Expert: Dan Griffin - 7/13/2010

Question
Hi,

What is the difference between oil-bound distemper & emulsion? Which one is better, cost-effective & long-lasting?
Also, could you pls. list types of emulsions?

Answer
Pradeep, you are using terms with which I am not familiar.  I can only speak to what is available in the USA.

We have many different name brands of paint.  Each manufactureer has many types of paint available in virtually any color.  There are many decisions to be made once you have selected a brand:

Indoor    - Outdoor
Latex     - Oil base
Gloss     - Semi gloss

There are differnces in the amount and type of pigment used so that some paint covers better.  This is usually reflected in cost.

I think your question is about the difference between oil base and latex.  All paints are made with a mixture of pigment and "vehicle", the medium used to be able to spread the pigment.  Long ago this was usually boiled linseed oil as a vehicle with turpentine or petroleum thinners that would evaporate and dry over several weeks.  We tend to use latex paint more now as the vehicle is water and there are fewer VOC problems, the initial dry is quicker (though final cure takes as long as oil base).

I hope this answers your question.