Paint - is there a significant difference between the major brands?

JadeHighland

Found a colour I like for our bedroom and it's a Dulux paint. 

A friend then told me I should got to the Dulux shop and get a trade version mixed. I then see videos online saying there isn't much difference. 

Then others are saying go for a completely different brand. I'm an over thinker so definitely looking too much into this. 

Any recommendations on what paint I should get? Or better yet, am I making a big mistake by just getting the big standard retail Dulux paint? 

BJV

Might be just me but I have tried all the mixed paints and they never quiet come out the same. The tone is never quiet right. I would wait until there is a deal on and get the Dulux. I bet the price difference wont be that much and also it makes it easier if you need to touch up areas. as mixed paint is almost impossible to replicate. ( I know I have tried ! )

If you can try Farrow and Ball - we have just done the living room in a dead flat colour and wow it is fab! Also not sure why but you seem to use less paint to get the colour depth ?? 

rob7475

I prefer to use trade paints (usually Crown Trade) but in all honesty, the standard Dulux isn't too bad. Go for the wipeable paint if you can as it can withstand the odd scuff etc.

If going for trade, you'll find that there tends to be more pigment in the paint so you use less to get better coverage. I usually water trade emulsion down just a touch (maybe 2% water), and it gives a really smooth finish when using a good roller.

Grenage

The trade paint is thicker; you can get better coverage or water it down a touch.  I tend to use Dulux trade as I have never had any problems with it, and the price isn't bad.

I find that the non-trade is fine too, I just need another coat.

sk2402005

Oh yes, theres a big difference, mostly the amout of effort to apply it, number of coats, and durability.

Buy trade if you want quick and possibly singe coat application, and a vinyl (wipable)

Buying cheap, or non durabe versions is false economy

JadeHighland

sk2402005 said:

Oh yes, theres a big difference, mostly the amout of effort to apply it, number of coats, and durability.

Buy trade if you want quick and possibly singe coat application, and a vinyl (wipable)

Buying cheap, or non durabe versions is false economy

We want the Rock Salt colour. The below is more expensive, but you would recommend that over the standard one? 

https://www.diy.com/departments/dulux-easycare-rock-salt-matt-emulsion-paint-5l/5010212640456_BQ.prd

greensalad

I've used a lot, aside from the trade paints. I find them all quite different in their own ways. I generally use Valspar as a friend painted their whole house with it and it came out looking good. Valspar Silk Premium is all over my house and looks great, good coverage. Valspar Simplicity is crap. I like Dulux too though, the kitchen vinyl matt is great.

bluelad1927

I've just finished painting 9 rooms and 2 stairs/ hallways in standard Dulux and very pleased with it. Two of the rooms were actually Dulux mixed, one of which was a waste of time as the colour was no different to an off the shelf one.

I'm no expert but I'd use Dulux everytime as it seems great value for money

Cactus_Flowers

I'm planning on using Dulux, seems to be a good balance between value and durability.

I'd recommend against using Farrow and Ball unless you really know what you're doing - I painted one room with it, and although the colour is gorgeous it feels like it gets scuffed if I even breathe on it. Apparently this is happening because I didn't get the F&B specific primer beforehand so it is my fault, but it's still an extra expense that I wouldn't want for the rest of the house.

fatbelly

Just done a big job using Dulux. Got the paint with pensioner's discount from Trago Mills.

like the others said, I had to water it down a bit as it was to thick - made a nice job at the end of the day

Grenage

Cactus_Flowers said:

I'm planning on using Dulux, seems to be a good balance between value and durability.

I'd recommend against using Farrow and Ball unless you really know what you're doing - I painted one room with it, and although the colour is gorgeous it feels like it gets scuffed if I even breathe on it. Apparently this is happening because I didn't get the F&B specific primer beforehand so it is my fault, but it's still an extra expense that I wouldn't want for the rest of the house.

Any matte paint will mark very easily; it's great on ceilings but risky on walls if you have children or pets.