Armstead Vinyl Matt Review
By Mike Gregory
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 is my honest Armstead Vinyl matt review. I hope you enjoy it.
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. You can use water to clean your tools after use. Oh, and you can have it tinted to any Armstead colour. They can normally mix a Dulux colour into an Armstead product, but can’t guarantee the accuracy (I’ve never had a problem).
Is it Any Good?
I’ve got to be honest, I absolutely love Armstead vinyl matt. It is one of the best 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, Armstead vinyl matt represents amazing value for money. You can get a little bit of flashing if you’re not careful, but you can with any brand really. I use Armstead vinyl matt on a lot of my 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 Akzo Nobel. I’ll call a spade a spade and Dulux Trade vinyl matt is terrible in my opinion! The sheen level is too high, 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,
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. If you do not have a trade account, then you may be better buying online.
Armstead Vinyl Matt Review
Dulux colours especially mid to darker are not always accurate in Armstead.
I think this is done on purpose so you need to pay the extra £12 plus vat a 5l.
Also it is a little shiny and not cover as great l prefer competitors matt emulsions.
Johnstones centres can match any dulux colour with remarkable accuracy it would be closer than armstead in most occasions.
Strange that Johnstones and Crown centres can match any premium brand colour in their own cheaper budget brand but dulux wont.
If you’re looking for a different pin company that has fantastic products try the Isle of Skye paint company supporting the local community and sustainability please look them up onlineRw
I think it should be incumbent on us all to take on apprentices in my 45 years in business I have taken at least 30 young people and we suggest that 75% have been excellent boys and girls indeed probably at least 10 of my young people have gone on to start their own painting and decorating companies I would suggest there has never been a better time to take on young people if the apprentice does not work out it probably says as much about the company as the Young person I have also taken on mature apprentices from the armed forces they have been fantastic in the past someone took a chance on me I am prepared and always will be prepared to take a chance on an apprenticeRw