B And Q Paint

Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Your Local Store

As any DIY enthusiast knows, no home improvement project is complete without a fresh coat of paint. Paint can instantly transform the look and feel of a room, adding vibrancy, character and style to your living spaces. But with so many options to choose from, buying paint can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

That’s where B&Q comes in. With hundreds of paint colours and finishes available, B&Q is one of the best places in the UK to purchase affordable, quality paint for your next decorating project. As one of the country’s most popular DIY retailers, they really are the go-to for all things paint.

But to make sure you pick the perfect paint for your needs, there are a few key things to consider before visiting your local store. I should know – I’ve bought paint from B&Q countless times over the years.

So whether you’re a painting novice or a seasoned decorator, read on for my complete guide to buying paint at B&Q. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing paint finishes and colours to calculating how much you need and getting the best deals. Let’s get painting!

Where to Buy B&Q Paint Online

The beauty of B&Q is that they make paint shopping incredibly convenient. You can easily buy B&Q paint both in-store and online.

B&Q’s website allows you to order paint for home delivery or click & collect. This is perfect if you know exactly which paint you want or need large quantities that may be tricky to transport.

When ordering online, you can filter paints by colour, finish, surface to be painted (walls, radiators, furniture etc), speciality paints and more. This makes it easy to find the right paint for your specific project.

You can also order samples online so you can test out colours at home before committing to a larger pot or tin.

However, buying paint online doesn’t allow you to test out or compare the real paint colours. So I’d recommend heading in-store if you’re unsure about shades or want guidance choosing finishes.

The good news is B&Q has over 300 stores nationwide, so there’s bound to be one close by.

Paint Types and Finishes Available at B&Q

Once you’ve decided to purchase your paint from B&Q, you next need to explore the types of paint and finishes on offer. This will determine the final look, durability and suitability for different surfaces.

Here are the main paint categories you’ll find at B&Q:

• Interior wall and ceiling paint – Includes matt, silk and high sheen finishes. Choose matt for hiding imperfections, silk for a soft sheen, and high sheen for a glossy look.
• Exterior masonry and wood paint – Formulated to withstand the British weather. Look for exterior masonry paint for rendering, pebble dash and brickwork. Exterior wood paint protects fascias, cladding and fences.
• Primer and undercoat – Provides a key between the surface and finishing coats of paint. Use primer on unpainted walls or to help paint adhere on tricky surfaces.
• Wood treatments – Such as stains, varnishes, oils and preservers to protect and enhance wooden surfaces like doors, floors, furniture and decking.
• Speciality paint – Includes tile paint, radiator paint, floor paint, chalk paint, spray paints, blackboard paint and more for specific surfaces.
• Metallic and textured paint – Adds special finishes like shimmer, sparkle, crackle and grooves. Ideal for creating unique, eye-catching decorative effects.

So assess the surface you want to paint and choose the most suitable paint type and finish from B&Q’s comprehensive range.

B&Q Paint Price Range

The next consideration is setting your budget for B&Q paint. The good news is that B&Q offers excellent quality paint across a range of affordable price points.

As a general guide, expect to pay:

• £10-£25 for 2.5L of standard interior or exterior masonry paint
• £15-£30 for 2.5L of more advanced formulations like bathroom/kitchen paint
• £25-£45 for 2.5L exterior wood paint
• £12-£30 for 750ml specialist paints like floor, chalk or spray paints
• £15-£40 for 1L of primer, undercoat or wood treatments
• £10-20 for a 2.5L tin of value, budget paint
• £25-£45 for 2.5L of premium Dulux or Johnstone’s paint

B&Q’s own brand paints offer great value starting at less than £10 a tin. I’d recommend these for basic rooms that just need freshening up.

For living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms invest in mid-range paints from trusted brands like Johnstone’s, Dulux and V33. These offer quality results for reasonable prices.

Finally, B&Q stocks premium paint ranges from Dulux and Farrow & Ball if budget is no object. But their standard offers still give an amazing finish at a fraction of the cost.

Colour-Matching Services

One of the hardest parts of buying paint can be choosing that perfect colour for your room. Get this wrong and you face the hassle of redecorating if the shade is way off.

Thankfully, B&Q makes it easy to get colour right first time with two colour-matching services for total reassurance:

1. Dulux Visualiser – This allows you to test how different paint colours would look in your actual room. You simply upload a photo of the room and virtually paint it with colours from Dulux and Johnstone’s ranges.
2. Colour Matching System – B&Q can scan and perfectly match any colour sample you provide. Bring in fabric swatches, artwork or even snapshots of your desired shade and their machine scans and matches it flawlessly.

