Paint
Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve found a wallpaper that I love, do you have paints to match?

Of course! Our in house experts suggest up to four paint colours to compliment or even contrast with your chosen Wallpaper, Mural or Curtain and Blind! We understand starting a design scheme can be daunting, so our recommendations are there to narrow down our 400 paint colours!

Choosing your room décor is completely personal so we would still always recommend sampling the recommend paint colour(s) wither with a tester Pot or one of our Peel & Stick Samples.

Viewing paints on our website?

Depending on the device used and screen resolution, the paint colours depicted on the website can appear different to the paint when applied to a surface. We do recommend sampling your colour before purchase to ensure you are happy with the final result.

We are unable to accept returns as each can is mixed just for you , to be kinder to the planet.

Am I able to amend my order once it has been processed?

Due to the bespoke nature of our products, you have 48-hours to contact us if you wish to cancel your order. To cancel, please call our customer service team or submit your request here ensuring you select ‘Made to Order cancellation’ option so we can identify and process your cancellation as soon as possible. To help avoid any issues, please ensure you have checked all your details and measurements are correct before placing your order.

Can I purchase tester pots in any finish?

Tester pots are available in our Everyday Emulsion perfect for trying directly on the wall. Scared of commitment? Try our handy Peel & Stick swatches instead, made from real paint in our Resistance finish!

What size are they?

Our peel & stick paint samples are all standard A5 size – 148 x 210 mm.

How accurate will the colour be?

All of our peel & stick samples are made with real paint so you can get the most accurate colour representation possible. There should be minimal batch variation.

What surfaces can I stick them on?

Anything and everything! From walls to wood, if you can paint it you can peel & stick it.

Will it damage or mark my wall?

Since our peel & stick samples don’t use any glue or adhesives, they are perfectly safe to use on any surface without causing any damage or leaving any marks.

How should I dispose of my peel & sticks when I’m done?

We launched peel & stick paint samples as yet another way to care for our planet, so we’ve ensured every single one is recyclable. The backing can be recycled along with plastics and the sample itself can be recycled with paper.

Why should I use peel & stick instead of a tester pot?

Tester pots are great for trying out paint in a small surface area, however, the peel & stick samples are a great alternative if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option. Also, due to their ability to be stuck anywhere, you can test the paint colour in multiple areas of your home to see how the paint varies in different lights, in every nook and cranny of your room, without leaving any disruption behind!

Will I still be able to order tester pots?

Although peel & stick samples are a great new option, sometimes you just can’t beat the traditional tester pot. So don’t worry, they will continue to be available in our extended range of colours alongside our peel & stick samples.

Are your paints water or oil based?

Each of our paints are water-based, which means they are all low odour and have a lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) level than any oil-based paints. It also means they are extremely quick drying, meaning you can get more out of your project in less time. Volatile Organic Compounds contribute to atmospheric pollution when they evaporate (when the paint dries), and they can be found in chemicals used across many industries such as soaps, building materials, and cleaning products. To learn more about the benefits of water-based paints, please see our article.

Is your paint safe to use?

All our paint is water-based and super low VOC, meaning it uses minimal volatile compounds. We also test to the standard of the French Indoor Air Test, and all our products achieved an A+ rating, safe to breathe and low odour.

What’s the difference between your matt emulsion and resistance ultra durable matt emulsion?

Our Everyday Emulsion has a slight sheen. Our Resistance Ultra Flatt Matt Durable Emulsion has a 1% sheen level with Class:1 Washable classification. But what does this actually mean? Our Resistance Ultra Durable Matt Emulsion is so tough that it will keep its luxurious flat matt finish even after cleaning. That’s right—no lifting paint, leaving white marks, or burnishing when you clean it. It is brilliant for high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms because of its durability and resistance to bumps and knocks. Finally, we also recommend this paint for bathrooms, as it is moisture repellent to reduce dirt and mould build-up. Our Everyday Emulsion is more suited to lower traffic areas such as spare bedrooms or studies and is perfect for use on any ceilings. Please note: whilst our paints are dry to the touch within a matter of hours, water-based paints take approximately 28 days to fully cure. This is when the paint is 100% dry and has reached its full hardness/durability. Until the paint has fully cured, it will not withstand knocks or wiping/cleaning.

