Every professional decorator has their own opinion on the best emulsion paint for interior walls and ceilings. But there are so many emulsion paint brands that new DIYers may struggle to choose one.
You’ll need to consider the desired finish, the coverage required and the choice of colours available. It’s also worth checking the ingredients list – especially if you’re concerned about VOCs or environmental impact.
In this article, we will discuss what makes good emulsion paint, and the benefits of choosing an eco-friendly brand. We’ll then compare some of the best emulsion paint available in the UK.
What Makes a Good Home Emulsion Paint?
Emulsion is a type of water-based paint designed for interior walls and ceilings. It is quick-drying, easy to use and available in a range of finishes, including matt and silk. You can read more about emulsion paint here.
When it comes to choosing the best emulsion paint, there are many factors to consider. For example:
- If you’re working with a particular colour scheme, look for a brand that comes in a wide range of shades. (Of course, if you’re only searching for the best white emulsion paint, this won’t matter.)
- Emulsion paints that boast good coverage are highly pigmented and have a thicker formula. This makes them easier to work with and reduces the number of coats needed.
- Busy family homes and high-traffic areas call for a durable, hard-wearing emulsion paint. Look for an emulsion brand that is washable or wipeable with a high scrub resistance.
- Breathable emulsions allow moisture to pass through and evaporate, preventing mould and bubbles in the paintwork. They are the best choice for humid rooms.
Besides performance, it’s important to consider what the paint is made from – especially if you have allergies or asthma.
Why Choose Natural Emulsion Paint?
Nowadays, many homeowners prefer using natural emulsion paint. Natural emulsions are made from mineral- and plant-based ingredients and are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This means they don’t impact air quality and are better for people with asthma, allergies and fragrance sensitivity. They are also safer for children and pets.
Natural paints are also more eco-friendly: they don’t leach plastics or harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Most natural paints are also sustainably manufactured, and suitable for vegans.
Fortunately, “natural” does not mean poorer quality. In fact, the best natural emulsions perform just as well as traditional acrylic or resin-based formulas.
What Is the Best Emulsion Paint for Walls (UK)?
At Greenshop Paints, we stock some of the highest quality ecological paints and finishes in the UK. As well as offering fantastic performance and coverage, every emulsion we carry is sustainably produced and made from natural ingredients.
If you’re looking for the best emulsion paint for interior walls and ceilings, here are some of our top picks.
Auro 555 Premium Emulsion
Auro 555 Premium Emulsion is a strong contender for the best natural matt emulsion available on the UK market. Part of Auro’s “Colours for Life” range, this beautiful interior paint comes in 96 fantastic nature-inspired shades.
Pros:
- Easy to use with good covering power and little dripping or splashing
- Gorgeous matt finish
- Durable and wipeable (class 2/3 abrasion resistance)
- 100% natural formula, fully compostable and free from petrochemicals and plastics
- Incredible range of colours including natural tones, pastels and brights
- Virtually VOC-free
- Skin-safe, child-safe and pet-safe
- Vegan-friendly
The only con is the price point, which is higher than some brands – however, this is justified by its fantastic quality. The price also reflects Auro’s commitment to carbon neutrality as an eco-friendly paint manufacturer.
Auro 524 Premium White Emulsion
Auro’s Premium White Emulsion is a technically superior white matt emulsion offering fantastic performance, designed to stay durably white over time. Suited to all indoor plastered surfaces, it is our best emulsion for new plaster, difficult surfaces and covering older paint jobs.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented white colour with excellent hiding power
- Gorgeous matt finish
- Easy to apply with few drips or splatters
- Can be diluted with 10% water for use as a mist coat
- Class 1 abrasion resistance, ideal for busy living areas
- 100% natural formula, fully compostable and free from petrochemicals and plastics
- Virtually VOC-free
- Skin-safe, child-safe and pet-safe
- Vegan-friendly
Auro Premium White Emulsion is a great contender for the best white emulsion paint (UK-wide). Unfortunately, it is only available in white – however, it can be coloured with Auro 330 full-shade tint.
Earthborn Lifestyle Emulsion
Earthborn is the first UK license holder to carry the EU Ecolabel for indoor paints and varnishes. All Earthborn paints also carry the Toy Safety standard and are therefore suitable for children’s bedrooms.
Earthborn Lifestyle Emulsion is designed to be exceptionally durable, making it our best silk emulsion for busy homes. It is available in more than 70 beautiful wall paint colours.
Pros:
- Smooth application with great covering power
- Classic low-sheen finish
- Hard-wearing and washable
- Oil-free formula
- Virtually VOC-free
- Child and baby safe
- Vegan-friendly
- Manufactured in the UK
The only downside to Earthborn Lifestyle Emulsion is that it contains a synthetic preservative and acrylic binder. Fortunately, the majority of the formula is made from natural ingredients.
Earthborn Claypaint
If you’re looking for the best emulsion paint for bathrooms and areas of high humidity, Earthborn Claypaint is a great choice. Available in over 70 colours, this eco-friendly clay emulsion is designed to be ultra-breathable, minimising condensation and reducing mildew. It’s also thicker than most other paints, making it the best one-coat emulsion.
Pros:
- Luxurious flat matt finish
- Thick, creamy consistency offering fantastic coverage
- Highly breathable
- Static resistant
- Oil-free and acrylic-free
- Virtually VOC-free
- Child and baby safe
- Vegan-friendly
- Manufactured in the UK
Its breathable, clay-based formula makes Earthborn Claypaint especially suitable for lime-based surfaces. However, its main disadvantage is that it isn’t as hard-wearing as other emulsion paints.
Where Can I Buy the Best Emulsion Paint (UK)?
Whether you’re looking for the best matt white emulsion or a colourful clay paint, you’ll find plenty of choice at Greenshop Paints. We are proud to stock one of the largest selections of natural, eco-friendly paints and finishes in the UK. Click here to view our entire range of high-quality emulsion paints including Auro, Earthborn and more.
Why not also check out our exterior paints, painting and decorating tools, wood treatments and finishes? Alternatively, if you have any questions about our products or their use, contact Greenshop Paints today via our website.
Explore our range of natural paints: 