So if you have a specific colour in mind, B&Q can replicate it in the exact paint product and finish you need. This takes the stress out of colour selection.

Eco-Friendly and Low VOC Paint Options

Over the years, traditional solvent-based paints have been criticised for containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are potentially harmful.

Thankfully, most leading paint brands including those stocked at B&Q have addressed this through technological advances. They now offer low VOC and eco-friendly water-based paint ranges that are safer for you and the environment.

Here are some great options at B&Q:

• Johnstone’s Aqua Water-Based paint – Low VOCs and odour
• Dulux Easycare – Low VOC, non-drip formulation
• Farrow & Ball – Water-based and low emission
• B&Q GoodHome – Water-based and solvent-free

Always check the details to confirm VOC content before buying. Some budget paints still have higher levels, so go for eco-ranges for peace of mind.

Most Popular Paint Colours

Over 3,500 shades of paint may seem overwhelming. So if you’re struggling to narrow down your colour choice, consider B&Q’s current best-selling paint colours for inspiration:

Neutrals remain hugely popular for creating calm, inviting spaces:

• Chic Shadow (pale dove grey)
• Ammonite (warm light grey)
• Cornforth White (creamy off-white)
• Light French Grey (soft grey with hints of lilac)

Greens are having a moment for adding freshness:

• Jamaica Leaf (vibrant green)
• Peaceful Green (sage green)
• Lichen (muted grey-green)

Blues create relaxed, Harmonious rooms:

• Clouded Pearl (icy blue)
• Night Sky (rich navy blue)
• Duck Egg (pale pastel blue)

Of course, your own taste should lead your colour choice. But if you’re stuck, B&Q’s popular paint shades make a great starting point.

Getting Paint Samples at B&Q

With so many colours and finishes to pick from, I always recommend getting paint samples or testers before investing in whole tins.

B&Q makes this easy by offering two sampling options:

1. Online samples – Order up to 5 free samples online to test at home. Pots contain 100ml of paint so you can trial adequate areas.
2. In-store samples – Ask staff at the paint counter to make you up samples of your shortlisted shades. Small pots cost just £1.50 each.

Always test samples on the actual wall surface rather than card if painting interior walls. The base colour will affect the tone.

Paint sizable patches to get a true impression. Don’t rely on tiny swatches that dry darker.

View samples at different times/lights as the colour can appear to change. Natural daylight shows the real colour.

Keep a record of the paint codes for shades you like so you can easily purchase the same one.

Following these tips when sampling will ensure you pick the perfect shade for flawless results.

Interior and Exterior Paints at B&Q

The next consideration is whether you need paint suitable for interior or exterior use. The formulation of paint differs significantly based on where it will be applied.

B&Q stocks specific paint types for different surfaces:

• For interiors choose products designed for walls, ceilings, woodwork, radiators, floors and furniture etc. Look for quality interior emulsions.
• For exterior jobs select exterior masonry paints for use on rendering, pebble dash, concrete, stone and brickwork.
• For exterior wood, opt for paints offering protection from the elements. These withstand UV exposure and water damage.

Make sure exterior paint contains fungicide/algaecide to prevent issues like mould.

Don’t risk using interior paint outdoors – it won’t withstand British weather. Similarly exterior paints will have strong odours and emit VOCs indoors.

Consult B&Q for the best product for your specific interior or exterior surface. Never compromise quality – the right paint lasts longer and requires less maintenance.

Choosing Paint Finishes

Beyond just colour, paint finishes also significantly impact the end result. The right finish achieves your desired aesthetic and level of durability.

Here are the most popular choices at B&Q:

• Matt – Offers subtle sheen and excellent hiding power. Great for hiding imperfections. Not very washable.
• Silk – Mid-sheen finish. More durable and wipeable than matt. Good all-rounder for walls and woodwork.
• Gloss – High sheen effect. Most durable and wipeable finish but highlights imperfections. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and trim.
• Satin – Soft low sheen. Combines durability and stain resistance with attractive subtle sheen.
• Eggshell – Low sheen with medium durability. Ideal finish for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
• Metallic – Eye-catching high shimmer finish. Creates glamorous effects on accent walls and furnishings.

Consider the desired aesthetic, functionality and room use to pick the right finish. I’d suggest getting sample pots in different finishes to see how they’ll look.

