Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Emulsion?
Yes, you can mix acrylic paint with emulsion paint, but only in small amounts and for light-duty projects. Both are water-based, so they will blend, but mixing them can reduce durability, alter drying time, and affect the final finish. The result may also have weaker adhesion and uneven color consistency. For best results, it’s recommended to use one paint type or test the mixture on a small area before applying it widely.
Yes, you can mix acrylic paint with emulsion, but test small batches first.
If you have ever asked, can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion, you are in the right place. I have mixed both for murals, props, and walls for years. This guide shows what works, what fails, and why. You will learn safe ratios, prep tips, and pro fixes you can trust.
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Can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion? What it really means
Acrylic paint and emulsion are both water-based. That is why they can blend. Acrylic uses an acrylic polymer binder. Emulsion (often called latex paint) uses vinyl or acrylic binders with fillers.
So, can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion? Yes, if both are water-based. But film strength, sheen, and washability can change. The mix depends on quality and ratio.
Pros and cons of mixing
There are clear upsides.
- You get custom colors fast without a trip to the store.
- You can push matte or eggshell looks with ease.
- You can save money on large areas like murals on walls.
There are also risks.
- Cheap PVA emulsions can weaken acrylic films.
- Too much water or emulsion can cause chalky paint and poor hold.
- Color shift and uneven sheen can show under bright light.
Source: thebluebottletree.com
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When it works vs when it does not
Mixing shines for indoor wall murals, set design, and craft walls. It also works when you need a soft matte look. Use it on primed drywall, wood, or sealed plaster.
Avoid it on fine art canvas that must last decades. Avoid it on floors, bathrooms with steam, or outdoors. If you ask can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion for exterior work, the safe answer is no. Use a rated exterior acrylic instead.
The chemistry in simple terms
Acrylic paint forms a strong plastic film. Many household emulsions use vinyl acetate or styrene-acrylic binders. These can be softer. When you mix them, the stronger acrylic can help, but the weaker binder can lower scrub strength.
Manufacturer data sheets note limits on water and additive load. Too much extra stuff can break the film. This is why small tests matter.
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Safe ratios and recipes
Here are mixes I use and trust after many trials.
- Tinting a wall emulsion with acrylic color: 10–30% acrylic paint, 70–90% emulsion.
- Making acrylic more matte with emulsion: 10–20% emulsion, 80–90% acrylic paint.
- Water addition: keep under 10% total to protect the binder.
- For murals on walls: 20% artist acrylic color into quality vinyl matt emulsion works well.
If you ask, can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion in 50/50 parts, you can. But I do not suggest it for high-wear spots. Tests show it can scuff sooner.
Step-by-step: how to mix them right
Follow this simple process. It keeps your paint smooth and stable.
- Prep tools. Use a clean bucket, stir stick, and a fine strainer.
- Start small. Mix 1 cup total to dial in color and flow.
- Add acrylic to emulsion, not the other way around. Stir slow and steady.
- Wait 5 minutes. Check for curdling or lumps. Strain if needed.
- Roll a test patch. Let it dry for 2–4 hours.
- Do a tape test. Cut a small crosshatch, press tape, and pull. If it peels, adjust ratio or primer.
- Scale up only when the test passes.
Can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion right in the tray? You can, but a bucket gives you a more even blend.
Surface prep and application tips
Good prep saves time and paint.
- Clean walls with mild soap and water. Rinse and let dry.
- Sand glossy spots. Wipe dust away.
- Prime stains and raw patches with a water-based primer.
- Keep a wet edge. Work from top to bottom to avoid lap marks.
- Use a soft roller cover for smooth walls. Use a fine brush for edges.
If you wonder, can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion to skip primer, the answer is no. Primer and paint do different jobs.
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Durability, washability, and sealing
Most mixes are fine for living rooms and halls. But strong scrubbing can burnish matte blends. A light wipe with a damp cloth is better than hard scrubs.
For murals or high-touch areas, add a clear water-based topcoat. A matte or satin acrylic varnish works well. Wait at least 24 hours before sealing. If the room is humid, wait 48 hours.
Color, sheen, and drying time
Acrylics are strong in tint strength. A little can shift a whole gallon. Emulsion can mute bright pigments a bit. Expect a touch more matte and a bit less punch.
Touch dry is often 30–60 minutes. Recoat in 2–4 hours. Cool rooms need more time.
Common mistakes and easy fixes
Here are errors I still see, and how to fix them fast.
- Using cheap PVA emulsion. Fix: choose a mid- to pro-grade acrylic or vinyl acrylic.
- Over-thinning with water. Fix: keep water under 10%. Add flow with acrylic medium instead.
- Skipping primer on glossy walls. Fix: de-gloss and prime, then repaint.
- Mixing oil-based products. Fix: do not do it. Use only water-based with water-based.
Can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion to cover stains? No. Use a stain-blocking primer first.
Real-world tests and lessons from the field
I have mixed a 20% artist acrylic into vinyl matt emulsion for a school mural. It rolled smooth and dried flat. Two years later, it still looks fresh after gentle cleaning.
I also tried adding 30% budget emulsion into acrylic on canvas. It dried chalky and cracked near the fold. That test taught me to keep emulsion low, or to stick to pure acrylic for canvas work.
If your question is can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion for theater sets, yes. It is common in scenic painting. It saves money and gives fast, matte coverage.
Smarter options if you want better control
You can skip mixing and still get the look you want.
- Use an acrylic matte medium for a flat look.
- Use a glazing liquid to extend open time.
- Buy a high-quality acrylic house paint in your target sheen.
- For murals, use pure acrylic colors for detail, then blend edges with wall paint.
If you ask can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion to make it waterproof, the answer is no. For water resistance, use a rated paint and a proper sealer.
Frequently Asked Questions of can you mix acrylic paint with emulsion
Can I mix any acrylic paint with any emulsion?
You can mix most water-based acrylics with water-based emulsions. Avoid mixing with oil-based or solvent paints.
Will the mix be washable on walls?
It will be wipeable, but heavy scrubbing can burnish matte mixes. Use a clear water-based topcoat for more scrub strength.
What ratio should I start with?
Start with 10–20% acrylic into emulsion for tinting. Adjust in small steps and test a patch.
Can I use the mix outdoors?
It is not ideal outdoors. Use an exterior-grade 100% acrylic made for weather and UV.
Will the color dry darker or lighter?
Most matte mixes dry a bit lighter and flatter. Do a test swatch and check after full dry.
Can I mix emulsion into acrylic for canvas art?
You can, but it is not archival. For long-term art, stick to pure acrylics and artist mediums.
Do I need a primer first?
Yes, if the surface is glossy, stained, or bare. Primer helps adhesion and blocks stains.
Conclusion
Yes, you can mix acrylic paint with emulsion and get great results. Keep the emulsion quality high, the water low, and the ratios modest. Test, tweak, and then scale up with confidence.
Use the steps here on your next wall mural or DIY project. Try a small batch today and note how it rolls, dries, and cleans. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, ask a question, or share your results with the community.
