For the benefit of anyone reading this.
Do not follow the advice often offered up on the internet to thin emulsion by 50% water.
One thins paints so that the plaster doesn't suck the moisture out of the paint too quickly. Waterbased paints cure via a process called coalescence. In short, the water evaporates off and the remaining molecules shrink back and bond together. If you add too much water (read: 50/50) the coalescence process is compromised.
The whole point of thinning paint is to reduce the level of suction (ok- that is an oversimplification... nevertheless), but using a 50/50 mix does nothing with regards to suction. Yes, it can be useful if you want to see which areas need sanding prior to repainting, however if you do not want to sand significant areas back, just follow the thinning advice offered by the manufacturer (which is never 50/50). Thin the paint that much and you will end up with paint all over the place, it is extremely difficult to prevent it running down the walls, over the skirting, on to the carpet/etc.
Oh, and do not use Supermatt and the like unless you absolutely have to paint over wet(ish) plaster or (still drying) internal damp proofing cement render. Those paints are not suitable as base coats. You might get away with using them every now and then but if you use waterbased eggshell or vinyl silk over the top, you run the risk of opening a big fat tin of worms.
Sorry for the ranty post. I decorate for a living and unlike some supposed decorators, I want to provide a high quality finish. I could make more money by using those kinds of paints but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.