---
title: "What is distemper"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:distemper-definition"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-definition
site: BCT Engineering
---

# What is distemper

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 9: Paint and Varnishes

- Asked in: 2078 Bhadra, 1 marks; 2074 Chaitra, 2 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Distemper Properties & Applications | BMC Civil Guide | Mohan Dangi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI4b2Ms6Dbg) — Digitech education
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-definition
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-9

## Question

What do you understand by distemper?

## Short answer

Distemper is a water-bound paint of chalk or lime base, glue binder, pigment and water, giving a cheap matt finish for interior plaster. Dry distemper is not washable; oil-bound distemper contains oil and is washable.

## Answer

**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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Distemper is made of:
   A. Chalk or lime base, glue or casein binder, pigment and water
   B. Resin and turpentine
   C. Cement and sand
   D. White lead and linseed oil
   Answer: A. It is a water-bound paint. (Key point: Composition)

2. Distemper is used on:
   A. Exterior metal
   B. Interior plastered walls and ceilings for a cheap matt finish
   C. Damp exteriors
   D. Timber floors
   Answer: B. It is unsuitable for exteriors or damp places. (Key point: Use)

3. Which is true?
   A. Oil-bound distemper uses a drying oil binder and is washable; dry distemper is powder, not washable
   B. Dry distemper is washable
   C. Oil-bound has glue binder
   D. Both are weatherproof
   Answer: A. Dry distemper may rub off and needs recoating. (Key point: Types)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Distemper forms and preparation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Adistemper-forms-preparation) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 9