulux Once Matt Emulsion Paint

Another emulsion paint by Dulux is the “Once” formula and unlike the brand’s standard matt paint, this particular formula provides a perfect finish in just a single coat. Whether you need to paint the walls or ceiling, it’s designed to provide great coverage and is also available in a range of colours to best suit your requirements.

For the best results, the brand recommend applying a thick coat with a medium pile paint roller and a brush for edging.

Other features of the Dulux Once Emulsion include:

• Concentrated formulation
• Only requires a single coat
• Suitable for walls or ceilings
• Requires at least 4 hours to fully dry
• Available in 7 different colours
• 2.5 litre tin

Although expensive, the Dulux Once is easy to apply and allows you to paint an entire room with a single coat. It’s a high quality emulsion paint that won’t disappoint and is also available in a great selection of colours too.
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5. Dulux Easycare Washable Emulsion Paint

The Easycare is yet again another Dulux emulsion paint that’s very popular in the UK. This formula in particular is designed for maximum durability and according to the brand, it’s 20 times tougher than standard emulsion paints.

In terms of the application, per 2.5 litre tin, it’s able to cover up to 32.5 square metres, which works out at 13 square metres per litre.

Other features of the Dulux Easycare include:

• Stain repellent and repels liquid spills
• Washable and easy to clean
• Available in 27 different colours
• Suitable for walls and ceilings
• Dries within 4 hours
• 2.5 litre tin

Although expensive, the Dulux Easycare is a high quality paint that’s ideal for painting over walls or ceilings. The unique formula provides unmatched durability and is the perfect option for areas that are prone to dirt or liquid spills such as busy hallways, games rooms and much more.
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6. Johnstone’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt

The Covaplus Vinyl Matt is one of the most versatile emulsion paints on the market and it can be applied using a brush, roller or spray. Although designed for interior walls and ceilings, it can also be used on a range of other surfaces too.

According to the brand, this emulsion paint works great upon wallboards, plaster, concrete, cement render and even brickwork. In terms of its coverage, the brand claim that it provides up to 17 square metres per litre.

Other features of the Johnstone’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt include:

• Excellent opacity and coverage
• Resistant to fading and yellowing
• Recoat in 2-4 hours
• Eco label approved
• 1 to 10 litre tins available
• Hides surface imperfections

Johnstone’s have a great reputation with all the paints that they produce and this emulsion paint follows that great reputation. It has excellent opacity and is the perfect solution for painting interior walls and ceiling.
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How We Tested & Rated The Emulsion Paints

Over the years, we’ve painted plenty of rooms from top to bottom and used a wide range of emulsion paints. Whilst testing some of the formulas within this article, we compared their ease of application, coverage and finish. In our most recent test of emulsion paints, we used the paints shown in the photo upon the walls and ceilings with each wall having a unique colour.

As well as testing, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and multiple factors. The factors that we considered included their coverage, ease of application, time to dry, VOC levels, colours available, finish, tin sizes and value for money.

Conclusion

Whether you are painting over old paint or fresh plaster, emulsion paint is the best type to use. All of our recommendations cover a range of formulas that offer unique features such as single application or durability.

To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise that you take some measurements of the walls and ceilings to be painted. There is nothing worse than running out of paint midway through the application. Most emulsion paints offer between 10 to 17 m2 coverage but many formulas may require multiple coats for the best results.