What is distemper

Distemper is a water-bound paint made of chalk (whiting) or lime as a base, with glue or casein as a binder, pigment for colour and water as the thinner. It is applied on plastered walls and ceilings of interiors to give a decorative, matt finish at low cost.

• Oil-bound distemper is another type, in which the binder is a drying oil, making it washable.
• Dry distemper is supplied as powder; it is mixed with water, and the coat is not washable and may be rubbed off.

Distemper is cheap, easy to apply, dries quickly and gives a soft matt effect, but it is not suitable for exteriors or damp places because it is not durable, cannot be washed (dry type), and must be recoated every few years.