It’s a fascinating thing to discuss when it comes to painting. Painting may be a lot of fun because the finished product is so vibrant and attractive to the eyes and mind.
Choosing the correct paint and finish, on the other hand, is the difficult part. Plastic paint and distemper paint are two types of paint that are commonly used.
However, they are not the same.
Key Takeaways
- Distemper and plastic paint are both types of paint used for interior walls.
- Distemper is a low-cost, water-based paint with a matte finish that is easy to apply.
- Plastic paint is more expensive than distemper, has a higher sheen, and is more durable.
Distemper vs Plastic Paint
Distemper is a traditional, low-cost paint that is used primarily for interior surfaces and has a matte finish. Plastic paint is a durable, water-resistant paint that is used for exterior surfaces and other surfaces exposed to moisture or heavy wear and tear and has a glossy finish.
Distemper paint is a low-cost, water-based paint. As a result, it is also less expensive.
It can be used in the interior design of a home. It comes in a variety of hues, and the color picking procedure is totally automated.
It is washable, which means it can be washed if there are any stains on it. It is quite long-lasting, as it can last for more than two years.
Plastic paint is a thick, gritty, oil-based paint that is washable and retains its texture when applied with a brush or spatula. It’s made up of pure acrylic latex and high-opacity micro-pigments that give the paint a velvety-matte texture.
Plastic paints, known as emulsions, vary from traditional paints only in that they are washable.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Distemper Paint | Plastic Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | It lasts for a shorter time | Lasts longer |
| Mildew Walls | Less suitable | More suitable |
| Primer | Not necessary | It is necessary. |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Based on | Water-based | Oil-based |
| Finish | Only matte | Glossy |
| Application | Suited for interiors | Suited for the exterior. |
What is Distemper Paint?
The name distemper literally translates to “water-based paint.” The distinction between distemper paint and plastic paint is best described by defining each one separately.
Distemper is an old form of paint that was also utilized during WWII. It’s composed up of chalk, lime, and water, with animal glue-like resins and caseins thrown in for good measure.
These paints can be used on cement surfaces directly.
Acrylic Distemper Paint offers a comprehensive range of water-based interior wall paints in more than 1000 colors. Acrylic Distemper Paint has a matte finish and is of the highest quality.
These paints are also known for their quick-drying period.
Synthetic Distemper Paint has a matte finish that may be simply wiped off with a damp cloth to remove dust. This grade will give your walls a stunning appearance.
The oil film of the paint hardens with time, increasing its longevity and making it easier to clean.
UNO Acrylic Distemper Paint is a cost-effective option for interior walls. Because the hues retain their brightness, this paint will give your home a really fresh and new look.
There are over 950 different colors to choose from.
Distemper paint has some drawbacks as well. It’s just good for inside painting; it won’t work on any outside surfaces. It only comes in a matte finish and requires two coats to appear good, unlike emulsion paints, which come in a glossy finish.
The paint has a strong odor that requires 10-12 hours of ventilation to dispel. This is important to know if you have any respiratory problems like asthma.
Emulsion paints of higher quality provide a considerably nicer finish and are more expensive.
What is Plastic Paint?
Plastic Paints are made composed of high-opacity micro-pigments and pure acrylic latex. The paint has a pretty strong surface, making it durable and quick to cure.
The color of the paint is retained for a longer period of time, and water exposure has no effect on the quality or color of these paints.
Plastic paints, as the name implies, have a higher proportion of plastic in them. The silkier the gloss, the more plastic there is in the paint.
As a result, if your walls are covered with plastic paints, you may quickly wipe away tenacious grime with a damp towel.
Plastic paints are mostly made up of acrylic latex and micro-pigments with high opacity. As a result, the paint’s surface is robust and long-lasting.
Furthermore, because the paint contains an enormous amount of plastic, any water interaction with the paint has no effect on its texture.
Plastic paint is oil-based paint with a plastic-like appearance and feels, hence the name. Water is used as a thinner in this paint, which comes in a variety of hues.
Because of their glossy surface, also known as a gentle sheen, they’re widely utilized for auditorium ceilings, showrooms, slabs, and decks.
Plastic paint features a shiny finish that reflects light and so brightens the space. As a result, they don’t absorb any heat and, as a result, keep the room a little colder than other paints.
Because it is oil-based, it is quite waterproof. As a result, it is without a doubt the ideal option for exteriors.
They’re commonly utilized for timber panels nowadays because they give them a great look and finish.
Main Differences Between Distemper and Plastic Paint
- Distemper paint lasts for a shorter time in comparison to plastic paint.
- Plastic paint is more suitable for mildew walls, while distemper paint is less suitable.
- Primer is not necessary for distemper paint. On the other hand, primer is necessary for plastic paint.
- Distemper paint is more economical than plastic paint.
- Distemper paint is water-based and plastic paint is oil-based.
- Distemper paint has a matte finish, whereas plastic paint has a glossy finish.
- Distemper paint is best suited for interiors, while plastic paint is best suited for exteriors.
References
- https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02630809110031592/full/html
- http://llrc.mcast.edu.mt/digitalversion/Table_of_contents_3653.pdf
Last Updated : 15 July, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
