Frequently Asked Questions

This is to make sure you are happy with the service and ensures you are happy.

The painter has to ensure you are happy so you do not cancel.

If at any point you're not satisfied, you're free to cancel, you just give us one working day's notice and settle up for the work completed so far.

In many cases we can wrap things up even faster than that. (For reference, working days run Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.)

Please note we can only do this for labour and not for materials.

If we purchased materials on your behalf such as paint, we have to charge for the time to return them for you and can only do so if the supplier will accept them.

We work on a pay as you go way, it means you do not pay anything up front and only pay for what has been done.

At the end of each day, you check the work and then just pay for what has been done.

We can do longer payment periods and please let us know if you would like your quote adjusted for this.

Please note that this is for labour, for materials we have to charge up front as they have to be bought and it is not something we can control

Yes you can and you are welcome to, but the price cannot be discounted like the default quotes which are for transfers into our bank account at the end of each day.

Please contact us for the price on this, it is not much different.

This difference is due to the credit card charges and cashback risks. Also the processing time means the painter will not receive the money as soon as you have paid it.

The problem we have is that 0.5% of customers pay by card and we are a very small business, so the facility is not used much and does not have great terms.

Please do not pay cash, we do everything properly to make sure everything is accountable. Any cash payments will not be counted as you having paid.

Whatever happens, it all happens in writing in the system, including cash

Once you have ordered, the order has been processed and your painter allocated. The system will then send out an email with information to help you get the best from the service.

This email also has our bank details for you to send payment with.

Painting and decorating companies sometimes say it is the best price, but we almost always find it is not.

It takes time to buy the paint, organise what to buy, put the transaction through the bookkeeping, etc. and this cost has to go somewhere.

We have to put 20% on top of the purchase price to cover this, instead of just including this cost in the labour price.

This means the labour price can be lower for customers who choose to get the paint themselves. Also, the painters can put more time and resources into doing the best possible painting work

However we do know where the cheapest and best value places to get the paint are and are very happy to give recommendations. At the moment our favourite supplier is Brewers, if you go through your local store the delivery people are excellent as they are employed by the company.

So we are very happy to get the paint for you, but it is usually cheaper for the customer if they do it themselves.

If you buy it yourself, please make sure you buy enough.

Sadly if the painter is there and not able to work, such as due to lack of paint, they have to charge for the time that is wasted. This is because it is not the painters fault and they still have their cost of living.

We also recommend getting enough that they can also do good thick coats. This is so they do not have to lay it on thin so it does not run out.

Yes you can pay in cash and the platform will give you a receipt for the payments.

However we please ask if you can do by bank transfer if possible, or credit card as a second option.

This is because these are automated on the platform which is so much easier for us and the painter.

Cash needs us to do everything manually, including go to the bank to deposit the money.

Please note that to do cash we need to know beforehand that this is what you will be doing, this is so it can be organised with the painter.

You can get an instant quote online and on the phone.

You can start an online quote at https://painterlogan.co.uk/get-a-quote

Choose the type of work you need:

-Interior painting and decorating

-Lining or wallpaper

-External painting

-Commercial premises

Then answer the questions about your property and project. The quote calculator will provide an online estimate where available. If your project is not covered, please use the contact form so we can discuss it with you.

We do online and telephone quotes because it means you money goes into the job and doing the best possible worki, rather than the quoting process.

Companies that do in person quotes usually have to spend 50% more to provide the service and need to pass this onto the customer.

The cost of doing in person quotes quotes can be as much as doing the work.

This is due to the cost of travel, writing them up, the quotes that do not turn into jobs, etc.

All this has can only passed onto the customers as they are the only source of revenue.

So by doing it this way your price is much lower and we can put the savings into the highest quality service.

Please feel free to use the online forms, we can do a quote for you on the telephone and you can also send us photos if you like.

If you would like to send us photos you have taken, or a floor plan we can make your quote from them.

We then use the photos and floor plans and enter that information into the online quoting forms for you.

It is also fine without them.

All we are doing is using those photos and floor plan to enter the information into the website quoting forms like you would.

