Whatever style of home interior we prefer, there's a very good chance that painting will be required at some stage. And when that happens, it's not always as simple as applying a roller to exposed plaster. Making painting mistakes is all-too-easy, as is paying too much for the paint that you need.
At hotukdeals, we want our users to save money and perfect their home design at the same time. This buyer's guide will explain how to buy the right paint for every task, and offer some handy tips about how to finish the job beautifully, every time. And, of course, the guide will help you find the best paint offers, so you can find cheap paint and paint sales in the UK.
Ever since mankind started creating pottery utensils, or daubing their faces to identify themselves, paint has been a constant companion in some form or other. For thousands of years, the choices on offer were fairly limited. People had to rely on pigments made from powdered ingredients from their regions, or precarious trade routes from distant lands.
Even so, the technology behind paint did develop. Binders became more sophisticated, with egg replacing water, then being replaced in turn by plant oils. This allowed the Greeks and Romans to create dazzling tone for their public buildings and sculptures.
Until the 18th and 19th centuries, oil remained the primary base for coloured paints, which posed some problems when painting large surfaces. Multiple layers of primer would be required to add colour to the homes of the wealthy, ensuring that the paint remained in its original state. As you can imagine, this made colourful interiors very much a preserve of the elite.
As the industrial revolution progressed, things started to change. New products emerged using metal oxides as the binder. This drove down costs and made paints more waterproof, which helped to counteract the effects of damp. By World War Two, chemical companies had perfected artificial resins, making paint even more durable and weather resistant. Now, almost any homeowner could pick out a colour they liked, open a tin, and start painting immediately.
And that's pretty much where we are now. As a trip to Wickes or Homebase will confirm, modern consumers have access to a huge range of paint varieties. In fact, the choice is often a little overwhelming, making it hard to pick a tone that exactly matches our flooring or furnishings. Let's try to puncture that confusion by delving deeper into what modern paint manufacturers have to offer.
Modern paints generally consist of a “binder”, “solids”, and a “diluent”. The binder is what creates things like granular finishes or glosses, and it physically combines molecules of the vehicle solid. That solid is the element which creates colour, and in combination, the two components can create many different effects.
As for the diluent, this tends to evaporate after the paint has been applied. It's what makes the paint liquid enough for easy application, and varies in concentration between different brands and paint types. In some cases, users may need to “thin” paints by adding what are, unsurprisingly, called “thinners.”
We won't go to deeply into the technicalities here, but paints can also be classed as “thermosetting”, “thermoplastic”, or “combination” varieties. Generally, thermoplastic types will set in very shiny formats (and are often described as lacquers), and work by allowing binders to evaporate after application. Thermosetting paints “set” onto the surface being painted, and take longer to apply. However, they will also tend to last longer, and be more resistant to decay.
For this guide, it's much more useful to divide paints into various product categories, as these are the types buyers will encounter at hotukdeals. So let's do that and outline the major paint varieties, and what they are primarily used for.
Let's start out with interior paints, as these are the most popular forms for DIY in the UK, and also the area with the widest amount of choices. When you come to search through the paint sale listings at hotukdeals, the products available should come in the following basic categories:
Primers – Primers act as an “undercoat” for many paint jobs. They help top coats (below) to bond with the material underneath, which means that the paint will remain in good condition for much longer. And they can also be beneficial for the materials underneath, preventing direct contact with chemical solvents.
Matte Paints – These paints don't set in a dazzling finish. Instead, they just set naturally, leaving a slightly granular, rough, natural-looking result. As a rule, you won't need to waste time preparing surfaces for matter painting, beyond sanding and ensuring that walls or ceilings are as flat as possible. Instead, the paint can often be applied as it is, using a standard brush or roller, and multiple coats may not even be required. The downside? Well, Matte paint isn't to everyone's taste, and it's also the most fragile variety. Surfaces can easily become smudged or marked in other ways, resulting in the need for repairs. Still, because of its cheapness and ease of use, Matte is always a popular variety to go for. And if you need some extra durability, matte enamel paints offer a slightly more expensive alternative. They are also easy to apply, but are formulated to be marginally stronger (and is also easy to clean).
Eggshell – As the name suggests, the finish here resembles the surface of an uncracked egg. Slightly shiny – at least when compared to matte – eggshell paints are often a handy option for rustic interiors where the paint needs to work in tandem with wooden elements. It's also a good choice for painting woods, as the texture of the paint neatly complements that of the wood below.
