Wall Paints: When It Is Worth Paying More

A paint at £8/l and a paint at £40/l — both "white, latex". The difference becomes obvious by the third wall. When is it worth paying extra? ## Practical paint tiers - Budget (£8–£14/l): 2–3 coat coverage, abrasion class 1, poor washability. A choice for warehouses and garages. - Standard (£16–£26/l): 2 coat coverage, washability class 1–2. For hallways and bedrooms. - Premium (£30–£50/l): often 1 coat coverage, class 2 washability, stain resistance. For bathrooms, kitchens, and homes with children and pets. ## The calculation that ends the discussion - Room with 20 m² of walls: cheap paint = 3 coats = 6 l = £60–£80 (and 3 days of work) - Premium = 1–2 coats = 4 l = £120–£160 (and 2 days of work) - After 2 years: cheap paint in the kitchen requires repainting (another £60–£80); premium — requires a sponge wash. ## The rule for choosing - "Dirty" rooms (kitchen, hallway, children's room): always premium washable. - Ceilings and bedrooms: standard is enough. - Dark colors: always more expensive paint — pigment coverage is the most expensive part of the paint. ## Pro tip Buy paint from a single production batch — batch differences are visible on large, uniform walls. Compare quotes for painting including materials — post your job on LocalTrader.