The quoting forms and chatbot questions on the website are what it is all based on, it works off a fixed price list that covers everything.

Even once you have accepted the quote, more information is always useful for the painter to prepare. Also for the platform to see that the quote questions have the correct information.

The painters are proper painter decorators, not handymen. As a result, although you see a fixed quote, from their side, they do a minimum visit of a day.

At the time of writing this information, which is also used by the chatbot, that is £280 per day.

There are sometimes special circumstances where it can be less, such as quiet times or if you have used that painter for other work so they are happy to come for a smaller amount.

The payment is done by electronic transfer to our bank account, the painter then gets their amount the same day.

Credit card payment is available, but due to the costs of this we cannot give you the full discounted rate in your quote. Please contact us to ask what this new quote amount would be.

Please kindly do not pay cash, from the systems point of view, it will be like you have not paid.

Yes, please do, pictures are great.

You can send them to us by email or WhatsApp.

Pictures are best because they are stored in our computer system, but you can send videos if you need.

Then we can go through them and create your quote for you.

If you have an estate agent floor plan it is useful, but not in any way essential.

When people are having the stairs painted, they usually do not have the bannisters and handrails painted.

We can do this if you like, as it is less common though, if we ask you it will be as a later question because most people do not have it.

You are welcome to have it and some people do, but just to say that it is less common.

Please note that most handrails need varnish which is of course different to what you will be putting on your walls, skirting boards, etc.

The quotes are fixed for 30 days.

Having said that, if the prices of the materials have not gone up and the market rate for painters has not either, then the price would be the same.

We cannot speak for materials due to inflation, but at the time of writing this FAQ and material for the chatbot, the labour price has not changed for 2 years.

Yes, filler for cracks and holes is included in all quotes as part of the labour

The algorithm works it out if are painting the handrail and banisters it will double the amount it takes.

So the cost will be double then just painting the walls, ceilings and skirting boards.

This is usually because banisters and handrails are labour intensive with the prep work and painting.

This is also why people do not tend to have the bannisters and handrails painted. People do it sometimes, but most people do not.

The pricing algorithm is based on previous jobs and what has been needed for those.

It is really quick and easy to get an instant quote to paint your flat.

You can do it online and on the phone.

You are also welcome to send us photos via whatsapp.

Please go to https://painterlogan.co.uk/quote-price-calculator-internal-home?calculation_type=price_calculator

You just fill in the form and you will get a full fixed price quote.

It is really quick and easy to get an instant quote for putting up lining paper and wallpaper.

You can do it online and on the phone.

You are also welcome to send us photos via whatsapp.

https://painterlogan.co.uk/quote-price-calculator-internal-home-wallpapering?calculation_type=price_calculator

You just fill in the form and you will get a full fixed price quote.

It is really quick and easy to get an instant quote to wall or ceiling damage repairs. We also do a lot of water damage repair work.

You can do it online and on the phone.

You are also welcome to send us photos via WhatsApp.

Please go to https://painterlogan.co.uk/quote-price-calculator-internal-home-water-damage-repair?calculation_type=price_calculator_repair

You just fill in the form and you will get a full fixed price quote.

Our material estimates are based on the extensive data we've collected from the many projects completed on our platform.

To make sure the quote will include enough paint, the calculation also includes an extra 20% paint quantity. This is what we have found can sometimes be needed.

This is because:

1. "Up to" is a maximum, not a guarantee. Manufacturers list the best-case coverage figure, but actual coverage depends on the wall's texture, absorbency, existing finish, and overall condition. So the maximum possible is exactly that and does not mean it will be the average amount needed, or correct for your surfaces.

1. Decorative details add up. Coving, mouldings, and other detailed fittings require extra paint to cover properly.

1. Quality over shortcuts. Our decorators apply proper, full coats to deliver a finish that looks great and lasts. We do not just stretch the paint thin to save a bit of product and an easier job for the painter, but a less paint job result.

1. Bulk buying is more cost-effective. Larger tins offer better value per litre. If a job runs just one litre short after buying a 2.5L tin, purchasing an extra small tin ends up costing more overall than buying a 5L tin from the start.