What finish should I use to paint wood?

We would recommend either our Eggshell or Gloss paint depending on how shiny you want your woodwork to be. Both paint finishes are scratch resistant, quick drying, odourless, and have great flow, meaning you don’t need to work hard to achieve that smooth and flawless finish. We’d also recommend using our Primer and Undercoat to ensure a smooth application and that you’re left with the best possible appearance once dry. If you’re after a matt finish on your woodwork (or perhaps your furniture), you can also use our Resistance Ultra Durable Matt Emulsion if you then protect it with a topcoat of varnish or wax.

What should I use to paint radiators?

Our Eggshell and Gloss finishes can be used on radiators. We would recommend purchasing a specialised primer for this in order to ensure adhesion.

What is the benefit of using a primer?

Using a primer is the best way to ensure a flawless finish with any of our trim paints. Our Primer & Undercoat is quick drying, fills in minor imperfections, and has excellent hiding power, meaning it assists with topcoat adhesion and helps to promote a smooth, even finish.

What is the coverage of your paint finishes?

Our paint finishes have differing coverages due to the nature of the difference in paint properties, and these vary between 10m² and 14m² depending on your finish. Each product has a coverage per metre squared on their Product Data Sheets, and each tin of paint shows the maximum coverage for that volume of paint. In order to help work out how much paint you’ll need, please refer to our paint calculator or view our finishes information section on the paint landing page.

How many coats of paint should I use?

We always recommend at least two coats of paint, as we can only guarantee product properties at two coats. Our paints have great coverage; we only use high-quality binders and pigments to ensure the best depth of colour. Therefore, in most cases, you will not need more than two coats of paint. However, some extra deep and vibrant colours may require an extra coat to achieve their full colour depth.

How long should I leave paint to dry between coats?

Each paint finish is slightly different in terms of drying time; therefore, please refer to either your tin of paint or the Product Data Sheets for specific guidance.

What prep do I need before painting?

We’re so glad you asked! Prep is key to create that flawless finish you’re after. Luckily, we’ve written an easy guide for prep and application of painting walls which you can read (and watch!), or if you’re after painting woodwork, then click here.

Should I apply your paint by brush or roller?

All of our paints can be applied using traditional brushes or rollers; it all depends on the desired final appearance. Paint brushes can be used for cutting in, uneven surfaces or small areas, whereas rollers will give you a uniform, flawless finish on well-prepared walls. For more information on applying each finish, please refer to the Product Data Sheets. Alternatively, click here to read our blog on how to paint a room.

How long must I wait before painting over new plaster?

Once your plaster is fully dry, we would recommend you use a specialist plaster mist coat paint to act as a primer. This allows the mixture to soak into the wall and seal the plaster. Then once fully covered, prepped and dried, the fun part begins! Take your pick from our vast range of colours and decorate your home as you normally would.

How should I clean my brushes?

All our paints are water-based; therefore, warm water with mild detergent will do the trick!

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery for tester pots is free, and our standard delivery and free delivery thresholds are dependent on the country.

Can I return my unused paint?

Every one of our tins of paint is lovingly mixed to order; therefore, we cannot accept any returns on unused paint. This is why we strongly recommend sampling the colour before moving to a full tin to ensure you love the colour as much as we do! We love to hear from all our customers. If you have any further questions, issues, or would simply like to get in touch, please contact our customer service team here.

Do you have technical data sheets available for your paint finishes?

You can download our product data sheets in the product details of each paint, or you can find them in our finishes information section on the paint landing page. Product MSDS documents can be supplied on request.

If we have been unable to answer any of your questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Graham & Brown Support.