Painting Wood with Emulsion. Is It Possible?

Short answer? Yes. You can paint wood with emulsion. Although they are usually designed for interior walls, some of these products can be used on both interior walls and wood. However, this cannot be done without proper preparation and specific techniques if you want the best results.

The use of a standard vinyl matt emulsion on interior wood is not recommended as it does not provide greater durability for making doors and skirting boards resilient towards knocks.

But why would people want to paint wood with emulsion? This write-up will discuss in detail the why, as well as how to use the right emulsion paint, the proper method, and tips for painting to acquire refined detailing and a flawless finish. So, what’s the wait? Let’s get started…

The Why?

People want to paint emulsion on wood for the diverse benefits it reaps. Here’s a detailed disclosure:

• Sustainable Water-Based Paints Solution: Emulsions, such as water-based eggshells are usually applied on interior trim as the oil-based version of eggshell is slow drying and can get yellowish as the time passes. Therefore, most of the individuals prefer to use a water-based eggshell emulsion rather than an eggshell finish.
• Eco-Smart Choice for Modern Homes: Being water-based, emulsion paints usually have lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions relative to oil-based paints, making them an eco-friendlier option.
• Long-Lasting Finishes That Endure: Contemporary emulsion paints especially those with a satin or eggshell finish provide high-level durability and resist damage although they are not as robust as specialized wood paints.
• One Paint, Countless Possibilities: Although emulsion is not ideal for exterior surfaces or high-traffic zones, emulsion paint can be used on several interior wood surfaces, like cabinets, furniture, and interior woodwork.
• Stress-Free Painting from Start to Finish: Another benefit of emulsion paints being water-based is that they can be applied easily with brushes or rollers and cleaned up with soap and water.
• Smooth Sealing for a Flawless Look: Emulsion paint can be sealed with a protective coating for instance, a clear varnish or wax. This improves its resilience and defiance to scrapes and humidity.
• Trendy Textures for Contemporary Spaces: People who want a more contemporary, smooth finish can benefit from emulsion paints, particularly matte or low-sheen varieties.
• Exceptional Results without Breaking the Bank: Usually, emulsion paints prove more economical than specialized wood paints, which makes them a cost-effective option for painting wood.
• Seamless Blends for Spot-On Results: Emulsion offers easy matching of colors between walls and interior woodwork, fashioning a more uniform outlook.
• Sticks Strong, Stays Stunning: Emulsion paint properly holds to wood surfaces, which makes it ideal for painting woodwork.

Paint Wood with Emulsion the Right Way

When it’s time to apply emulsion paint on already-prepared wood, painters need the right gear and methods to acquire a seamless and durable finish. Let’s breakdown the process:

1. Equip for Excellence: Precision Begins with the Right Tools in Hand. So, the first step of the procedure is to choose the right tools to acquire high-end results. For larger areas, painters choose a paintbrush and roller to achieve a smooth application of the emulsion paint.
2. Multiple Coats for a Bold Finish: The next step is to apply multiple coats of emulsion paint to significantly enhance its coverage and durability. To prevent peeling issues and achieve a lasting finish, painters usually apply two coats, ensuring that each coat dries completely before applying the next one. It takes around four hours for a coat to dry before applying the other coat.
3. Fortify Surface for Unmatched Resilience: The last step is to enhance your paint’s durability by choosing durable emulsions (obviously) and by applying varnish. It provides an added layer of protection because it acts as a sealer, shielding the paint from wear and moisture damage. For high-traffic zones and moisture-exposed surfaces, this step is particularly valuable. Remember, proper preparation and product selection are equally important in considerably extending the life of your paint job.

Insider Tips for Flawless Emulsion Finish on Wood

The main agenda of applying emulsion on wood is to achieve an even and textured finish. However, a durable outcome can only be achieved when the correct practices are carried out. Our tips will be a definite help in correctly applying emulsion paint on wood:

1. Sand the wood before painting, as it will help even out rough areas and create a more suitable texture to which the paint can adhere.
2. Apply the paint using the right paint brushes and rollers. For edges and tight areas, use a paintbrush and a paint roller to cover larger spaces.
3. To amplify the emulsion’s longevity, apply two coats of paint. Remember to ensure the first coat gets completely dried before the application of the second one.
4. Apply varnish over the emulsion (as also mentioned in the last para) to enhance its durability, as the varnish acts as a sealer.
5. Choose wisely from the diverse emulsion varieties for application on wood. From matt, eggshell, silk, satin, or gloss, each of the types is divided by the type of finish it shows. More luster means more light reflected. Matt emulsion paints are known for their minimal luster that ensures a smooth, modern finish. Eggshell has a little more luster while satin offers a mid-sheen finish. Gloss provides the maximum shine due to its high reflectivity.

Do It Yourself or Trust the Pros?

People often prefer applying emulsion paints on woodwork using DIY solutions over letting professionals handle the job. DIY paints have both merits and demerits. We believe it can’t match the high-quality results that professionals bring.

Reason? DIY solutions are not done by any paint pros, so you can expect some serious mistakes that can really damage your wood. Most of all, artists with brushes are trained and experienced, so they know which products, techniques, and materials are required for satisfying paint jobs.

If you’re considering any kind of paint job, reach out directly to Platinum Paints to save time on researching the market to find reliable painters. We promise high-end results and the ultimate durability for wood by meticulously painting emulsions of your choice. Call us at 0748 155 7135 or e-mail info@platinumpaints.co.uk to book our services today.