1. Running out mid-job causes delays. Needing to source more paint partway through — especially if that colour or product is temporarily out of stock — can significantly hold up the project.

Often when you get a price calculation quote from us, at the bottom it will show from the information you gave us, what the measurements of your property are and how much paint will be needed.

You can then view this to see your thoughts.

When you use the online price calculator, you get a full price breakdown.

It has all the items being painted and how much it costs for each one

Below the blue box with this information there is a link called ‘Show measurements and paint quantities’

This opens a section and the third pull down in there has the paint quantities.

They are separated into each room and their parts.

We can then work out what exact paint you need to buy.

Simply tell us which colour and sheen you would like such as gloss, satin, eggshell or matt you would like for each thing

If you would like to choose it yourself, just tell us brand, colour and sheen you are having for each one. Then we can merge them together into a paint order.

For example, you are having the ceilings all the same colour, we can just add all the ceiling room calculations into one tin.

If you are having two rooms the same colour walls, we can merge them into one tin and so on.

Basically the online quoting tool creates this price calculation.

Then the next stage creates an order form which a human customises with you to get it as you need.

We get the closest tin size possible to what the customer needs, but of course you may not need it all.

When we get to the final calculation, we always accommodate paint tin sizes.

For example:

• If something needs 4 litres, a 5 litre tin is usually the closest available.

• If it needs 2 litres, then probably a 2.5 litre tin is the closest available.

We are always careful not to cut it too close. For example, 2 x 2.5 litres of paint is always a lot more expensive than one 5 litre can.

So if there is a high risk more than 2.5 litres will be needed, such as 3 litres may be needed, it is best to get the 5 litre can.

This is especially because the painters do proper coats and we do not want it that they are forced to lay it on too thin to make it stretch to the area they are painting.

We ask painters to do it room by room as much as possible so the customer or tenants can live in the premises. It’s also painting and not plaster repair, the paint is water based. All in all that means the tenant should not be disturbed much.

It is normal for customers to be doing things in another room while the painter is working, a bit like when they have a cleaner, plumber and so on.

It is fine for give them keys, but if you will be there all the time then no need.

The painter need to be able to come and go as they need to, so they will need keys if you will not be there.

They may need to go out for for supplies such as getting replacement equipment, or just to get our for a lunch break.

The painters are paid for what they do, rather than time. So if it takes longer, you do not pay more.

However from the painters side, we try and work out quotes so they are paid a certain amount per day. At the time of writing this, that is £280 per day.

By dividing the labour price by this day rate, will give you the estimated number of days,

For example £1868.06 labour / £280 per days = 6.67 days

We found that if they are paid by time, it takes them longer, costs the clients more, etc.

The painters will not work on any other jobs once they have started yours.

If they can start at 8am rather than 9am, usually they get more hours in, but usually they finish about 4pm.

The only reason this may not happen is if the best painter for the job already has a day or something scheduled before your job came along and we will let you choose whether you still would like to use that painter, or prefer to use a different one.

Having said that it does vary. Some painters are faster than others, just part of being human.

Our main thing is that they do the best quality work possible.

We also work with painters to do the job right and not rush it, we find that in 5 years time people will see that it is a great job and the finish has lasted, rather than how long it took 5 years ago.

Yes sure, we can give you our WhatsApp number.

Also if you give us your number, we can message you, so you can reply

A toilet they can use.

A place for them to clean their brushes, etc.

The ability to come and go from the site whenever they need, either by you being present or by giving them keys. This is so they can go and get any materials and tools they may need, take a break and so on.

We recommend you are present at the end of each day to ensure you are happy with the job and get them to change course or make any changes before they have done much.

The better your feedback, the better your needs can be met with perfection.

Sorry to say this, but if the painter is not able to access the job for any period of time, the painter needs to be paid for that time.

Please give the painter quick clear, loud and prompt feedback

We really want you to be happy and do the best we can.

The painter relies on your feedback to make sure they are doing what you would like.

We have found, the better the feedback, the better the job.