Satin – Satin paints produce a very different result. In this case, surfaces will have a distinct “sheen”. It's not as pronounced as with polished wood or metal, but you can notice the effect when painted surfaces are struck by natural sunlight. Satin finishes tend to be easier to clean, so they suit families with younger children, and they also make the most of interiors with plenty of natural light. However, it's worth bearing in mind that they only work well on perfectly flat surfaces. So make sure all of your plaster or wood has been properly prepared before applying anything.
Gloss and Semi-Gloss – At the shiniest end of the interior paint spectrum, gloss finishes reflect high levels of sunlight, and have a very noticeable shine. Ideal for painting smaller items of furniture and wall spaces, gloss requires meticulous preparation, as any imperfections will be easy to discern. And it may require multiple applications to achieve the right results. If you want a decent level of reflectivity but aren't confident about surface preparation, go for semi-gloss finishes instead. They produce a slightly less refined result, but are easier to apply, and won't usually require multiple applications. They should be cheaper as well, so are more appropriate for larger interior surfaces.
Most of these finishes will also be described as “emulsion paints”. This means that the resins and pigments they use have been combined in a water-based emulsion, which makes them quick-drying and (hopefully) odour free.
Matt and satin paints tend to come in emulsion forms these days, and there are also “high-sheen” versions called silk, which are almost as reflective as semi-gloss. They are well worth considering if you want the shininess of gloss, without its disadvantages.
However, gloss paints often aren't classed as emulsions. This doesn't mean they are full of toxic chemicals. Many gloss varieties are water or latex-based, but some use chemical solvents, and could pose a health risk in confined spaces. So check the packaging and ensure that whatever space you are painting is suitably ventilated.
Choosing paint isn't just about picking the right finish or versions that are easy to apply. It also pays to consider what kind of materials are being painted, as some paints work well with specific materials, while others could fail completely.
How to Paint Wood – If you are painting wooden furniture, you'll need to remove any surface varnish and old paint. For new items, standard primers can then be used to prepare for painting. If you are working on old furniture, use a multi-surface primer instead, to take into account any residual varnish. Then, choose a wood-specific satin, gloss, or eggshell variety, and carefully apply it to every part of the item being decorated.
What Paint to Use on Plastic – If you need to paint plastic surfaces, it's important to choose a paint that will bind effectively, instead of flaking away. In this case, oil-based paints tend to be more appropriate, but latex and acrylic blends will also do well. It's a good idea to avoid water-based paints when painting plastic, as they tend to reach poorly with the material, leading to flawed finishes.
How to Paint a Wall – When painting plaster walls, you have a few options. In most cases, fresh plaster will require a mist coat to moisten the plaster, in preparation for the top coat. When this has been evenly applied, decorators can apply a top coat to create the desired finish. Matte style paints work really well in most cases, as they are easy to roll, produce even results, and can be found cheaply via emulsion paint deals. But gloss, satin, semi-gloss, and eggshell finishes are all possibilities when picking paint for walls.
How to Paint a Ceiling – Plaster ceilings aren't technically that different to walls, but you may find specialist ceiling paints available at hotukdeals. This paint is basically a latex-based emulsion with higher “viscosity” than normal versions. This should reduce the potential for drips – something that ceiling painters often have to contend with.
The recommendations above apply mainly to indoor paint jobs. If you are working outdoors, conditions and requirements will tend to be very different.
In this case, it's really important to prepare surfaces carefully, removing any dirt residues or old paint flakes. Adding a primer is usually essential, which isn't always the case when painting indoors. And two top coats will generally be needed, instead of one.
Acrylic-based paints tend to do well in outdoor situations. They have good durability, while allowing wooden furniture or brickwork to “breathe”. However, in heavy duty situations, “alkyd” paints may be preferred, as they last longer, creating a stronger bond.
When you come to purchase paint, finding the right type is important, but it's also essential to pick a leading brand that decorators can trust. Paint varies greatly in quality and price, but it's not impossible to balance quality and value when finding cheap paint. Just keep the following brands in mind when browsing the hotukdeals paint listings:
Dulux – The biggest paint brand in the UK, Dulux makes pretty much every style and colour you could imagine. Dulux mixes tend to contain lower water levels than generic brands from wholesalers and DIY chains, and they tend to last longer before losing their colour. The trade off is that Dulux prices aren't the cheapest, so double check for multi-buy or Dulux discount codes when you've find a shade that captures your imagination.
Blackfriar – Based in north-eastern England, Blackfriar is a major manufacturer of wood paints. So, if you need to paint your favourite cabinet, or have a table that needs to be enhanced, it could be the brand to choose. The choice isn't huge, but quality levels tend to be high.
