What is contract matt paint used for?

Contract matt is often a cheaper alternative to vinyl matt and contains less polymer binders. This gives the paint certain qualities. But what is contract matt paint used for? I thought I’d put pen to paper and explain.

Using Contract Matt to Prime Bare Plaster

A “mist coat” is the primer you’d apply onto bare plaster. A lot of decorators have used contract matt as a mist coat for decades. Because of the lack of polymer binders, contract matt is breathable and once diluted, will bond quite nicely to plaster.

Using contract matt as a mist coat is a bit “old school”. There was a time when every decorator was taught to use a coat of contract matt, and it can still be effective now. However, a lot of manufacturers will either advise you use a specialist primer, or just heavily dilute the same product as you’re using as a topcoat and apply directly to the plaster.

 Using Contract Matt to Paint a Ceiling

Contract matt can be used as a finish coat on a ceiling. In fact, it is ideal in some cases. The opacity is generally very good, meaning fewer coats are needed. It is often flatter than some alternatives, meaning less problems with picture-framing and flashing.

The downside of using contract matt on a ceiling is it’s durability. It is useless in a room if you’re about to wallpaper the walls, as you will not be able to wipe paste residue off your finished ceiling. It is no good in a kitchen or bathroom either, as grease and moisture will penetrate and lift the paint.

Using Contract Matt in a Newbuild House

Contract matt is often used as a “builders finish” on a lot of newbuilds. This is mainly due to price!! But other factors include the breathability of contract matt, meaning it can be applied to bare plaster walls which are not fully cured or dried out.

Contract matt is also a great base for additional products, so a homeowner can come in and apply whatever paint finish they like over the top of the “builders finish”.

The Best Contract Matt

The best contract matt is one that is reasonably priced, has good opacity, and doesn’t show defects like flashing. I’ll just give you a couple of options here: one premium contract matt, and the other is reasonably priced but still good.

Best Tools for Applying Contract Matt

Contract matt tends to drag as you apply it, so having the correct tools will not only make life easier for you, but you’ll also avoid defects such as flashing and picture framing. A long pile roller and a brush with a thick stock will help massively.

I like using the Purdy Colossus paint roller when mist coating. You will need to de-lint it before you start, but it has a thick, dense nap which is perfect for this type of work. Available online here.

As for the brush, I’ll go with Purdy again. The Monarch Elite XL is fantastic for new plaster. It holds its shape and spreads loads of paint. Available online here.

 FAQs

How many coats of contract matt?

Any good-quality trade contract matt emulsion will cover bare plaster in two coats, even if you heavily dilute the first coat. Some cheap retail options may take a third coat.

What’s the difference between contract paint and normal paint?

Contract matt is made from cheaper materials and contains less polymer binder.

How long does contract matt take to dry?

Most contract matt paints are touch dry after an hour or two and recoat after three or four.

Can you use contract matt in the bathroom?

Contract matt isn’t waterproof and will not stand up to the conditions in a bathroom. It causes all kinds of problems, which usually only manifest themselves a year or two down the line.

Can contract Matt be used on wood?

No, don’t use contract matt on wood. It doesn’t contain enough polymer to seal wood, and it isn’t durable enough to be used as a topcoat.

Final Thoughts

Contract matt probably isn’t the ideal emulsion for walls, simply because it isn’t very durable. However, as per this blog, it does have it’s uses. Not just that, but contract matt is generally cheaper than its vinyl or durable counterparts.  It also has great opacity, meaning you can cover a wall or ceiling in fewer coats. This makes contract matt a favourite with landlords, as well as builders.