It is essential to give the painter feedback so they go on the track that is right for you and to resolve any issues before they leave.

So they need your feedback:

• At the start of each day

• At the end of every day

• Before the end of their final day.

• Before their final day finish time and removal of their tools from your site

This is so they can make any rectifications needed there and then before they have left and removed their tools from your site, for taking to the customer they start at the following day.

If the customer was not present for feedback and if they were, issues could have been resolved or word redone there and then. If the customer would like the painter to come back again when they are next free, then sadly that needs to be chargeable time as the painter has to be paid.

No matter how small any issues is, we really want to know so the painter can sort it out for you!

For them this would be a lost day’s work, travel cost etc so this will have to be passed onto you because it would have been covered if you were there to say your request then.

There may also be a delay because the next day they will probably already be working at their next customer.

It is always best if possible, if the painter doing the snaggings is the person who did the original painting.

It only works when you visit the premises, we find that videos and pictures do not pick up what it is really like.

Some painters can have the paint delivered to their own home, then bring the paint in their vehicle, or carry it on public transport.

Otherwise we can usually change the painter to one with a vehicle that can bring the paint.

If you need the job done very last minute and so the paint has to come from a shop near you, we cannot guarantee you the quote price for paint, because we cannot tell what the prices will be from your nearest paint retailer.

This is when we get paint samples from the store, put them on the wall as a small patch. This is to see how they look, or if they match the paint used previously.

We can happily do this for you, but the standard quotes do not include this. Please contact us for the price.

This is because over 98% of customers do this themselves and so we are careful not to have it that the customers not using this service, subsidising those who do.

Also we usually find customers do not great great value from this service, because it is something they can easily do themselves so we are not really adding value by the cost of it increasing prices generally.

However for the customers that do want it, they get value from it so the painters are delighted to do it. It is actually something the painters really enjoy doing.

Over 99% of customer do by bank transfer, it means they get the full discounted rate of the quote.

You are welcome to pay by credit card, but the price cannot be discounted like the default quotes which are for transfers into our bank account at the end of each day.

Please contact us for the price on this, it is not much different.

This difference is due to the credit card charges and cashback risks. Also the processing time means the painter will not receive the money as soon as you have paid it.

The problem we have is that 0.5% of customers pay by card and we are a very small business, so the facility is not used much and does not have great terms.

Please do not pay cash, we do everything properly to make sure everything is accountable. Any cash payments will not be counted as you having paid.

Whatever happens, it all happens in writing in the system, including cash

The painter decorators can fill in holes the size of a mobile phone, repair larger wall surface issues and fill in long cracks.

However if it is a large area of absent wall, or a whole wall surface needs skimming then this needs a specialist plasterer.

This is not something we do ourselves, but as we work in the building industry we often know a company or person we can recommend.

We can get it same day, but we are relying on shops or online ordering services. So there are risks they may not have the item in stock, or deliver it on time.

This is especially if you would like a specific colour, sheen or brand.

We recommend getting the paint at least 3 days in advance of the job, or having us getting it that far in advance.

Doing it the day before with an online order is a risk if it is not delivered on time, which could delay the job being possible.

Also the item will come at some time the next day, the painter cannot work until it comes. Also they cannot stay in the property all day waiting for the courier, as they need to take a break, may need to get supplies themselves for you job, etc.

If you would like to leave it until the day that we do the painting, or the night before then we can easily go to the nearest paint shop. Please note this can slow down the job a bit as it uses up time the painter would be painting.

Please note that your nearest shop may not be the cheapest prices so we would have to pass on the price of the paint, whatever that may be. Local shops are usually quite a bit more expensive than getting the best prices online. They also cannot have the same stock levels and range. We will of course be transparent showing you receipts.

Sadly we would also have to pass on the labour time it takes to get it. Please do contact us for the painter's hourly rate.

Plus going last minute to the local shop means they may not have the first choice of paint in stock so we then have to go with a compromise. This may mean it is not possible to get the first choice of product, or the best value option.

For this option we will ask for a bit more in advance for materials as the local shops tend to be more expensive and we may have to choose a paint that is a less good option. Any change left over from the purchase will reduce your labour fee.

