5 Things to Weigh When Buying Paint

1. Working out the real cost

Coverage is stated on the tin, usually in square metres per litre.

Cheaper paints have lower pigment content, cover less per litre and frequently need three coats where a better paint needs two.

Calculate the wall area, divide by the stated coverage, multiply by the number of coats, and compare total cost rather than tin price.

Add the labour, whether yours or someone else's, since an extra coat costs a day.

2. Finishes and where they belong

Matt hides surface imperfections and marks easily; suited to ceilings and low-traffic walls.

Eggshell and satin have slight sheen and wipe clean; suited to hallways, kitchens and children's rooms.

Gloss and semi-gloss are hard-wearing and highlight every flaw in the surface beneath; used mainly on woodwork.

Specialist bathroom and kitchen paints resist moisture and mould growth and are worth the premium in those rooms.

3. Preparation, which determines the result

Fill, sand, and clean. Most disappointing paintwork is a preparation failure rather than a paint failure.

Wash walls where there is grease or nicotine, since paint will not adhere over either.

Prime bare plaster, new wood and any stain that would otherwise bleed through.

Mask properly; the time spent is less than the time spent correcting.

4. Colour

Test on the actual wall, not on a chart, and view it at different times of day.

Paint a large sample rather than a small patch, since colour reads differently at scale.

Light reflectance affects how a room feels more than the hue does, and is published for most ranges.

5. Buying and storing

Buy enough from one batch, since batches vary slightly and a mid-wall change is visible.

Record the exact colour and finish, and keep a small amount for touch-ups.

Store tins sealed and frost-free; paint that has frozen or skinned is generally unusable.

Dispose of leftovers through proper waste routes rather than down drains.

Final Thoughts

Cheap paint covers less and frequently needs a third coat, which costs a day of work. Compare on total cost for the job, and remember that preparation determines the result more than the paint does.