We all know that colour is transformative, but with so many paint brands on the market, how do you find the best one for you?

Let’s face it; choosing colours for our interior (or exterior) can be one of the most fun parts of renovating, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Working out whether to go for the current trending colour or something more timeless is just one part of it – what about the paint brand itself?

Whether you’re shopping for paint in store or online, there’s so much choice, with every brand adamant as to why their product is best. To help you choose the right solution, KBB journo Laurie Davidson delves into the world of colour…

So, how can you be confident you’re making an educational choice? “Some paint brands make big claims, so it can be difficult for consumers to determine what really matters,” says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant for Fenwick & Tilbrook. “One brand might focus on offering one-coat coverage, while another could emphasise eco-friendliness, durability or unique pigments. These claims can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to cut through the marketing by focusing on what’s most important to you.”

So, how exactly do you do this?

Well, a good starting point is to look at what it is you’re painting and choose a suitable paint. Mould-resistant paint, for example, might be key in a bathroom, while more hard-wearing paints may take priority in a kitchen. “The main factors to consider are durability, colour choice, finish, and environmental impact,” suggests Chelsea Clark, head of brand for Lucie Annabel.

“Start by thinking about the space you’re going to be painting. High-traffic areas such as kitchens benefit from scrubbable finishes like satin, whereas bedrooms often look better with a matt finish. Eggshell is an ideal choice for woodwork, from skirting boards to trim. Its slight sheen adds a touch of elegance, creating a subtle contrast with matt walls, while offering a more forgiving surface than high-gloss options – making it perfect for concealing minor imperfections,” says Chelsea.

The quality

Then there’s the quality; how can you tell which paint is better than another, and is there much difference between all the brands? “Different qualities of paint will have different levels of ingredients,” says Laura Dollimore, paint expert at B&Q. “Higher-quality paints have a higher percentage of binder and pigments, resulting in a better finish. Typically, paint with 30% to 45% binders and pigments is higher quality, whereas paint with less than 30% is lower quality.”

Of course, it’s likely you’ll be able to see if the quality of your paint isn’t up to scratch once you apply it. If the coverage is poor or it requires more than two coats, it’s a sign the quality could be better. “Other signs are if the paint dries patchy or streaky, if it marks easily, if there is colour fading or yellowing, if it’s difficult to clean or wipe, and if there is peeling,” says Tash Bradley of Lick. “However, some of these might occur in cases where the surface you are painting is poor, or it hasn’t been prepped appropriately, so ensure you read the prep instructions to get the best results.”

Recommendations from decorators and kitchen makers are always invaluable, as they’ll have lots of experience trialling different paints. If choosing yourself, you’ll want to find a paint with fine, dense pigments, which will not only give you the colour you’re after, but should require fewer coats and isn’t likely to lose its colour when wiped or scrubbed – especially important in a kitchen where spills and splashes are more likely.

“A good quality paint will have real depth of colour to it,” explains Victoria Newall of Drawn Interior Design. “It will respond to light and change throughout the day and year. Emulsion should give walls a lovely chalky finish, which seems to have become part of the wall instead of a layer on top of it.”

Try some testers before buying to check the coverage or, if you’re using a decorator or furniture maker, talk to them and see what they’d recommend. If budget is going to play a big part in the paint you choose, it’s worth being aware that while a less expensive paint brand may cut it cost-wise, it might not have the same quality to it, meaning you need more coats or it will chip easier down the line; which, in turn, can rack up the cost.

That’s not to say that’s the case with all paints, of course, but it’s certainly something worth considering – and although high-quality ingredients and rich, natural pigments come at a cost, they are more likely to give you depth, vibrancy and longevity.

Sustainability

Overall, colour is key, but to many of us it’s just as important to pick a brand that’s eco-friendly. “Some paints may contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that not only give the paint a chemical smell, but when they dry they evaporate and can contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases,” says Laura.

So do we have a responsibility to prioritise sustainability when choosing our paint? Clare Pascoe of Pascoe Interiors believes so: “This is easy to do now without compromising on colour and quality,” she says. “All major paint suppliers are much more ecologically aware. Gone are the days when paints were highly toxic and oil based – now, they’re widely water-based, and reputable brands offer VOC-free options.”

Michael Schienke from Vorbild Architecture agrees: “The word sustainability gets thrown around a lot these days. There are many more choices in healthier paints (with less solvents) and brands that can back up their sustainable credentials, so you shouldn’t need to compromise. I would always choose between paints which are healthier overall.”

It’s not only the paint itself that you may want to keep in mind when it comes to sustainability, though, but the testers you choose, too. Some, such as Lick’s Peel & Stick samples, for example, are made with real paint, can be moved around to see how the colours evolve in different lights, and are made with 0% plastic and 94% less paint than the industry average sample tester pot size.

Colour-matching

If you have your heart set on a particular shade that you want to get spot on, but aren’t willing to pay a high price, you may be tempted to use a colour-matching service. It’s where some brands offer to match a paint based on a digital photo or a dry sample – but how accurate is it? “Colour matching doesn’t always work as expected, especially when comparing premium paints with cheaper alternatives,” says Anna.

“While a colour match might look close under controlled lighting, high-quality paints, which use rich, natural pigments, will react to light differently. These premium pigments add depth, making the colour more dynamic, whereas cheaper paints can appear flat or lifeless.”

Victoria adds, “Decorators often suggest colour matching as they prefer the thick coats of trade paints, but premium brands have really improved their coverage now; I’ve had good feedback from even the most sceptical of tradesfolk.”

Clearly, choosing a paint will require you to think about so much more than just the colour: the ambience, how much light the room gets, the texture you’re painting onto, and your own personal style, for example. But knowing what to look for when choosing the paint itself will give you a head start, while ensuring you’ve chosen a brand that matches your aesthetics and values.

Happy decorating!

Enjoyed this post? Click here for painted door and window frame ideas

About Post Author