Paint has always been a way to decorate your house at all times. Distemper paint can do wonderful things for your home. This is an ancient type of paint that has been in use for nearly all periods. This modern version of whitewash is created with colour, chalk, and water. It is frequently combined with natural glue, such as egg or casein, a milk-based resin. In this Brick & Bolt article, you will learn a comprehensive overview of distemper paint, which help you choose distemper for your interior and ceiling decorations.
What is Distemper Paint?
The distemper paint is one of the simplest water-based paints with chalk, lime, and pigments as ingredients. This paint is popular for its matte, silky finish and has been used for decades. Are you a homeowner looking for a perfect budget-friendly and non-hazardous paint to fill your interior decoration? Using a distemper for painting your house is the cheapest and easiest method of updating the walls and ceiling.
The best option for homeowners, as it is non-toxic and environmentally safe. Because it is cheap, easy to apply, and needs little preparation, distemper finds application in countries like India, mostly in rural areas and rental houses. Although contemporary paints such as emulsions are more commonly available now, distemper is still a popular, hassle-free option for any person seeking an affordable way to paint their home.
Types of Distemper Paint
Distemper paint comes in a variety of forms to suit various applications. Here’s a quick summary:
Water-based Distemper:
This is a simple paint that must be blended with water before use. It comes in powder form. It’s a reasonably priced choice that works best in places with little activity or in rental properties where durability isn’t a major consideration.
Features and Benefits
- Safe for residential use, with minimal amounts of hazardous chemicals and no thick smell.
- Inexpensive, involves little setup, and is hassle-free to paint.
Oil-based Distemper:
This kind is more washable and long-lasting due to a unique binding ingredient, such as linseed oil. It’s a fantastic option for areas where walls require more stain and wear resistance, like kitchens, corridors, and children’s rooms.
Features and Benefits
- It is perfect for high-traffic locations because it remains intact for years.
- It is readily cleaned and stain-resistant.
Acrylic distemper:
This acrylic distemper is suitable for a smoother appearance and increased robustness. You can also use this for high-traffic areas of your house that require additional support.
Features and Benefits
- The acrylic binder gives a smooth and strong finish.
- It’s ideal for high-traffic areas as it lasts longer and can withstand light cleaning.
Composition of Distemper Paint
The composition materials of distemper paint are as follows:
- Chalk
- Pigment
- Water
- Casein or animal-based glue (like eggs)
Uses of Distemper Paint
Here you can see the uses of distemper paint as follows:
- For ages, it has been widely used for wall decoration and interior painting.
- Due to its non-waterproof nature, it is largely used indoors and is only used outdoors in arid regions.
- It’s reasonably priced and requires only a few coats to achieve decent coverage.
- Dries quickly, and a damp cloth can be used to wipe up spills.
- Less resilient than contemporary paints like latex or oil-based paints.
- Still used in temporary settings, such as theatre plays, and in old structures.
Advantages of Distemper Paint
Here you can see several advantages of distemper paint as described below:
- If you are looking for paint under a tight budget, it is a better choice than other paint varieties.
- Because of its extended lifespan, you won’t need to repaint your house as frequently.
- Distemper won’t cause your walls to crack in the presence of sunlight, in contrast to some other paints.
Disadvantages of Distemper Paint
Even though distemper paint has some benefits, it also has some drawbacks as mentioned here:
- Distemper is not recommended for places that are exposed to moisture or water since it can peel off when wet.
- Cleaning is difficult, and stubborn stains may remain, making upkeep more difficult.
- You might need to repaint sooner rather than later because distemper paint tends to fade more quickly than other paints, such as emulsion.
How to Apply Distemper Paint
With distemper, painting is simple! Simply take these easy steps:
- Mix the Whiting: Thoroughly mix the chalk or whiting with water and set it aside.
- Get the Glue Ready: If your paint does not include glue, combine the paint with a water-based adhesive. Make the adhesive soupy by heating it.
- Combine Glue and Whiting: When the glue is ready, combine it with the whiting.
- Add Colour: Give the combination your preferred colour tinting.
- Filter the Paint: Make sure the paint is smooth by filtering it with a fine muslin cloth.
- Paint Application: The paint is now prepared! It can be applied to any surface, including walls and ceilings.
Distemper Paint vs. Other Paints
The table below will provide you with a comparison between distemper paint and others.
| Feature | Distemper Paint | Other Paints (Emulsion, Oil-based, Latex) |
| Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
| Durability | Less durable; fades and cracks over time | More durable, long-lasting |
| Water Resistance | Not waterproof; can peel when wet | Waterproof and moisture-resistant |
| Washability | Not fully washable, stains can persist. | Easier to clean, resistant to stains |
| Drying Time | Dries quickly | Dries slower, depending on the type |
| Ideal Use | Low-traffic areas, interior walls | High-traffic areas, exterior, or wet areas |
| Maintenance | Requires more frequent repainting | Requires less maintenance and repainting |
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance of Distemper Paint:
Regular care is necessary for discoloured paint. Stains may persist because it is not very washable. Although light dusting is sufficient for cleaning, stubborn stains could be difficult to get rid of without causing surface damage. Repainting may be necessary more frequently, particularly in places with heavy traffic.
Durability of Distemper Paint:
If you compare distemper to other paints, it is not as long-lasting as more recent paints like oil-based or emulsion paints. When years roll over, it tends to fade and may peel or crack, especially in places that are exposed to moisture or sunshine. It works best in dry, low-traffic areas and is not appropriate for places that get a lot of wear and tear or are moist.
Conclusion
In today’s busy world, the use of distemper is inseparable from every home. A budget-friendly distemper paint can colour all your dreams on your wall. Unlike other paints, you can easily use distemper in your home as it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals that affect your respiratory system.
If you want to paint high-moisture and high-traffic areas, then this won’t be alone; a good choice is to include other efficient paints. However, distemper is also perfect for your DIY, as you can paint your room by yourself and enjoy the moment you are transforming your place.