The painter might be able to get it the day before, but cannot guarantee that the exact item you want is in stock. In that situation, the painter will use their judgement to get the second best solution.

Usually we can start the next working day.

However please note that just like any profession, whether it is doctors, babysitters, builders or painters, the regular customers want their favourite painter so the most popular ones get booked up first.

All our painters are very good, but if you would like one of the favourite ones you may prefer to wait a bit longer.

We find that in 5 years time people notice how great the job is, not that they waited a week to start.

So the painter can usually start next day, but most of our regular customers prefer to wait for the best painter to be available.

The painters usually like to start at 8am.

This is because the more time they get in the best sunlight, the better the job. Also, the more time they can spend on your job.

Painters in the industry, like most of the building industry tend to start at 7.30am or 8am.

The painters can start later if needed such as 9am, but it just means the job might take a bit longer and the results from working when it gets darker, can never be as good as work done in good sunlight.

On your quote is a very visible button to order online.

It is very easy to do, just like any normal online shopping experience.

We will also ask you some questions to help your job run smoothly, such as if you have a ladder or if the painter needs to bring one.

We usually have painters available at short notice and all our painters are good.

However like with every profession, whether it is a doctor, babysitter, or painter, their regular customers do not want anyone else so they get booked up further in advance.

However if you need next day service all our painters are good and sometimes even the best ones are available.

With us there is just 1 working days notice if you ever want to cancel, so the best thing is to order and then you can cancel.

Otherwise if you contact us we can reserve a painter for 24 hours. Please excuse the painters cannot reserve for longer than that because it means they are turning down secured work otherwise.

The labour price includes the decorators caulking to fill the gaps along the hairline gaps along skirting boards, door frames, etc. This is common in normal rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and so on.

Decorators use acrylic caulking which can be painted so it works with painting.

Please note that the caulking plumbers use around baths, showers and behind kitchen worktops is very different.

We have painters that can do the seal around baths, showers and the back of kitchens.

As it is a different process though, please make sure you contact us beforehand to make sure you get a quote for the material and labour. Also to ensure you get a painter who is good at this.

The material and process is different to what plumbers use for the following reasons:

1. What plumbers use is made of silicone, but cannot be painted.

Plumbers' silicon is designed to be water resistant and stretches more with plumbing such as when a bath is filled and emptied of water.

1. Silicon sealant is also more expensive so not included as part of the labour. In bathrooms one with a mould resistant quality is also a good idea.

1. It is a very different and longer process to apply silicon. This is because it has to be functionally water tight and not just look good. So the old silicon has to be carefully removed and the new silicon applied in a water tight way.

1. Also as it cannot be painted it needs to be colour matched to what was there before.

Yes, filler is included in the labour price.

Please note this is not bathroom silicon or the silicon behind kitchen worktops. This is a different product and waterproofing process that needs to be quoted separately.

We find gloss paint gives the best customer satisfaction, but many customers choose satin.

This is because gloss paint covers over the imperfections of wood the best, due to the way it shines.

It is also the most scuff resistant as dirt and impact slides off it the best.

Even when newly painted, the skirting boards and doors look more perfect and newer because of how the shine covers up any imperfections.

A matt paint will show the shadow from any imperfections in the wood.

However we respect that due to personal taste you may choose satin which is a bit less glossy.

It is important to use special radiator paint.

This is because the radiator will expand and contract as it turns off and on.

Normal paint will crack, whereas special radiator paint is designed for this.

Also, when new in the factory it would have been spray painted in dust free controlled conditions.

There are painters who can do this, but it is very expensive to set up the spray conditions, tape the area and so on. The spraying itself takes very little time, it is the setting up of the facilities. It also needs a painter with this training and only some painters have these tools and experience.

As a result, almost everyone has us use a roller, which is a decent price. We find customers are fine with the results and do not notice the difference, but it cannot be the same as having come out of a factory.

The reality is most people do not have the radiators painted unless they are in bad condition.

We find eggshell paint gives the best customer satisfaction, but many customers choose matt.

