Armstead Vinyl Matt Review

Armstead, like Dulux is manufactured by Akzo Nobel and both brands are sold side by side online and in Dulux Decorating Centres.

You should think of Dulux as Akzo’s premium brand and Armstead as its budget. That said, there are many Armstead products which are actually better than their Dulux counterparts. Vinyl matt happens to be one such example. This blog is my honest Armstead Vinyl matt review. I hope you enjoy it. Click here to see online prices.

About Armstead Vinyl Matt

Armstead vinyl matt is a trade quality emulsion designed for interior plaster walls and ceilings. It is touch dry in an hour or two and recoat time is roughly 2 – 4 hours depending on conditions. You should dilute this product for the first coat on bare plaster and you can use water to clean your tools after use.

You can get Armstead vinyl matt tinted into any colour from Armstead’s extensive range. They can normally match a Dulux colour into an Armstead product but can’t guarantee the accuracy (I’ve never had a problem).

Is Armstead Vinyl Matt Any Good?

I’ve got to be honest, I absolutely love Armstead vinyl matt. It is one of the better trade vinyl matt emulsions on the market in my opinion. Opacity is great, it is nice and easy to use and it leaves a true matt finish. The best thing about this product is the price!! As Armstead is Akzo Nobel’s budget brand, so Armstead vinyl matt represents amazing value for money. You can get a little bit of flashing if you’re not careful, but that’s the same with a lot of brands. I use Armstead vinyl matt on a lot of my decorating jobs and I’d recommend it to anyone.

How Does it Compare to Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt?

Don’t for one second think I’m only giving Armstead vinyl matt such a glowing review because I’m somehow biased towards AkzoNobel. I’ll call a spade a spade and Dulux Trade vinyl matt is terrible in my opinion! The sheen level is too high, so you get picture framing and flashing. The worst thing is the price which is shockingly expensive. Still miles better than any retail paint, but way below par for a trade matt with such a high price tag. Armstead is better.

Armstead White Vinyl Matt on a Ceiling

I thought I’d give Armstead vinyl matt in white it’s own paragraph, simply because it’s in my top 4 ceiling paints. Be sure to get the white and not “brilliant white”. Contrary to popular belief, dull white often looks best on a ceiling as it eliminates picture framing, roller marks and imperfections are less visible. Do not pick up the Armstead contract matt up by accident as the finish can be awful.

Review Summary

Best Place to Buy?

Armstead vinyl matt is widely available from a number of independent outlets, as well as Dulux Decorating Centres. This is traditionally a brand used by professional decorators. However, unless you qualify for a trade discount, it will almost certainly be cheaper to by Armstead products online. Plus, by buying online, you can have any colour from any brand mixed into an Armstead product. Click here to see online prices.

FAQs

Is Armstead Vinyl Matt washable?

You could give a wall painted with Armstead Vinyl Matt a quick wipe down, but you’d need to be very careful not to damage the paint. Armstead Durable Matt is washable, as is Armstead Acrylic Eggshell.

How long does Armstead Trade vinyl Matt take to dry?

Armstead Vinyl Matt is touch dry after an hour or two, depending on conditions. However, you should wait three to four hours before applying additional coats.

Can I use Armstead Vinyl Matt on bare plaster?

Yes. You should dilute your first coat of Armstead Vinyl Matt by about 10% when painting bare plaster. This is to aid adhesion.

Is Armstead Vinyl Matt ok for ceilings?

A lot of Decorators avoid using vinyl matt on ceilings for fear of flashing and roller marks. But I think if you make an informed decision when choosing your paint, vinyl matt can look fantastic on a ceiling. Armstead Vinyl Matt in White (not Brilliant White) makes a great ceiling paint.

Final Thoughts

There are better vinyl matt emulsions on the market, but I don’t think you’ll find a better product in the same price bracket. Armstead gives you everything you need. It goes on well and you’re left with a great finish. I particularly like using this paint in white on ceilings.

Another product to look out for is Armstead durable matt. Again, it wipes the floor with its Dulux counterpart and it is perfect for high traffic areas or kitchens.