Tikkurila Empire Furniture Paint Review

As a painter and decorator myself, and a regular Tikkurila user, I raised an eyebrow when I read about Empire Furniture Paint. In the past, Tikkurila haS led the way with water-based technology and developed products such as Helmi, which are best suited to a spray finish. For me, a ‘regular’ oil-based internal eggshell doesn’t really fit with their usual style.

That said, I do use oil-based eggshell on a regular basis, and that is essentially what Tikkurila Empire Furniture paint is. I am not sure why Tikkurila label it as a “furniture paint” because, to my eye, it can be used on any internal trim, including doors, skirtings, window boards, and radiators.

Tikkurila Empire Furniture paint contains an alkyd oil, like any other product of its type. Available online by clicking here in any colour, this product is touch-dry after around three hours, but you need to leave it overnight before applying additional coats.

My Tikkurila Empire Furniture Paint Review

This week, I had some half-height panelling to paint in a hallway. There was a lot of it, so I wanted something that would go on in two coats and be durable. It was the perfect job to try Empire Furniture Paint.

Upon opening the tin, I noticed it was thixotropic – almost like non-drip gloss or similar – but as soon as I put a brush in it, it loosened up and went on nicely. The ease of use was fantastic, and the paint flew on. The opacity of the paint was excellent too, and two coats of “Farrow & Ball Grey” easily covered old oil-based eggshell in white. There is no need for an additional adhesion primer with Tikkurila Empire Furniture Paint because it is self-undercoating.

The overall look had a rich depth of colour and a beautiful semi-sheen finish. Brush marks just seemed to melt away, and what I was left with looked lovely. I would certainly use this again when the job permits the use of oil-based eggshell.

Click here for a full Tikkurila paint review.

Review Summary

FAQs

Is oil-based eggshell better?

Some decorators still use oil-based eggshell, but many have now switched to water-based alternatives. Generally speaking, oil-based paint has more body, is easier to cut in with, and is more durable. However, water-based paint is quicker and more pleasant to use.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

There are no real disadvantages to using oil-based eggshell paint. A lot of people use it on woodwork and hand-painted kitchens. Acrylic eggshell is great for walls and ceilings in high-traffic areas, as well as kitchens and bathrooms.

Does oil-based eggshell go yellow?

Oil-based eggshell does not contain as much alkyd oil as satinwood or gloss. That means that although I cannot rule yellowing out completely, it should not be an issue, and you probably will not notice it. Cheap retail paints tend to yellow more than trade products like Tikkurila Empire.

Why is my oil-based eggshell not drying?

It might be that the surface you painted has contaminants on it, such as cleaning products. These can bleed through the paint and create a film on top, which stops the solvents from escaping. Alternatively, it may simply be that you need more ventilation in the room. Airflow will help.

How long does oil-based eggshell take to cure?

Oil-based eggshell might be touch-dry after around six hours, and you may be able to recoat it after 16 hours, but it can take up to 30 days to fully cure.