Specialist Paints at B&Q

While standard emulsions work fine for most rooms, some spaces require specialist paint for enhanced performance:

Bathroom and Kitchen Paint – Made to withstand steam, condensation and stains in high humidity rooms. More moisture resistant.

Tile Paint – Specially formulated to give a hardwearing finish on ceramic tiles. Comes in gloss, satin and textured finishes.

Floor Paint – Withstands heavy foot traffic and knocking from furniture. Available in porch and floor enamels.

Radiator Paint – Heat resistant up to 150°C.Ideal for painting radiators without flaking or discolouration.

Chalk Paint – Water-based paint giving a matt shabby chic finish. No need to prime or prepare surfaces.

Spray Paint – Available in a range of colours for easy spray application on furniture, woodwork or crafts.

Check out the specialist paints section at B&Q to find the perfect product for painting any surface in your home.

Paint Brands at B&Q

B&Q offer a wide spectrum of paints across different quality levels and price points. The key brands to look out for are:

• B&Q own brand paints – Excellent value basic paints starting from as little as £8 for 2.5L. Limited colours but ideal if on a tight budget.
• Johnstone’s – Trusted mid-range paint brand offering quality at reasonable prices, starting around £16 for 2.5L.
• Dulux – This leading premium brand provides exceptional coverage and colour choice. Around £24 for 2.5L standard paint.
• V33 – Specialist paint brand known for kitchen, bathroom and tile paints. Slightly more expensive but worth paying extra for these specialty finishes.
• Farrow & Ball – High-end heritage brand, providing stunning unique shades. Luxury quality but very expensive at £50+ per 2.5L.

I’d suggest Dulux or Johnstone’s as the best combination of quality and value for most painting jobs. But assess your budget and needs.

Waterproof and Weatherproof Paint

For any exterior painting job, ensure you choose a paint offering protection against wet weather. Paints labelled as “weatherproof” or “waterproof” are formulated to withstand the elements.

Here are some good exterior options at B&Q:

• Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry Paint – Waterproof 10 Year Protection
• Dulux Weathershield All Weather Protection Masonry Paint
• Rust-Oleum Universal Waterproofing Spray Paint
• Ronseal 10 Year Waterproof Wood Paint – Weatherproof Protection
• B&Q own brand Weatherproof Exterior Masonry Paint

Check labels for guarantees of 5, 10 or 15 years waterproof protection. This indicates how long the paint should maintain performance before needing a refresh.

Apply at least 2-3 coats as per instructions to ensure you achieve full weatherproofing. It’s worth the extra effort for lasting exterior results.

Spray Paints and Chalk Paint at B&Q

As well as traditional paints for walls, doors and trim, B&Q also offer specialty paints like:

• Spray paints – Available in a wide colour selection, spray paint from Rust-Oleum, PlastiKote and Montana provide easy application on furniture, woodwork, metal and craft projects. No need for a paint brush!
• Chalk paint – Provided under B&Q’s own brand, this gives a stylish matt finish requiring minimal preparation. Available in both traditional and trendy chalk paint colours.
• Blackboard paint – Turn a wall into a functional feature by painting it with blackboard paint. Allows you to draw and wipe off chalk messages and art.
• Textured paint – Adds unique finishes like metallic, crackle, stone and grooved effects.

Browse the specialist paints for products to unleash your creativity and transform everyday surfaces.

Calculating How Much Paint You Need

There’s nothing worse than realising mid-paint job that you don’t have enough. So be sure to calculate how much paint you need before buying B&Q paint.

The general rule of thumb is one 2.5 litre tin covers approximately 16m2 or a medium sized room. For wall painting allow:

• Up to 14m2 coverage per 2.5L tin for the first coat
• 10m2 per 2.5L tin for subsequent coats

Measure room dimensions in metres then multiply height x width to get the total wall area. Divide this by 14 or 10 to work out paint required.

Add 10-30% extra paint for second coats, cutting-in edges, touch ups and wastage. Round up to the next whole tin.

For woodwork like skirting boards, doors and furniture – expect 1 litre to cover 12m2 for the first coat and 8m2 for subsequent coats.

Measure the surface area then divide by 12 or 8 to see how much you need. Don’t underestimate – it’s always best to have leftover paint than run out part way!

Paint Discounts and Sales at B&Q

Painting your home can be pricey, so take advantage of paint offers and sales at B&Q whenever you can.

