Why does it matter where I get my paint from?
Quality
While it might be tempting to cut costs by opting for cheaper retail outlets such as your bargain stores or supermarkets, the reality is these paints are cheaper for a reason. These factors maybe the durability and longevity of the paint once applied, the opacity or in some cases the environmental impact.
Buying from reputable outlets doesn’t guarantee quality, but as they stock such a product offering from all the top brands and more importantly the trade lines the cheapest products you’ll find are vastly better like for like.
Advice
You wouldn’t seek advice from a plumber regarding your electrics, the same principle applies to paint. A retail outlet dedicated to the supply of a specific industry is one you’ll generally find are able to give you a greater knowledge on product. I wouldn’t take everything as gospel, we’re all human and in some cases it may be down to personal preference but overall these people are generally surrounded by this product day in and day out.
The best retailers to buy paint from
Decorating Centre Online – decoratingcentreonline.co.uk
Based in the North East of England, Decorating Centre Online are a 3rd Generation Family business, boasting 34 years of experience. They are a go to for my own supplies with a brilliant selection of paint and a user friendly website suited to DIYers who are seeking some guidance.
The Paint Shed – thepaintshed.com
The Paint Shed is an independent retailer setting in the retail trade back in 1992. With over 30 years behind them, they stock everything you could think of. Again, like the Decorating Centre Online, their online store has an easy user friendly experience dedicated to DIY projects.
Brewers – brewers.co.uk
Brewers are the largest UK independent decorating merchants, they’ve been in the industry for over a century and now operate out of 201 stores across the nation in addition to their online store. While you will find whatever you need from Brewers, their online store isn’t the most straight forward, but given they have such a vast network of physical stores, they are a great option to visit in person and pick the brains of the staff who hold a lot of product knowledge
Paintwell – paintwell.co.uk
Paintwell boast the combined knowledge of over 200 years through company acquisitions and merges. Again, like the above three options, you can get your hands on just about anything. They have an informative section on their websites for Tips and Advice which is ideal for specific needs.
Summary
While of course there is loads more options, these four retailers I personally find you’ll struggle not to find what you’re looking for. If you’re fortunate to have an independent decorating merchants local to you these would be a sensible option too. Firstly it’s great to support local independents, but more often than not, these are run by people who have dedicated their life to product and industry education. They’ll know more about paint and product than most.