People keep asking me which paints I use for different jobs. Instead of typing out the same thing every time, I thought I’d just put it all here. These are paints I’ve actually used – not a list from Google, not sponsored. Just what works for me and doesn’t cause problems on site.
👉 Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I might earn a small commission – it won’t cost you anything extra.
👉 The colours shown in the links are just examples – you can choose whatever colour you want on Amazon.
🏠 Hallways, Landings, High-Traffic Areas
Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough
https://amzn.to/3YOfqfd
This is my go-to for busy areas. Hallways, stairs, landings – places where bags scrape the wall, kids touch everything, and normal paint would just wear out fast.
It’s more durable than standard emulsion and has a nice matt finish.
Also good for ceilings if you want everything in the same colour and finish.
🍳 Kitchens
Dulux Easycare Kitchen
https://amzn.to/43btK3J
Painted loads of kitchens with this. It holds up well against steam, grease, and accidental splashes.
You can clean it without destroying the surface, and the finish still looks decent after wiping.
It’s not super thick, but covers nicely in two coats.
🚿 Bathrooms
Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Matt
https://amzn.to/435mWDM
A great option if you want a bathroom that doesn’t shine like a car bonnet.
It handles moisture but still looks like a normal wall – proper matt finish.
Also useful in utility rooms or kitchens if you want a more neutral look with decent durability.
🛏️ Bedrooms & Lower-Traffic Rooms
Dulux Matt Emulsion
https://amzn.to/437hIIF
Budget-friendly and good enough if the room doesn’t get much wear – like a bedroom or a guest room.
It’s easy to apply and gives a soft, even finish. Just don’t expect miracles in high-traffic areas.
Great when you’re trying to keep the price down.
✨ Ceilings
Dulux Pure Brilliant White Matt
https://amzn.to/3EXCukF
Perfect when you just want to freshen up a ceiling. It’s not too thick, so goes on quick, and doesn’t drip like crazy.
Covers well in one or two coats depending on the state of the ceiling. Nothing fancy – it just works.
Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt
https://amzn.to/4jYE30v
If the ceiling is stained, marked, or painted in some weird colour – this is your fix.
It’s thicker, covers better, and helps block darker shades if you’re switching to something lighter.
I sometimes use it almost like an undercoat when I need to kill off a strong base colour.
🪵 Skirting Boards, Doors, Architraves
Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood (Water-Based)
https://amzn.to/4jBlUGv
Fast-drying, easy to use, and doesn’t stink up the house. It gives a nice modern satin finish – not too shiny, not completely flat.
You’ll often need two coats, especially on older wood or if you’re painting over gloss.
It’s a forgiving paint – easy to apply and easy to fix if you mess up a corner.
Dulux Gloss (Solvent-Based)
https://amzn.to/4cVVcWq
If someone wants that classic, shiny gloss look – this is what I use.
Solvent-based paints aren’t fun to clean up, but this one levels out beautifully and gives a proper gloss finish.
Water-based glosses just don’t look right in most cases. This is messier, but the result is worth it.
🧱 Primers
Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 (Water-Based)
https://amzn.to/4lXNcIu
Good for almost anything: bare walls, previously painted surfaces, dodgy patches.
It dries fast, doesn’t stink, and gives topcoats something to grip onto.
Also helps with blocking minor stains, watermarks or surface discolouration.
Zinsser Cover Stain (Solvent-Based)
https://amzn.to/4jycyep
The heavy-duty option. Use it when you’re dealing with smoke damage, yellowed wood, old stains, or unpainted surfaces that might bleed through.
Also great for doors and trim that were never painted before.
Strong smell, so you’ll need ventilation – but it sticks to everything and seals like nothing else.
Got any other questions? Just ask.
This isn’t everything I know – just the stuff I use the most.
And if you’re looking for a painter in Northamptonshire – feel free to get in touch.
You can reach me here:
📩 contact@natlyservices.uk
🌐 https://natlyservices.uk/contact/