The best savings are found during seasonal sales events, like:

• Black Friday Sales – B&Q offer up to 50% off paint in November
• Easter Sales – Great deals on paint and decorating accessories
• Summer Sales – Discounts to help your painting projects
• January Sales – Paint bargains to brighten up the new year

It’s also worth looking out for:

• Multibuy Deals – Buy One Get One Half Price or Buy 2 Get Third Free
• Price Cuts – On discontinued paint lines or less popular colours
• In-store Promotions – Flash sales or discount vouchers on paint ranges

Signing up for B&Q’s newsletter will ensure you never miss a paint sale again! Sales are the ideal time to stock up.

Paint Tools at B&Q

An often overlooked consideration is having the correct tools to apply the paint for a professional finish.

Along with their wide range of paints, B&Q also provide all the accessories you need:

• Brushes – Quality bristle brushes in different sizes for cutting-in edges
• Rollers and sleeves – Combo kits with reusable roller handles and disposable sleeves for smooth application

–Paint pads – For painting trickier areas like spindles and balustrades

• Paint trays – To hold and distribute paint across the roller
• Dust sheets – Protect floors and furniture from drips and splashes
• Filler – For fixing imperfections and cracks before painting
• Sugar soap – To clean and prepare surfaces prior to painting

Don’t forget decorating sundries like paint kettles, scrapers, masking tape and extender poles for those high up or awkward spots!

Investing in high quality applicators gives better results and reduces frustration.

Preparing Surfaces for B&Q Paint

Achieving a flawless finish relies on diligent surface prep before painting. Don’t skip this step!

Here are my top tips for readying surfaces to accept B&Q paint:

• Fill any cracks, holes or imperfections with appropriate filler
• Lightly sand surfaces to improve paint adhesion
• Wipe away any dust, dirt or grease which could hinder results
• Use sugar soap to thoroughly clean walls prior to painting
• Remove any loose wallpaper or flaking paint
• Apply primer to unpainted surfaces like plaster or wood
• Allow undercoats, primer and filler to fully dry before painting
• Mask edges like skirting boards with tape for super sharp painted lines

Taking the time to properly prepare surfaces really pays off. Remember – painting accounts for only around a third of the work. Surface prep is equally if not more important for a flawless finish!

Returning Wrong or Unused B&Q Paint

With so many paint options, there’s a chance you may purchase the wrong colour or finish for your needs. Not to worry – B&Q offers reasonable returns policies on paint:

Incorrect/unsuitable paint – Return this with proof of purchase to receive a full refund.

Opened but unused paint – Partially used tins over 3 litres can be returned up to 14 days after purchase for a refund based on how much paint remains.

Unopened paint – This is fully refundable when returned in saleable condition within 30 days.

So don’t feel like you have to stick with paint that’s incorrect for your project. As long as pots are unopened or barely used, B&Q will happily provide a refund or exchange.

Do remember to get samples first and keep receipts to make returns smooth and simple.

Paint Delivery from B&Q

Once you’ve settled on the perfect B&Q paint for your project, you’ll need to get it back home!

Larger or bulkier items can be delivered directly from B&Q via:

• Home Delivery – Convenient and affordable delivery to your doorstep. Prices from £5 depending on items ordered.
• Click & Collect – Order online and collect from your local store for free. Ready in just 2 hours!

Smaller paint tins are easily portable in the car. I’d suggest bringing an old blanket or sheet to protect your vehicle from potential spills and leaks though.

If buying multiple large tins, home delivery takes the strain out of transporting heavy paint yourself. Or you can simply make multiple trips to collect smaller quantities from store.

Either way, B&Q makes it simple to get your chosen paint back home ready to transform your space!

Paint How-To Guides at B&Q

If you’re a total painting novice, have no fear. B&Q provides plenty of guidance to ensure success!

Make use of:

• Informative labels – Offer application instructions and drying times.
• How-to videos – Search for tutorials on the B&Q website and YouTube channel.
• B&Q app – Features DIY advice and project calculators.
• In-store experts – Staff at the paint counter can advise on best products and techniques.
• Inspiration – Browse online galleries, trends and guides for ideas.

Equip yourself with knowledge and confidence before starting your painting project. With the right information and preparation, even painting novices can achieve stunning results.

So there you have my complete guide to shopping for paint at B&Q! Follow this advice to pick the perfect colour, finish, quantity and products for your decor.

Painting your home just got a whole lot easier. With such convenient shopping, reasonable prices and endless choice, B&Q truly is a DIYer’s paradise when it comes to paint.

The only thing left is to grab those paint swatches and get colour matching. Happy painting – and here’s to a beautiful freshly decorated home! Let me know how your project goes.