Emulsion Paint Is So Last Year

Is your next paint project really crying out for emulsion—or is it time for something better?

For decades, emulsion has been the go-to choice for wall and ceiling paints. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and is widely available. But here’s the thing: we’re no longer painting like it’s 1995. Modern homes need finishes that last longer, perform better, and look sharper. And truthfully? Emulsion paint can’t always keep up.

At Rawlins Paints, we’ve seen a shift. People are choosing products that go beyond the basic. Whether it’s for interior wood, kitchen units, or entire rooms, customers are moving away from traditional emulsion paint. In this post, we’ll show you why it could be time to make a change when decorating your home and garden.

Emulsion Paint: A Quick Overview

Let’s start with the basics. Emulsion paint is water-based and typically used for interior walls and ceilings. It’s known for being low odour, quick-drying, and relatively easy to clean up. It contains pigments, binders, water, and occasionally additives for mildew resistance or added flow.

But while emulsion paint has served us well, it’s not without flaws.

The Problem with Emulsion Paint

Despite its popularity, emulsion paint isn’t the silver bullet for every surface or scenario.

1. It doesn’t like wood. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that emulsion paint isn’t designed for timber. Paint it on doors or skirting boards, and it’ll likely flake or peel. Wood expands and contracts; emulsion paint doesn’t move with it.

2. It’s not as durable. High-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens demand finishes that withstand scuffs, steam, and repeated cleaning. Emulsion paint? Not so tough.

3. It’s not the best for moisture. Bathrooms and kitchens generate humidity. Even with “bathroom emulsions,” the resistance is often weaker than more advanced alternatives.

4. It fades fast under harsh conditions. Sunlight and scrubbing wear down emulsion finishes. Over time, colours dull and marks linger.

So what should you be using instead?

Beyond Emulsion: Modern Paints That Work Harder

Let’s get real. Your home deserves more than an all-purpose solution. That’s why many are turning to multi-surface, wood-specific, or high-performance acrylic paints. These aren’t just alternatives to emulsion—they’re upgrades.

At Rawlins Paints, we stock finishes designed for every project, from metal garden gates to bedrooms. And when you choose the right paint, your finish doesn’t just look better—it lasts longer, too.

1. Multi-Surface Paints

Tired of switching tins for different materials? Multi-surface paints are designed to bond to wood, plaster, brick, even uPVC. They offer the ease of a single product without sacrificing performance. Paints such as Zinsser Allcoat Interior work excellently all across your home.

With excellent adhesion and strong scratch resistance, they’re ideal for busy homes and creative DIYers. Want a dramatic statement wall that carries across to skirting boards and radiators? Done.

2. Durable Acrylic Systems

Acrylic paints are more flexible than emulsion. That means they move with your walls and surfaces instead of cracking or peeling. They’re often used in commercial environments—but they’re brilliant for domestic projects too.

Acrylics are tougher, more washable, and often carry better UV protection. Ideal for heavily-walked floors, south-facing rooms, or anywhere children’s hands might wander. Hanford & Green‘s range of acrylics cover a wide range of surfaces, in over 5,000+ colours.

3. Specialist Wood Paints

Remember when we said emulsion paint hates wood? That’s because it’s not built for expansion, contraction, or grain. Proper wood paints, on the other hand, are.

They adhere better, seal the surface, and resist knocks. Whether you’re refreshing a fireplace mantle or restoring kitchen units, our range of wood paints will outperform emulsion every time.

What About Finishes?

Emulsion paint typically comes in matt, silk, or soft sheen. But your options don’t end there. Newer formulas offer:

• Eggshell for a soft, durable glow—perfect for kitchens.

• Satin for subtle sheen and easy cleaning.

• Gloss for bold accents, trims, and furniture.

And with these finishes available across multiple surfaces, your creative freedom grows. Think navy blue panelling, warm greys for wardrobes, or vintage green accents in the bedroom.

At Rawlins Paints, you’ll find all these finishes—each in a wide range of high-performing, long-lasting colours.

Eco-Friendly Options

There’s also growing interest in sustainability. Traditional emulsion paint isn’t always the most environmentally friendly option. Many modern alternatives offer:

• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content

• Water-based formulas

• Better indoor air quality

Some brands we stock are even vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. So your project doesn’t just look good—it feels right, too.

Key Takeaways

To recap, emulsion paint might still have a place—but it’s a shrinking one. With better options now widely available, you can:

• Paint wood, walls, metal, and more with the same multi-surface paint.

• Choose finishes that last longer and clean more easily.

• Add bold colour without sacrificing durability.

• Upgrade bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors with confidence.

• Choose eco-friendly alternatives that perform brilliantly.

Every idea in this post—from specialist wood finishes to UV-resistant acrylics—can be brought to life using products available at Rawlins Paints. We’ll help you realise your vision, with colours and finishes that go beyond ordinary emulsion.

Ready to Paint Smarter?

Don’t let old habits hold back your creativity. If you’re still reaching for emulsion paint out of familiarity, now’s the time to explore smarter, tougher, and more versatile solutions. However, if you’re feel like emulsion paints are ideal for your needs, check out this guide on when to best use emulsions.

Got a tricky surface or an ambitious idea? Leave a comment below. One of Rawlins’ Technical Experts will be happy to help you find the perfect product for your next project.