Crown Paints – Another famous British brand, Crown produces come of the best emulsion paints available. If you need to paint a new flat quickly and effectively, its colour selection is vast. Buyers also have the option of requesting “pure paint samples” - a great way to pick the perfect tone for every surface.
Farrow and Ball – An upscale paint manufacturer, Farrow and Ball offers 132 colour, usually featuring rich tones that create eye-catching interiors. If you want to be bold, and need a brand to rely on, their eggshell and gloss emulsions are as good as UK paints get.
Wilko – Although bargain retailer Wilko doesn't have the reputation and clientele of paint suppliers like Farrow and Ball, its emulsion paints have acquired something of a cult reputation. The reason is simple. Although Wilko paints are cheap (by comparison with Dulux), the quality level is surprisingly high. Don't expect miracles, but if your home decoration budget is tight, a trip to Wilko could be a great money saver.
And if you're wondering where to buy paint, you'll find plenty of options. Wilko is one option among many. B&Q and Homebase are reliable suppliers, as are suppliers to the building trades like Screwfix, Wickes, and Travis Perkins. Supermarkets like Aldi or Tesco can also stock surprisingly large paint selections. So finding a place to shop isn't a problem.
Accessories really matter when painting your home, and they aren't a place to cut corners. To achieve the perfect finish, you'll need a few essentials. And most of them can be found at bargain prices via hotukdeals. Here are some items that all decorators should have in their toolbox:
Paint Brushes – Without the right paint brush, you'll struggle to touch up corners and areas where the top coat hasn't settled evenly. And forget about painting furniture, or other small-scale tasks. In general, synthetic bristles work well with water-based paints, as they absorb relatively little moisture. Don't go for disposable brushes. They aren't just ecologically criminal, cheaper brushes also tend to result in shoddy finishes, requiring extra work. Instead, a good set of brushes will stand you in good stead for numerous painting challenges in the future.
Paint Rollers – When choosing a paint roller, keep in mind the size of your surface. Roller sizes vary considerably, and larger surfaces will definitely benefit from larger rollers. However, also think about precision. Smaller rollers can be used more finely, preventing uneven applications. And you may need to paint smaller surfaces in the future, so buying extra-large rollers isn't usually a great idea for amateurs. Rollers can be woollen or artificial. Generally, artificial rollers will do fine for plaster walls using oil paints, but avoid cheap models that use cardboard drums. Rigid plastic or wooden drums will last much longer. If you are working with emulsion paints, a mohair or lambswool roller will be even better than synthetics. As these materials can retain more moisture, drips will be much less likely.
Paint sprayer – If you are working on metal or interior surfaces, you may choose to forget about brushes and rollers, and simply go down the paint sprayer route. If so, airless paint sprayers will be the ideal option in most cases. They generate fairly large sprays, come in ergonomic handheld formats, and work well with standard emulsions. If you are working indoors with a sprayer, buying a few protective masks or goggles could also be a good idea. And you'll want plenty of masking tape to ensure that paint doesn't reach areas it shouldn't
When you've got a paint job that just can't wait, picking the right paint and tools for the job is essential. Hopefully, we've provided some pointers about how to select paints for interior and exterior surfaces, what brands to look for, and the accessories that make painting much easier. However, that still leaves the question of saving money. So how can home decorators make big savings?
Firstly, choose between cheaper suppliers like Wilko or premium brands. In many basic tasks, cheap emulsion paint can work well if it is properly applied. But if a higher quality level is required, explore the hotukdeals listings of suppliers like Dulux or Farrow and Ball.
In any case, the hotukdeals paint listings provide a portal to the best prices around. You'll find primers, oil paints, and emulsion paint offers from leading merchants like Wickes, Screwfix, Wilko, Travis Perkins, Homebase, B&Q, and Aldi. You can also head straight to paint suppliers like Dulux when they run discount code promotions.
Whatever your paint-related needs, finding discounts should be simple. And savings will be even more common during major sale periods. For instance, the New Year is often regarded as peak season for home improvement, so expect paint sales all over the place. And look out for painter sprayer or premium paint deals around Black Friday. But anytime you need to make a purchase, head to hotukdeals, there's sure to be a paint offer to suit your needs.
If you've struggled to paint an interior before, you'll appreciate how costly and frustrating painting can be. But with the premium paints and painting accessories available from hotukdeals, you can make home decoration as easy as possible. Whether you are painting outdoor tables, bedroom walls, or wooden cabinets, the hotukdeals paint listings are the place to look for up to date deals.
