Best Paint & Decorating UK (2026)
Paints, brushes and decorating tools for UK home renovations.
38 products reviewed in this subcategory
#1 Pick
Dulux Easycare Washable and Tough Matt Emulsion Paint - Pure Brilliant White 2.5 Litres- Interior walls
£24.27
Pros
- Wipeable finish shrugs off scuffs in hallways and kids rooms
- Good one-coat opacity over most existing colours
- Covers around 32.5m² per coat
Cons
- Matt finish shows roller marks if overworked
#2 Pick
Ronseal Quick Drying Woodstain Satin 750ml - Natural Pine- Exterior wood
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Touch dry in around an hour so fences get two coats in a day
- Water repellent and rainproof in as little as 30 minutes
- Water-based formula cleans up with soap and water
Cons
- Needs reapplying yearly on south-facing fences
#3 Pick
Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion, 2.5 Litres – Ammonite No. 274- Interior walls
£61.00
Pros
- Chalky, richly pigmented finish sought after by interior designers
- Low-VOC formula suited to bedrooms and nurseries
- Exceptional depth of colour in muted heritage shades
Cons
- Premium price per litre compared with high-street brands
- Mixed to order, so cannot be returned once opened
#4 Pick
Harris Seriously Good Walls & Ceilings Paint Roller Set 9in, 1 x Frame, 4 x Medium Pile Roller Sleeves & Tray- Interior walls
£7.44
Pros
- Four medium-pile sleeves included so you can switch colours without stopping to wash up
- Reduced-splatter design keeps skirting and floors cleaner
- Soft-grip frame handle is comfortable over a full day of rolling
Cons
- Sleeves wear out faster on heavily textured walls
#5 Pick
Crown Pure Brilliant White Matt Emulsion 2.5 Litre- Interior walls
£9.16
Pros
- Versatile matt finish hides minor wall imperfections
- Good one-coat coverage for a brilliant white refresh
- Well-known high-street brand widely stocked for top-ups
Cons
- Standard matt is less wipeable than washable formulas
#6 Pick
Purdy Monarch Elite Paint Brush Set - 3 Brushes (1in, 1.5in, 2in)- Interior walls
£34.84
Pros
- Superior paint pick-up and lay-off compared with budget brushes
- Three sizes cover cutting-in, trim and larger wall areas
- Works well with emulsion, oil-based paint, varnish and stain
Cons
- Premium price for a brush set versus a basic multipack
About paint & decorating
Transforming your living space shouldn’t require an army of builders – with the right paint and decorating supplies, you can achieve a professional finish yourself, adding personality and value to your home. This category is dedicated to everything you need to freshen up walls, protect woodwork, and bring colour into every room, from the cosy kitchen to the relaxing bedroom. We’ve curated a selection of paints, primers, varnishes, sealants, and brushes – all chosen with the quality-conscious UK homeowner in mind. When it comes to decorating your house, getting the paint right is absolutely key; a badly applied coat can detract significantly from the overall aesthetic. Before you dive into choosing colours and finishes, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the specifics of your project. Size plays a big role – a small hallway requires far less than a large living room, influencing both the quantity of paint needed and the scale of brushes and rollers you'll require. The material you’re painting is equally important; plaster walls demand a different approach than traditional wood panelling or exterior brickwork, requiring specialist primers and paints designed for each surface. And, of course, budget matters – setting a realistic spending limit will help you avoid overspending and allow you to prioritise the areas that need the most attention.
Investing in quality paint is an investment in your home's longevity, but it’s also crucial to understand how paint interacts with the seasons here in the UK. Exterior paints, particularly those for fences or sheds, are significantly affected by weather conditions – extreme heat and prolonged sun can cause premature fading, while freezing temperatures can damage some formulations. Similarly, interior paints benefit from a stable temperature during application; applying emulsion in a cold room will result in poor adhesion and a less-than-smooth finish. Don’t forget about preparation either! A thoroughly cleaned surface is paramount to successful painting – removing loose plaster, dirt, grease, and existing finishes ensures the new paint adheres properly and prevents problems like peeling or blistering down the line. Ignoring this crucial step will invariably lead to frustration and a costly re-do.
Perhaps one of the most common decorating pitfalls we see is neglecting proper surface preparation. It’s tempting to simply slap on a fresh coat, but without sanding, filling imperfections and priming correctly, your paint job will likely fail spectacularly. Similarly, applying too thick a layer – often driven by impatience – can lead to drips, uneven coverage, and ultimately, a messy finish. Finally, remember that colour is subjective; test samples in different lighting conditions before committing to a full room. What looks stunning under artificial light might appear completely wrong when bathed in natural daylight. Within the broader context of UK home & garden projects, paint and decorating supplies are an essential component of maintaining and enhancing your property’s value and appearance. A well-painted home is invariably more appealing to potential buyers, and a carefully chosen colour palette can dramatically influence the overall ambience and comfort of your living space.
Where to go next
FAQ
What size paint roller tray should I buy?
Roller trays come in various sizes, typically measured in litres. For smaller projects like walls and ceilings, a 4L or 6L tray is often sufficient; for larger areas like woodwork, consider 10L or more to minimise frequent refills.
What type of paint is best for exterior wood?
For external wood, use an exterior-grade primer followed by an acrylic eggshell or satin finish. These paints offer excellent weather resistance and flexibility against temperature changes, crucial for outdoor durability.
How much does a gallon of emulsion paint usually cost?
The price of emulsion paint varies greatly depending on the brand and quality; you can generally expect to pay between £25 and £70 per 2.5L (approximate gallon) tin, with premium paints costing more.
How do I maintain freshly painted walls?
Allow new paint to fully cure for at least 7-14 days before washing – excessive scrubbing can damage the finish. Use a damp sponge and mild detergent for cleaning, always testing in an inconspicuous area first.
Is there a specific time of year best to paint my house?
While you can technically paint any time, spring and autumn offer more favourable temperatures (around 13-18°C) – this helps the paint dry evenly and prevents issues caused by extreme heat or cold.
What safety precautions should I take when painting?
Always wear gloves and eye protection to avoid splashes. Ensure adequate ventilation, particularly with oil-based paints, and use a respirator if necessary to minimise inhalation of fumes.
I've painted a room but it looks uneven – what went wrong?
Uneven paint often results from applying too much pressure or moving the roller too quickly. Maintain consistent pressure and overlapping strokes for a smooth, professional finish.
What’s the difference between matt, satin, and gloss paints?
Matt paints have a low sheen and are good for hiding imperfections but are harder to clean; Satin offers a slight sheen with better durability and easier cleaning; Gloss is highly reflective and best suited for areas needing frequent cleaning like doors and trim.
Do I need to prime before painting over dark colours?
Yes, it’s almost always recommended when covering dark colours. Primer ensures the new paint adheres properly and blocks the old colour from bleeding through, resulting in a more uniform finish.
What are the regulations regarding lead paint?
If your property was built before 1911, there's a chance it could contain lead-based paint. Always take appropriate precautions – wear protective gear and consult with a professional for safe removal or remediation.