At the time of writing this review, Valspar Trade had recently reformulated and improved its entire range. Even though these paints are sold through B&Q, which is generally associated with retail paint for keen DIYers, Valspar Trade is predominantly used by professional decorators. I have been using the new Valspar Trade Contract Matt as a decorator for a few weeks now, so I thought I would take the time to write a quick review.
This is a fully water-based emulsion for interior walls and ceilings. As with all contract matt emulsions, this paint does not contain a high level of polymer binder, meaning it allows plaster to breathe. This makes it ideal as a mist coat for priming bare plaster and as a finish coat on new-build properties. Another common use for contract matt is as a finish on ceilings.
The drying time is approximately 2–4 hours, and you can apply Valspar Trade Contract Matt by airless sprayer, brush, or roller. You can dilute the paint, but unlike many other contract matt emulsions, it can also be used straight from the tin.
My Valspar Trade Contract Matt Emulsion Review
Contract matt is not exactly the sexiest product in the world. It is a relatively inexpensive emulsion that you use to prime bare plaster or freshen up a ceiling. That said, this paint feels different from anything I have used in the past.
Because contract matt remains porous, you would normally expect it to drag considerably on the second coat. However, you do not notice this nearly as much with Valspar Trade Contract Matt, making it easier to use.
There is another benefit too. Because Valspar Trade Contract Matt does not drag as much, you are left with a better overall finish. The paint remains workable for longer, which helps to reduce brush marks, flashing, and picture framing.
This is a breath of fresh air, especially when painting large, open-plan ceilings. You do not see the defects you would normally associate with a budget emulsion. Instead, you are left with a lovely finish.
A 12L bucket of Valspar Trade Contract Matt will set you back around £25 including VAT, which means it is cheaper than some of the premium contract matt products, but it certainly is not the cheapest. I think it is a fair price for a quality paint, so I am happy to pay it.
There is one negative to using Valspar Trade Contract Matt, and that is its opacity. Do not get me wrong, it covers reasonably well, but you may occasionally need to apply a third coat to achieve full coverage on bare plaster.
Review Summary
Valspar Trade Contract Matt Review - Decorator's forum UK
A contract matt emulsion, mostly used to paint interior ceilings, rental properties, or as a ‘builders’ finish’ in new build homes.
Product Brand: Valspar Trade
3.8
Pros
- Readily available.
- Contains extenders to help avoid defects.
- It doesn’t drag as much as other contract matt paints (I love this).
- Leaves a nice finish.
Cons
- The opacity isn’t great.
- It bleaches out as it dries, meaning you never know how well it’s covered when you first apply it.
Best Tools to Apply Valspar Contract Matt
My recommendation for the best tools to apply Valspar Trade Contract Matt is much the same as for any other contract matt. When applying a porous material, or painting bare plaster, you need a brush and roller that will hold plenty of paint. Otherwise, both the ease of application and the overall finish can be compromised.
Paint Roller
You really need a long-pile roller when applying contract matt. You will struggle to find better than the Purdy Colossus, which makes light work of this type of paint. It holds plenty of paint and helps to combat dragging. Available online by clicking here.
Paintbrush
As for a paintbrush, I would choose Purdy again. The Purdy Monarch Elite has a thick stock, is easy to use, and holds plenty of paint. It is probably the market leader among paintbrushes used by professional decorators. Available online by clicking here.
What do Other Decorators Think About Valspar Trade Contract Matt
VALSPAR® CONTRACT MATT IS A PROFESSIONAL, HIGH-OPACITY EMULSION FORMULATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL IN MIND.
Clean up is easy with its spatter resistant formula. Suitable for all interior walls and ceilings, it can be applied direct to new plaster straight from the bucket.
A few years ago, I did use this paint and I wasn’t impressed. For starters the paint looked more like natural Calico than white. However, it did dry white but the opacity was poor.
Since then, Valspar Trade have upgraded their entire range, so I thought I’d try it again on bare plaster.
Normally I would buy Tikkurila Primer or Screwfix Bare Plaster as a primer, but Valspar Trade state that their contract matt is ideal and no watering down is required, so they have a edge of their competitors.
This is ideal for me as I only work in domestic homes and applying a watered-down mist coat for a primer is not ideal in this environment.
First impression of the new contract Matt is that it is no longer cream but white, very white.
The viscosity is ideal and rolls and cuts in smooth considering no water is applied.
Valspar Trade also states that their paint is spatter resistant and I must agree as my arms that are normally white during this stage looked rather clean.
After the 1st coat, the opacity looked poor. Then after 3 hours it turns solid. I tried a scratch test, and it was solid.
During the 2nd application, a strange thing happens were you go over the 1st coat it appears to lose it opacity.
The next day the ceiling was solid white, no flashing, no roller marks, just a smooth very white ceiling.
The paint comes in 10L but recently it has started in 12L. At a cost £24.
With a trade card 5%=£22.80
Or if you’re a member of an association like PDA that’s 10% £21.60.
Now I know you can buy other decent contract Matt brands slightly cheaper, but they have to be watered down for a mist coat, and are not splatter resistant, so therefore For me this paint wins over its rivals.
Who ever says it’s not great opticity, really aren’t using it correctly. Excellent consistency fantastic coverage.