A series of frequently asked questions to support you on your painting project from preparation right through to application.
How long does it take for paint to dry?
Depending on paint type choice, atmospheric conditions, and other variables, different paints can vary in dry time, however for an interior wall paint in normal conditions the paint will be touch dry in approximately 1 - 2 hours. If painting more than one coat we recommend 2 - 4 hours between coats.
Refer to the product detail pages to understand the dry time associated to each product.
How much paint do I need?
First you need to decide on the area you want to paint and measure it (height x width). You then need to check the spread / coverage rate (per square metre) of your chosen paint, this will be on our product page or on the back of can. Divide your surface area by the spread rate, bear in mind that most surfaces require two coats of paint.
Solvent/Oil or Water-Based Paint Wood & Metal Paint– Which is best?
The choice of finishes for internal and external woodwork used to be simple because the options were limited. Nowadays, you have a bewildering range of products at your disposal to suit just about every situation.
In simple terms water based paint is designed using the latest technology to make decorating less of a hassle with the added benefits of it being more environmentally friendly too. Here are some benefits of water based paints:
- Self-undercoating
- Easy to apply
- Low odour
- Quick drying
- Long lasting
- Non-yellowing
Solvent based paint is the more traditional choice of the two and provides fewer key benefits:
- Tough & durable
- Professional finish
- Easy to apply
Do I need to prime every time that I want to freshen my walls with another coat of paint?
No. Primers are not always needed when repainting. If you are repainting a similar colour, you can lightly scuff sand to remove the gloss and clean the surface. Once that is completed, you can simply repaint over the existing paint coating. More than one coat may be needed for uniformity. Please note that switching sheens or drastic colour changes may require a primer to minimize the amount of topcoats used.
I'm painting the outside of my house. Where do I start?
We spend so much time thinking about the inside of our homes, it's easy to see how we might overlook the outside.
A decorator may probably create a better finish in less time, but doing it yourself can save money and lets you control the schedule. When deciding, it’s worth considering what repair work is required for example crack repair and any health and safety factors. Long ladders and scaffolding are best left to the experts! Find the colours and products to express your style and make the most of your property. See our range of exterior paints.
How can I change the look of my shelves and cupboards?
Make a small but strong statement by adding colour to your shelving/cupboards. Our range of Revive products are perfect to upcycle shelves and cupboards. Choose co-ordinating shades to your walls to add a refreshing dash of colour to the room.
What do you mean by sheen level?
The term sheen level refers to the glossiness of the paint finish. Colours can differ in appearance depending on their sheen level. For every wall emulsion or interior wood paint you can identify its sheen level by using our numerical scale.
(1 = Low Sheen Level 10 = High Sheen Level)
2 = Wall & Ceiling Paint Matt, Feature Wall Matt, Kitchen, Washable, One Coat
4 = Wall & Ceiling Paint Soft Sheen, Feature Wall Soft Sheen, Bathroom
5 = Quick Dry Satin, Eggshell
6 = Wall & Ceiling Paint Silk
9 = Quick Dry Gloss
10 = Non Drip Gloss, Liquid Gloss
Where can I use Metallic paints?
Our Feature Wall Metallic paints are a great way to add a touch of glamour to your home. Our stunning range of metallic wall paints are designed to be used as an accent alongside other complementary colours to create fabulous statement walls. We recommend applying a base colour of a similar tone before using the metallic paint to enhance the metallic effect.
- Rosebud for Rose Gold
- Champagne Creme for Champagne Gold
- Burnt Sugar for Copper
- Frosted Silver for Silver
- English Trifle for Gold
Why does my flat or low sheen paint show handprints, marks, and shows the areas where I tried to scrub them off?
In general, flat and low sheen paints do not have a high amount of scrubbabilty. Areas that are of higher traffic or that are washed should be painted with a higher sheen product. At minimum, a “Satin” type or higher sheen is usually recommended in those areas for their overall durability. Johnstone's Washable can protect your wall from those everyday marks and spills that can be easily wiped away and is ideal for use in those busy areas of the home. View the Washable products here.