As the name suggests here at Trade Paints we know a thing or two about paint. In particular Trade paints! One confusing aspect of buying paint can be choosing between Trade and Retail paint as not everyone is aware of the differences or advantages of one over the other. Why choose a paint from Dulux Trade rather then from Dulux?

Let's look at the common differences and why you might want to consider a Trade paint for your next painting project.

What is Trade paint?

When talking about Trade paint we're talking about paint available from a reputable decorators merchant rather than paint sold via the DIY 'sheds'.

Trade paints have many benfits over retail paints as they're designed for professional decorators who demand a more exacting finish. For example Trade Paint can have better coverage, higher opacity and better durability. These benefits are important to a decorator who may have a spent years building up a reputation would want to use the best available paint system to give the customer the best result. 

Given the benefits of Trade paint you may well need less paint to cover the same area and achieve a longer lasting more durable finish.

Best of all, Trade paint is available to everyone, not just people in the trade!

What are the differences between Trade and Retail paint?

The mian difference between Trade and Retail is that Trade paint is generally a far superior quality paint compared to retail. But if you buy a Trade paint what benefits can you expect.

Better coverage and spreading rate

Even after thinning Trade paints cover a larger surface area than retail paints.

Higher opacity

Trade paints also have superior opacity compared to retail paint. With respect to paints opacity refers to the ability of a coat of paint to hide the substrate, wall or previous coat of paint from view.

Retail paint has a lower opacity and therefore you may need 3 or 4 coats to satisfactorily cover the previous coating. On the other hand, a Trade paint which has higher opacity, will need fewer coats to cover the previous coating even if the colour change is significant.

Again, this can save you time and money particularly when covering large areas as you'll need less paint to cover the same area not to mention the job will finihsed more quickly if you need to apply fewer coats!

Larger packsizes are more economical

When covering larger areas (e.g. whole rooms, or whole houses) Trade paints works out to be more cost-effective. Buying larger volumes of paints means you'll get a better price but for the reasons outlined above you should need less paint overall.

Both factors can contribute to Trade paint being more economical particularly for larger projects.

Professional quality

Trade paints are consistently tested to make sure that they reach the high standards of professional users and their customers. Because Trade paints are used by professional decorators they are tested and developed to ensure they will satisfy not only the professional tradesperson but also their customers. Therefore, the quality of Trade paints will be superior than that of their retail counterparts.

Job specific

Trade paint offers more job specific products so you can use the best materials for the job, getting even better results.

What Trade brands are available?

There are many well know brands offering Trade paints such as Armstead, Dulux Trade, Leyland Trade, Crown Trade and MacPherson Trade Paints to name a few.

Don't hesitate to get in touch should you need any further help and advice on this or any other paint related matter!