Dulux Easycare vs Easycare kitchen

[Barzin]

Hi all,

I recently got given the orders to paint the hallway/stairs in a Dulux colour (Egyptian cotton), and wanted something tough and durable. When I went to buy some of the Easycare paint in soft sheen, I was told that the Easycare higher endurance paint is only available in a Matt, and the paint shop also recommended it for its toughness when it comes to knocks etc., so went with that.

I’ve just noticed that there is a soft sheen finish available in Easycare kitchen/bathroom, which claims higher resistance to grease/moisture respectively.

So that leaves me thinking (given that I originally tried for a soft sheen finish) - is Easycare kitchen a sensible option for a hallway? Or does it only have enhanced grease resistance rather than being a more general endurance paint for knocks/scuffs?

Ive looked on the Dulux website and there is advice on putting Easycare in a kitchen, but not Easycare kitchen in a hallway!

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[opps]

I am confused. You mention paint shop and then refer to Dulux retail paints. I have never encountered a decorators' merchant that sells the DIY Dulux paints.

As a decorator, I avoid the Dulux paints and only buy those that say Dulux Trade on them. If you want a "soft" sheen finish then Dulux Trade waterbased eggshell should suffice. If you want to pay for even greater endurance then Dulux Trade Diamond eggshell (again water based) should suffice. If you ever want a matt finish that is "scrubbable" then you are looking at DT Diamond matt- note- although the matt can be scrubbed, when you scrub it the localised finish becomes slightly more shiny.

Getting back to your question, I see no problems with using the kitchen paint in the hallway. If you want clarification then phone/email Dulux. They are pretty good at replying.

 

[Barzin]

I am confused. You mention paint shop and then refer to Dulux retail paints. I have never encountered a decorators' merchant that sells the DIY Dulux paints.

As a decorator, I avoid the Dulux paints and only buy those that say Dulux Trade on them. If you want a "soft" sheen finish then Dulux Trade waterbased eggshell should suffice. If you want to pay for even greater endurance then Dulux Trade Diamond eggshell (again water based) should suffice. If you ever want a matt finish that is "scrubbable" then you are looking at DT Diamond matt- note- although the matt can be scrubbed, when you scrub it the localised finish becomes slightly more shiny.

Getting back to your question, I see no problems with using the kitchen paint in the hallway. If you want clarification then phone/email Dulux. They are pretty good at replying.

Thanks opps. The paint place I’ve visited has a DIY and a trade counter, so I had both options (though to be honest I first visited a trade only outlet where they seemed to push going elsewhere for Easycare over Dulux Trade for durability, based on the staff member’s personal experience).

Problem I have is the Easycare is only matt. Sometimes I like matt, but dulux matts have sometimes disappointed with their finish and feel - I can’t say it’s been consistent, sometimes they’ve been fine. I’m unsure why the Dulux Diamond eggshell wasn’t mentioned (admittedly I was talking soft sheen as a preference over matt at the time) - cost may have been a factor as he seemed to want to find me a cheaper deal than Dulux trade at 2x the price of other options.

I might see if I can get a tester with the diamond eggshell to make a comparison. (Oh, and yes I have actually been in touch with Dulux now and they said the Easycare is harder wearing for a hall type environment than the Easycare kitchen, but both would be better than standard Dulux).

 

[opps]

Something like the Dulux Trade Diamond eggshell is a lower sheen than vinyl silk paint. I have no idea how the sheen level compares to Easycare though. I suspect that Easycare is similar to Diamond matt in terms of sheen levels

Apropos advice from stores- whilst not wanting to malign anyone that has served you... Years ago I used specify the paint and let the customers pick it it, that was until, I released that the margins on cheaper brands are often higher. There was a clear financial incentive for the store to sell the cheaper paint even though it resulted in me having to apply an extra coat. The client might save £15 on materials but had to pay £300 in extra labour.

Tester pots of Diamond eggshell- AFAIK they do not exist. I have only ever seen dulux trade paints available in 150ml matt emulsion tester pots.