Little Greene Distemper

Little Greene Distemper is a traditional, chalky matt paint for walls, ceilings, and fine plasterwork. Its breathable, water-based formulation is ideal for natural and lime plasters, delivering a soft, elegant finish best suited to bedrooms, living rooms, and other low-traffic areas. Available in delicate pastel shades, it offers excellent coverage with an A+ indoor air quality rating.

To achieve the best finish with Little Greene Distemper, prepare all surfaces so they are sound, clean, dry and free from dust, grease or loose material.

1. Carefully strip away any peeling or unstable coatings using a scraper, sanding block, or an appropriate Paint Remover product
2. When preparing older substrates, especially those painted before the 1960s, follow lead-safety guidance as these coatings may contain hazardous materials
3. Allow new plaster skim coats at least 4 weeks to dry, and fully plastered walls up to 6 months, before applying paint
4. Completely remove soft distemper; hard distemper finishes can usually be cleaned down before repainting
5. Repair any cracks or holes with a suitable filler, such as Prestonett Multi Purpose Interior Filler, sand back smoothly, and wipe away dust with a damp, lint-free cloth
6. Wash down with Barrettine Sugar Soap Concentrate to remove surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, or chalky residues, then rinse with clean water and leave to dry thoroughly
7. On porous or freshly prepared plaster, apply a diluted coat of Distemper (thinned with 5-25% clean water) to seal and promote adhesion

Always carry out a small test area before beginning your project to confirm suitability, shade, and finish. Follow the product instructions provided on the tin at all times.

Ensure good ventilation during application and drying.

For consistent colour and coverage, purchase enough paint for the entire job, with extra reserved for future touch-ups.

1. Stir Little Greene Distemper thoroughly before use and re-stir periodically to maintain an even consistency
2. Apply 2 full coats using a high-quality synthetic Brush or Brush and Tray Set; spray application is also possible with suitable thinning
3. Maintain a wet edge and finish each section with smooth, even strokes to achieve the best uniform matt finish
4. Allow a minimum of 4 hours drying time between coats under normal conditions
5. Extra coats may be required when applying over strong colours or highly porous surfaces

Preserve the finish and appearance of your paint with these recommended aftercare steps:

• Let the finish settle and harden completely before carrying out any form of cleaning
• Keep surfaces looking their best by removing dust with a feather duster or low-suction vacuum
• For minor marks, use a damp cloth and a very mild detergent, working gently to avoid disturbing the paint surface
• Do not use aggressive cleaning products or heavy scrubbing, as this can compromise the soft matt look
• When refreshing areas, repaint full wall sections or panels to preserve an even colour and finish

What type of finish does Little Greene Distemper provide?

It creates a traditional chalky matt finish with a soft, elegant appearance, perfect for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, dining rooms and living spaces.

Is Little Greene Distemper breathable?

Yes, it is highly breathable and microporous, making it especially suitable for lime plaster and other natural substrates where vapour permeability is important.

Can Distemper be used in kitchens or bathrooms?

This paint is not recommended for humid or high-condensation areas. For kitchens or bathrooms, a more durable finish such as Little Greene Intelligent Matt Emulsion would be more suitable.

How many coats of Distemper are recommended?

Two full coats are normally required to achieve the correct depth of colour and finish. In some cases, highly porous surfaces may need an extra coat.

Does Little Greene Distemper need priming?

On bare plaster or porous surfaces, a thinned first coat of Distemper acts as a primer and helps seal the surface before applying subsequent coats.

How long does it take to dry?

Little Greene Distemper is surface dry in around 1 hour under normal conditions, and recoatable after a minimum of 4 hours.

Can it be applied over existing paint?

It can be used over previous hard distemper or lime-based finishes that have been properly cleaned. Soft distemper or non-porous coatings such as oil or vinyl paints must be fully removed.

Is Distemper safe to use indoors?

Yes, it is a low-odour, water-based paint with very low VOC content and an A+ indoor air quality rating, making it safe for interior use.

What colours are available?

Distemper is available in a selection of pastel shades from the Little Greene colour ranges, offering timeless options for traditional and modern interiors.