Valspar Mixed Paint

Ronnie_Lockstar

Hi everyone. We recently purchased some Valspar paint that was mixed in store at our local B & Q. On the way home the paint containers toppled over spilling paint the contents into the car. I contacted B & Q who don't accept responsibility once it leaves the store. However upon inspection the containers don't seem to have the some robustness as other brands as you can remove the lid with your fingers while other brands require the use of a tool to remove the lid. I did a bit or research and it seems that this problem has happened to quite a few people over the years with some even having their vehicle written off due to the paint causing problems with the electrics. The Guardian did an article a few years ago highlighting this and I think the BBC also did a report with a packaging expert who didn't think the Valspar containers were fit for purpose. A warning to anyone thinking of purchasing the mixed Valspar paint and be very careful how you transport it or maybe consider a brand with a more robust lid. I wonder if there is anything in Consumer Law that states the packaging you buy goods in has to be fit for purpose?

molerat

How did the container topple over if it was secured adequately for transport ?

Aylesbury_Duck

Ronnie_Lockstar said:

Hi everyone. We recently purchased some Valspar paint that was mixed in store at our local B & Q. On the way home the paint containers toppled over spilling paint the contents into the car. I contacted B & Q who don't accept responsibility once it leaves the store. However upon inspection the containers don't seem to have the some robustness as other brands as you can remove the lid with your fingers while other brands require the use of a tool to remove the lid. I did a bit or research and it seems that this problem has happened to quite a few people over the years with some even having their vehicle written off due to the paint causing problems with the electrics. The Guardian did an article a few years ago highlighting this and I think the BBC also did a report with a packaging expert who didn't think the Valspar containers were fit for purpose. A warning to anyone thinking of purchasing the mixed Valspar paint and be very careful how you transport it or maybe consider a brand with a more robust lid. I wonder if there is anything in Consumer Law that states the packaging you buy goods in has to be fit for purpose?

If the lids fell off or were loose, and the paint sloshed around in the upright cans and overflowed, you might have an argument that the containers weren't fit for purpose.  As it is, it seems you didn't secure them adequately, they've toppled over and leaked.  You may have an argument that a better fitting lid would have stopped them leaking, but B&Q can argue that as you didn't secure them, they're not liable for tins rolling around in a moving car, bumping into the sides of boot, etc.

neilmcl

Agree with the above. The tins leaked because they were not secured in the back of the car, not because the lids were loose. The packaging is fit for purpose just not the purpose of being able to roll them around full of paint.

IvanOpinion

Such things (and the fact that I have a dog that is prone to leakage) is the reason the first thing I buy for any new car is a boot liner.

When I have bought paint that has been specially mixed they have used either metal clips or a reinforced tape across the top of the tins.  Usually they do this automatically but I have on one occasion had to request it.

RunningMum

thats your fault, not the stores

firstly the lids need to be opened in order for the colours to be mixed....secondly, basic science would pop the lids of even the tighter dulux lids, if not secured properly. 

mobileron

Happened to a friend of mine in his 2 week old car,bought paint at B+Q.
He got the car fully cleaned free of charge.