Macpherson Eclipse Emulsion is a widely discussed paint among professional decorators. Known for its use on ceilings and new plaster, this review delves into the collective experiences of decorators, covering its application, performance, and how it compares with other products in the market.
Application and Versatility
Coverage and Whiteness
John Smith initially expressed doubts about Macpherson Eclipse Emulsion, noting that it wasn’t as white as his preferred Johnstones Covaplus and that the coverage seemed lacking. However, upon application, he found the coverage to be satisfactory on ceilings, despite it not being as white as expected.
David Thompson highlighted the need to thin the paint significantly to avoid brush marks around the ceiling line. He also faced challenges covering new coving, requiring multiple coats to achieve an even finish. Despite these issues, Thompson noted that the paint was excellent for touch-ups, blending seamlessly with the existing paint.
Michael Green, a regular user, mentioned that Macpherson Eclipse usually provides solid coverage on plastered ceilings, especially if the surface isn’t heavily unibonded. He suggested that Thompson’s experience might have been due to a bad batch, as he had not encountered similar problems.
BJB Decorators added that Macpherson Eclipse behaves uniquely, often appearing thin upon application but drying to a more solid and satisfactory finish. This characteristic can lead to initial doubts that are later dispelled once the paint dries.
Application Techniques
David Thompson shared that he thinned the paint for both ceiling lines and coving, which helped achieve a better finish. He stressed the importance of preparation and patience, as the paint tends to improve in appearance after drying.
Christopher James advised spraying the coving, regardless of the paint used, to ensure better coverage and a smoother finish.
Durability and Performance
Touch-Up Capability
Several decorators, including David Thompson, praised Macpherson Eclipse for its excellent touch-up capabilities. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or during installations where surfaces can get scuffed.
Long-Term Use
Kevin Johnson and Paul Smith vouched for the paint’s reliability, with Johnson using it exclusively for ceilings and Smith finding it brilliant after two coats. Aaron Turner also mentioned that although the paint might not look solid immediately, it dries to a lovely, white finish once fully cured.
Comparisons with Competitors
Anti Reflex 2
Tikkurila Anti Reflex 2 is often mentioned alongside Macpherson Eclipse as a top contender for ceiling paints. Decorators like Jason Clarke, Stephen Black, and Paul Brown favour Anti Reflex 2 for its superior whiteness and flat finish. They highlight that Anti Reflex 2 is more durable and less prone to flashing, making it an excellent choice for ceilings exposed to critical light conditions.
While Anti Reflex 2 is praised for its durability and superior finish, some decorators find its coverage to be less effective than Eclipse. Daniel Edwards mentioned that Anti Reflex 2’s coverage could be challenging, even over white surfaces. Despite this, its performance in well-lit areas and its ability to eliminate roller and brush marks make it a preferred choice for many professionals.
In terms of cost, Anti Reflex 2 is slightly more expensive than Macpherson Eclipse, but decorators like Adam Williams and Ryan White believe the extra cost is justified by the paint’s performance and finish quality. For those prioritising a brilliant white finish and durability, especially in critical light areas, Anti Reflex 2 stands out as a worthy competitor to Macpherson Eclipse.
Johnstones Covaplus
While Macpherson Eclipse received positive feedback for its performance on ceilings, it was noted that it doesn’t match the whiteness of Johnstones Covaplus. However, its touch-up ability and final finish were commended.
Zinsser Allcoat and Other Competitors
Decorators like Chris Taylor discussed other alternatives such as Zinsser Allcoat and Teknos, highlighting that each paint has its strengths and specific use cases. However, Macpherson Eclipse holds its own in terms of ease of application and final appearance, especially on ceilings.
Practical Feedback
Real-World Use
Numerous decorators shared their real-world experiences, emphasising that Macpherson Eclipse is particularly suited for ceilings and new plaster. Its ability to touch up seamlessly and its performance after drying were recurring themes in the feedback.
Challenges and Solutions
Decorators like David Thompson faced challenges with coverage on new coving and ceiling lines but found that proper thinning and application techniques could mitigate these issues. The paint’s behaviour of appearing thin initially but improving after drying was also noted as a point to be aware of during application.
Conclusion
Macpherson Eclipse Emulsion is a versatile and reliable paint, particularly well-suited for ceilings and new plaster. While it may not be as white as some competing products, its excellent touch-up capabilities and solid performance after drying make it a popular choice among professional decorators. Proper preparation and application techniques are essential for achieving the best results. Despite the competition from newer and more expensive products, Macpherson Eclipse remains a valuable tool in a decorator’s arsenal.
