Trade vs Retail Paint

You might have heard that trade paint (the paint that I use) is better than retail paint (the paint you buy in a DIY store), but is that true?  Read on to discover more about what makes trade paint different.

In general, trade paint uses higher quality raw materials and contains specialist ingredients.  These are carefully balanced by the manufacturer to give the paint particular characteristics e.g. a scrubbable finish.

A good decorator knows their paint.  We stake our reputations on it. We share knowledge with each other and word soon gets around. Whether it be a fantastic new product, or one that has let us down, paint gets us talking.  Decorators like me love to read about new paints, the experiences of our associates and how we can create an even better finish for our customers.  Paint manufacturers spend millions of pounds on product development since it is such a competitive market, especially in the age of the internet where word can spread quickly.

Opacity is the 'hiding power' of paint, its ability to cover the surface that is being painted.  Trade paints usually have much better opacity than retail paints, meaning fewer coats are needed and the job gets done more quickly.  Its one way we can save customers money without having to compromise on quality.

In most cases, trade paint covers more square metres per litre because it has better opacity and better ingredients.  For example, Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt covers 17 square metres per litre, whereas the retail equivalent Dulux Vinyl Matt only covers 13 square metres per litre.  So even if you are only buying a 5 litre tin, you'll get 20 square metres more out of the trade paint.  

Due to its advanced formulation, trade paint usually gives a much better finish than retail paint.  That means you get smoother surfaces, with less visible brush and roller marks.

Most trade paints contain better quality binders so that they stand up to being cleaned.  Some trade paints have a scrub rating, given after being rigorously tested by machines in a laboratory.  The colours in trade paint usually fade less quickly too, so your room will look better for longer.

Well, a tin of retail paint will usually be cheaper to buy than a tin of trade paint.  But when you consider that it will probably cover a smaller area, not stand up to being cleaned, could give you a poor finish and may even fail, it could end up costing you more in the long run.  That's why I only work with quality trade paints that I know I can trust to give you wonderful, lasting results.