Which brand of paint

Justamum

We are in the process of decorating our house. We're going to put up a textured paper and then paint over it. Which make of paint would you recommend? B&Q seem to be making a big thing of Valspar paints, but reviews I've read aren't any good. Dulux seems to be getting a bit of a slating too. Is Crown still any good? Someone mentioned Johnstones - does anyone have any experience of them? I'm not going for white, I want colour - years of renting in white/magnolia houses means I want vibrancy in my new home

daveyjp

The majority of pro decorators use either Johnstones/Leyland or Dulux Trade - available from the out of town trade centres, generally not DIY sheds (you may find Leyland in some discount stores, but a limited range of cllours)

I follow their lead and have always been satisfied with the results.

cddc

Would agree with Davey there. Johnstones are good and so is Dulux Trade.

For an own brand DIY shed paint. The Wickes own brand is surprisingly good, but only comes in 2.5 ltr tins in most stronger colours.

McKneff

Definitely agree with the above. My OH was a decorator for donkeys year and would swear by
Johnstones/Leyland.

pmartin86

I echo the Johnstones/Leyland for the bulk of painting, howerver I have personaly used the Valspar Premium paint in my hallway/living room as its "wipe clean" which is superb as I ahve a dog who loves to roll in mud. Its been up a while now and its holding up very well having been "wiped over" on at least 3 occasions.

Regards
Paul

theEnd

My dad (in the trade) always swore by Leyland.

That said, I've done my flat up using standard Dulux and he reckoned that was fine.

Highly recommend the Dulux Satinwood Once for the internal woodwork. So easy to use.

JustinR1979

I use Leyland, but don't know a lot

Justamum

Thanks for your replies everyone

There is a supplier of Johnstones over here. I can't try Wickes as we don't have a store on the island.

Furts

As OP will have gathered, Johnstones and Leyland come out of the same factory. Also the same paints get put into different tins with different labels - it is all down to branding and profit margins - there is trade, Super Leytex, vinyl, trade matt, obliterating emulsion..etc. It does get confusing, so ask, or phone the Technical Help Line - the latter is excellent.

Five golden rules with the Trade Centres- 1)Johnstons is the brand aimed at the consumer and Leyland the brand aimed at the trade. The prices, and tins reflect this, but some products like varnish are only available as Johnstons. 2) There are regular price promotions - ask to see the leaflets, particularly on basic emulsions, sundries and Johnstons Woodworks range.3) Fat Hog is the trade brand aimed at sundries - fillers, abrasives, brushes, adhesives...they are fine and good value. 4) Ask to open a cash sales account - this should get you discounts off list price in return for your repeat custom. 5) They are always negotiable on price and will match or undercut Screwfix etc if asked.

I have used the products for years and am a fan of them and the Trade Centres.

leveller2911

I like Brewers own "Albany" paints with some nice traditonal colours too. They are decent quality, not too expensive and I know loads of decorators who use them.

PheoUK

Being using dulux trade on the house to good effect in the last couple of months. No issues so far with emulsion, wood primer or eggshell