This is because the little level of shine covers over the imperfections a bit better due to the way it shines. It also gives the walls a little more magic.

It is also the most scuff resistant, as dirt and impact slides off eggshell a bit better than matt paint.

Even when newly painted, eggshell looks more perfect and newer because of how the shine covers up any imperfections.

A matt paint will show the shadow from any imperfections more.

However we respect that due to personal taste you may choose matt. Also because matt paint is often cheaper than eggshell!

People do not use gloss or satin on walls as it looks a bit much.

They use satin or gloss for wood such as windows, skirting boards and doors.

If it is a dry hot summer period where the days are over 30 degrees Centigrade / 86 degrees Fahrenheit then it is possible for it to dry in 5 days.

If it the winter when it is colder and more humid such as December or January, then it can take 6 weeks or even a bit more.

Plaster is thick, it is not just about the surface drying, but making sure it has dried all the way down. This takes time to be done properly.

If the plaster is too wet then air will still be coming out of it and the paint will peel soon after being painted.

If it is done when the plaster is a bit too dry, then it will look fine, but later down the line it will start to bubble.

So it is important to wait until it is dry and we recommend also leaving a bit of a margin of safety to make sure it is all dry. Sometimes 95% of the area is dry, but one part of thicker then the rest due to how the ceiling or wall below it is.

Sadly people often do not want to hear good news, they do not want to hear how long it will take and rush it. This advice is from our vast and long experience and sadly we have seen too many times when people have ignored this advice.

The best person to ask is the plasterer as if they are experienced, they will have a good idea. However we have also seen where they can be optimistic so recommend adding a good amount of time on top of what they have said.

If the paint peels off or bubbles when we have painted a newly plastered surface, then sadly we still have to charge for the work. This is because we have done our job and the issue is caused by there not having been enough time after plastering.

This is why we recommend not rushing this, it never ends well.

We are sorry to say this, we have just seen it happen too many times.

Please note that a freshly plastered wall needs an undercoat before the normal paint goes on.

This is because the freshly plastered wall will suck in the paint moisture.

Interestedly undercoat paint is just normal paint with an 25% of water.

The quotes are for up to 2 coats of normal paint.

As the undercoat is 1 coat, then for that surface, it will be an extra half of the cost of whatever was quoted for the normal paint.

Please note that this is different to primer paint. Primer paint is for when you have a colour change, such as a putting light paint on top of dark paint, so the dark paint does not show through.

Farrow and Ball paint as it is a specialist high pigment low filler paint, recommends putting a primer layer first for any colour change.

If it is a dry hot summer period where the days are over 30 degrees Centigrade / 86 degrees Fahrenheit then it is possible for it to dry in 5 days.

If it the winter when it is colder and more humid such as December or January, then it can take 6 weeks or even a bit more.

Plaster is thick, it is not just about the surface drying, but making sure it has dried all the way down. This takes time to be done properly.

If the plaster is too wet then air will still be coming out of it and the wallpaper will bubble up, or the paint on the lining paper will peel and bubble soon after being painted.

If it is done when the plaster is only a bit too wet, rather than much to wet then it just takes longer for this to happen. So it will look fine at first but then the wallpaper will bubble up, or paint will bubble up and peel after weeks or months rather than minutes.

So it is important to wait until it is dry and we recommend also leaving a bit of a margin of safety to make sure it is all dry. Sometimes 95% of the area is dry, but one part of thicker then the rest due to how the wall below it is.

Sadly people often do not want to hear good news, they do not want to hear how long it will take and rush it. This advice is from our vast and long experience and sadly we have seen too many times when people have ignored this advice.

The best person to ask is the plasterer as if they are experienced, they will have a good idea. However we have also seen where they can be optimistic so recommend adding a good amount of time on top of what they have said.

If these issues happen from the plaster still being wet, then sadly we still have to charge for the work. This is because we have done our job and the issue is caused by there not having been enough time after plastering. This has to be estimated by the plasterer as they are the ones who know about their work.

This is why we recommend not rushing this, it never ends well.

We are sorry to say this, we have just seen it happen too many times.

