Very Watered Down (B&Q Value Matt Emulsion Paint White)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	B&Q Value Matt Emulsion Paint White
Date:	16/08/09 (172 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, Large Container Sizes

Disadvantages: Mud Cracking risk! Lots of Coast Required.

I recently needed some matt white paint to cover two moderately sized walls and a ceiling. Since I was not buying the paint (I am a firm believer in buying a quality paint like dulux because it's easier to work with and the finish is nicer), this is what was bought as it appeared to be a good product from a recogniseable DIY brand and most importantly it represented good value for money. It can be bought in small, medium and large tubs, the large tubs are very big and to me it always feels like the plastic at the bottom is bluging, so I always put a hand underneath because I worry the paint will explode out of the pot and go everywhere.

I spent ages applying the first coat, and when I started I noticed that this was quite a think paint. This paint is not at all thick, it will not cover obvious marks until a considerable number of coats have been applied and my theory is that because it's such a cheap paint, it's been watered down to quite a high level. It isn't quick drying either, so waiting for each coat to dry before applying the next coat is a pain and it can be a substancially long time before you finish the job.

The worst part however is yet to come. After finishing the walls, and working through the night, I left it to properly finish and dry for about 12 hours. All over the wall were tiny little hairline cracks - I had a problem with mud cracking. There are many explanations as to why Mud cracking can occur, applying paint too thickly (which may be true as it was so thin??), not waiting for the previous coat to dry properly (I definately waited), applying matt over silk (not the case) and using a poor quality, watered down paint. I personally blame the last explanation in that list, so true to my usual stance of always investing in a good quality paint, I will not personally buy this paint in the future.

Summary: Avoid this is my advice.