As a professional decorator, I was asked to review the new Johnstone’s Perfect Matt by the Decorators Forum UK. I was excited to try this emulsion, as it claims to tick a lot of boxes (flawless matt finish, scrubbable, no picture framing and can touch up without showing).
Johnstone’s Perfect Matt is designed for use on interior walls and ceilings. You can buy it in tin sizes ranging from 1L to 10L buckets. Available from any Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, however unless you’re entitled to a trade discount, it will almost certainly be cheaper to buy this paint online. You can click here to see the latest prices. Perfect Matt is touch dry after 1 – 2 hours depending on conditions, and you can recoat it after 3 or 4 hours. Application via brush and roller, or airless sprayer.
I decided to test the Perfect Matt at home in my downstairs WC. I’d previously painted it in Machpherson vinyl matt (god knows why I didn’t use something durable– I was just trying my luck I think- this looked tired after only a couple of weeks with marks and even dust showing up on the walls easily).
The colour is Farrow and ball‘s off black (equivalent). This is a very strong colour and often unforgiving when it comes to flashing. If Johnstone’s perfect matt can leave a good finish with this, then it will with anything! It’s worth noting that Johnstone’s seem more capable of matching the colours from other brands, both online and in store.
My Johnstone’s Perfect Matt Review
Upon applying the first coat of the Johnstone’s perfect matt, the first thing I noticed is just how “matt” it is- it really doesn’t reflect any light and looks stunning especially in the dark colour.
It went on well (I added 5% water) and seemed to cover well – hard to say though as the walls were already dark. Ease of use was spot on too. I found Johnstone’s Perfect Matt a joy to work with. I know this emulsion comes with a premium price tag, but that really shows when you’re working with it.
Once I had completed the 2 coats, I was really impressed with how it looks. It has a rich, deep matt finish which looks absolutely gorgeous!! Wasted in a toilet room but would look stunning in the correct setting. Since applying it, it has stood up to some wiping/ scrubbing where toothpaste marks/ hand marks were. There are no shiny marks left where I’ve scrubbed it.
I’ve also tested it for picture framing, I touched up a large area with a fussy blokes 4 inch roller around three weeks after first painting and it blends in perfectly (which is a big ask in this dark colour). I’m so impressed with this paint!! It’s well worth spending the extra money, as opposed to a different durable matt emulsion option.
This is a premium product with a price tag to match, but for customers who like farrow and ball, fired earth etc. I’ll be recommending it, as it looks great and is way more durable for the same money. I don’t mind paying a premium price for a premium product and that’s what you get here!! I’d recommend this product to anyone. The finish is absolutely lovely. You’re left with a “true matt” and a great depth of colour.
You can buy Perfect Matt from any Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, but unless you have a trade account, it will almost certainly be cheaper to buy this paint online. Click here to see online prices.
Used this in Chinese Porcelain on a white wall, 2 coats and looked great. Went back a couple of weeks later to touch up after removal men and used a Purdy mini roller with 6 1/2 inch colossus, blended perfectly. This was on 2 walls lining a south facing glass wall, so very unforgiving light. Well impressed
Does it crack on caulk though,like most of there matt`s {vinyl and acrylics}
and does it crack on pulp lining paper seems again like most of there matt`s{vinyl and acrylics}
i use and like alot of johnstone products for budget jobs just cant seem to justify spending on the premium products these days as there are better options.
Further update
Ive been using this product for over a year now and pleased to say it doesnt craze on caulk and crack onpulp lining paper seems unlike the rest of there matt emulsions.opacity is fantastic as well compared to the other acrylics. Not had it flashing either.no primer needed. Win win. My goto matt emulsion these days.
Agree it looks good no flashing but it does not keep. Just gone back inside and 10 ltr bought in late April smells rancid. So chucking 5 ltrs away. Back to bm ceiling for me.
Have had 2 tubs go off with rancid smell. No shelf life.
Looks good but throw what’s left away.
Benjamin moore only for me all mainstream are trash.
40 years in the trade products just get worse.