The best white emulsion paint for walls and ceilings

Dulux retains its supremacy as the leading paint manufacturer and its Walls and Ceilings white emulsion paint is a testament to this fact. Luxuriously thick with a creamy texture, it’s never been easier to get a perfect, professional finish with such ease. White Mist is our favourite pick out of the available colours, not only because of its gorgeous shade but also because of its terrific value. To apply, simply use a brush and roller and spread evenly, this paint is thick and so should spread beautifully. Dulux’s Wall and Ceiling emulsion paint should be touch-dry within 2 hours, but it's recommended to allow the paint to dry for at least four hours.

Customer review: “I painted the walls with it and it looked so good I had to sit down and have a little cry in awe of its loveliness.”

One of the best-selling white emulsion paints available in the UK, Johnstone’s Wall and Ceiling emulsion paint is an absolute bargain. At an incredible price, with fantastic coverage and speedy drying, Johnstone’s is giving Dulux a serious run for their money with such amazing value.
This paint is incredibly thick and smooth, making it a breeze to apply to walls and ceilings. Simply clean the area you wish to paint, sand down any rough areas from previous DIY escapades, and use a brush or roller to evenly apply. Johnstone’s suggests waiting at least two hours before re-application of the paint, but of course, this is entirely your preference.

Customer review: “I bought this brand after using the alleged better ones for decades, excellent paint, solid finish, apply slowly on a roller which stops the usual micro splatters. I have done two coats, the second used far less than the first, and did not seep under the masking tape overall, very happy to find a decent brand. Recommended, and yes I did buy two cans.”

Crown’s Pure Brilliant White emulsion paint is yet another example of a great paint at an astonishing value. With phenomenal coverage at the cost and a pristine finish that rivals the most premium of emulsion paints, if you’re on a budget and looking to rejuvenate your home, you should definitely consider Crown. Just as with our other picks, use a brush or roller to apply in a liberal, even coat, give it at least two hours before coating again.

Customer review: “Brightest white we can find, good thick consistency and only needed a couple of coats”

Crown Trade Vinyl Matt is a water-based emulsion designed for interior walls and ceilings with a smooth, matt finish. It dries quickly, typically within 1-2 hours, and can be applied with a brush, roller or spray gun. With excellent coverage of approximately 17 square meters per litre, it's easy to apply and retains its colour over time. This low VOC paint is easy to clean with water and meets EU limit values for emissions.

Customer review: "Tried so many white paints and this was by far the best one after spending so much on different brands this ended up being our go too."

Leyland Wall Matt Emulsion is a water-based paint suitable for indoor walls and ceilings. A contemporary matt finish can hide imperfections in old walls and it can be used on fresh plaster too. Walls are ready for a second coat within 2-4 hours under normal conditions. This tub of emulsion covers up to 13 square meters per litre, with extra coats needed for strong or contrasting colours. Reviews praise it's good coverage, low odour and value for money.

Customer review: "The paint is brilliant easy to apply and no dripping. And the drying time was perfect. After just one hour I was able to apply a second layer. The coverage is really good."

This high-quality silk finish paint by Wickes is perfect for interior walls, ceilings, and new plaster, offering excellent coverage for large areas quickly. Wickes Trade Contract Silk Emulsion Paint can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer. The pure brilliant white colour provides a professional look, and it's washable for easy maintenance. With minimal VOC levels, it's suitable for all interior walls and ceilings. This emulsion dries in 2-4 hours between coats and covers approximately 10-12 square meters per litre.

Customer review: "Worth the money and done two rooms with a 10 litre tub and that was with going over the walls again."

Unsurprisingly, Dulux finds themselves on our list once more with their excellent Easycare Bathroom Emulsion paint. Despite being specifically designed for use in the bathroom, this is a great emulsion paint for all around the house due to its brilliant durability. Apply with a brush and roller with total ease, this paint is perfect for the amateur painter/decorator and provides lasting protection against pesky mould with five years of mould protection guaranteed by Dulux. Terrific coverage, tremendous colour, and a lovely finish, what’s not to love?

Customer review: “Best paint ever. I will use nothing else. I cannot believe the negative reviews I have read. This paint goes on thin and easy in no time at all - no drips no runs. Super fast drying time ensures a second coat can be applied very soon. I usually leave it a day or two, but I managed two coats within hours. Beautiful finish on doors and skirtings. Exactly what I wanted.”

Dulux Magic White Silk emulsion ensures a flawless finish on walls and ceilings, transitioning from pink to white within an hour for seamless painting. It's ideal for interior use, with a low VOC level and quick drying time of four hours. This water-based paint offers great coverage, approximately 13 square meters per litre, and can be applied with a brush or roller.

Customer review: "Great product, used it many times. Ideal you can see where you have painted, prevents missing bits."