Sorry, wallpaper paste is not included in the labour price.

We can get it for you or you are welcome to buy it yourself when you buy the wallpaper.

If you get us to buy it, please excuse we have to add 20% on top as part of the procurement costs paste, adhesives, or primers must be provided by you unless you have specifically arranged and itemised a package where the decorator supplies them.

Unless stated otherwise, your quote was for water based paints. They are really good nowadays, environmentally friendly and less cancerous than oil solvent based ones.

Their drying time also means more than one coat can be done in a day, so the price you have is much lower as a result.

If you are supplying the paint and we quoted for using oil based paint, please also make sure you have supplied white spirit as well for the painter to wash brushes and rollers.

We can also source oil based paint if you prefer and we are very happy to do so. Please note your labour cost quote may need to be adjusted as for smaller jobs where there is less to do for each coat, the painter may have to wait around longer waiting for drying times.

If you are not going from a dark colour to a light colour which can make the old colour show through, you may need a primer.

If you are painting with light colours over light colours, or making the wall colour lighter you will not need one.

Please note that with Farrow and Ball if you are changing colour, or painting over anything of a different colour, then their system recommends a primer, or you may need a third coat.

Also repairs over wall damage areas and cracks, may well need an undercoat on this bits, so the paint has the correct surface to be on.

Farrow and Ball system recommends a primer people doing colour changes. https://www.farrow-ball.com/how-to-guide/advice/perfect-preparation-application

This is due to the high pigment low filler way it is made, which is what makes it a boutique paint and creates its lovely ethereal finish. We do not find this with any other brand of paint.

If the new paint is a different colour to what it is going on top of, or painting on things that are not the same colour and a primer was not put on first, there is a risk that a third coat may be needed.

Being a prestige paint it is also meant for high grade walls which are smooth and not with any issues.

Please note that quotes are for two coats as we never find more than that is needed for other normal paint brands. There are some occasions where Farrow and Ball can need a third coat.

The painter will do the best coats humanly possible and you are welcome to watch them.

Our favourite is Dulux Trade, it is thick paint and really covers the surface well.

The Trade version is different and we recommend it is worth the extra.

Some customers go for Johnstone's due to its price, it is fine for cheaper jobs and when you are not changing the colour such as painting white on white. However with this product you do get what you pay for so it is only for cheaper jobs.

Paint brands we are fine with are Leyland Trade as well.

When you go for store brands such as B&Q, Albany from Brewers, etc. they are all usually made by Crown which is also fine.

Farrow and Ball is very special and creates a great ethereal finish. However it is a high status product for a reason. Being high acrylic low filler means it creates this fantastic finished but is designed for high quality smooth walls. Also the Farrow and Ball system recommends and needs a primer before the normal paint going on if you are doing a colour change. https://www.farrow-ball.com/how-to-guide/advice/primers-undercoats

If you compare it to a standard brand such as an own brand paint, which are almost always made by Crown, or another standard paint such as Leyland. These are about 50 - 55% the cost of Dulux Trade.

It is worth it, Dulux Trade is more durable and covers up walls really well. Basically it has loads of content and less water content.

However this extra cost is not for everyone, such as landlords who usually go for the cheaper options.

The lowest price is often Johnstone's, it is indeed a good price but for people where its their own home, we have normally found customers prefer to go for something better.

Most larger paint sellers such as B&Q, Brewers and so on have their own brand of paint.

We have not found a case yet where a retailer who is not a paint manufacturer does not use Crown to make their paint.

In our experience Crown is as good as any other standard paint, such as Leyland and so on.

We find Dulux Trade is the thickest and most durable paint. It is very good at covering wall surface issues and really good for harder jobs such as when painting a light colour over a dark one. However it is on average 70% more expensive as a result. This is not just the cost of their advertising and branding, it is really good thick paint.

The one we tell customers to be careful with is Johnstone's. It is very cheap and that is perfect for some lower end landlords, or people that just want to put cheaper white paint on top of white paint. However it is a case that you get what you pay for. People who take pride in their home often wish they had spent a bit more on a higher quality paint.