So, I painted out a loft conversion recently, using Armstead contract matt in white.
I sprayed the mist coat, then cut and rolled a following two coats. The ceiling was very large and dropped to the floor.
It flashed like nothing I’d ever seen before!! Around down lights and anywhere that received a strongest light.
I told the customer I was not happy with the finish. They said they will live with it.
So, I went to Dulux today and they as good as said “it isn’t very good quality. It flashes like crazy, even when you keep a wet edge.” I ended up having to buy some supermatt
Did I miss the point somewhere????? Or are there major problems with Armstead Contract Matt??
It can flash like mad, but it sprays well and it’s cheap. You can’t really complain as it’s only a contract matt.
Armstead contract matt isn’t bad for the money. You wouldn’t use it on light-critical ceilings, but you’ve got specialist ceiling paints for that now.
I can honestly say I’ve never had a problem with Armstead contract matt. It’s cheap and covers bare plaster in 2 coats. It isn’t the whitest white, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if the plaster is bad.
The opacity of Armstead contract matt is awesome, as is the ease of use. It makes the perfect mist-coat. However, it does flash like crazy!! It leaves a horrible finish and I have absolutely no idea why they use it on so many building sites. Have a look on my blog on the best emulsion for walls and ceilings. There are some inexpensive products on there which will give you a much better finish.
It’s a contract matt! Basically, it’s a primer for walls and ceilings before you put a decent coat of paint on. Its Not a finish coat paint
You are never going to get a great finish with Contract Matt, I only use Contract for mist coating.
I only use for mist coating when painting bare plaster. I wouldn’t use it as a topcoat.
I won’t touch it
I only use Anti Reflex 2 now. It is by far the best white emulsion to use on a ceiling and it’s cheap.
Tikkurila Anti-reflex 2 all day long. I don’t use anything else, it’s the best ceiling paint
Tikkurila Super white or Anti-Reflex
It’s cheap contract matt what did you expect 😂 mist coat only when using that stuff
Sprays well if its thinned
Tikkurila Anti reflex definitely
It’s got a slight sheen to it but remember all paint flashes when the light is bellowing down the wall. Why give yourself the head ache of telling the customer you weren’t happy? Use a different paint next time
Tikkurila Anti Reflex 2. quality gear and doesn’t flash either
If it’s a light sensitive ceiling you should be using either WRX ceiling paint, or Tikkurila Anti-Reflex. It’s a no brainer really.
The stuff is rubbish why anyone would try use as s finish is beyond me. It’s not even white. That’s the biggest joke about it.
Try anti-reflex great stuff
To be honest I have never had a problem with it and I spray it on ceilings all the time
It’s 20 quid a tub… can’t expect the perfect finish for that money. Great value for what it is but it has limits. As do all other products. Did I say it was 20quid a tub???
Crown covermatt any day of the week
It’s my go to emulsion for ceilings and mist coat walls,price is good coverage really good for the price and the finish is satisfactory.I paint mostly rentals and freshen ups for estate agents but have had no issues with private customers.I pay around £16 for 10 litres customers simply won’t pay 3 times that price for Dulux trade or similar.I covered a flat that the tenant had painted walls & ceiling black for a projector room in 3 coats can’t imagine a more expensive paint would have done better.If you’re working on high end props and you customer will pay for better paint use it but as bread and butter paint for normal work you can’t beat it.
I use this on a lot of rental and freshen up decorating jobs. Almost every one of my customers are happy with the outcome as its inexpensive and covers very well.
I used to use leyland, which in my opinion doesnt have the greatest coverage etc. Dulux trade is great but expensive and the finish isnt that much different. Always my go to.
I think Armstead contract matt has change massively since this was published. The finish is now much better.
The finish is now a lot better, more matt and touches up fine. Its actually a better “skin” than most contract matts not a soft. For cheapo landlord jobs and breathable new plaster work its pretty good paint probably the best of the cheaper brands
Used this stuff on new build site a year ago after issues with Dulux sm/airsure, year later doing some shrinkage and this flashes like mad now, has a flatter finish, wasn’t doing it in summer months when t/u pre handovers. Did notice lids went from white too black but was assured it was same paint inside.