Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint Feedback Thread - £300 to be won for feedback NOW CLOSED

[ZaneMumsnet]

This thread is for the 150 MNers who have been adding a splash of colour to their homes with Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint.

Here's what they say, "Often it's hard to keep your home spick and span with little ones running around, especially when hosting a large family at Christmas time, but the Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint is set to stand the test of time with its maximum durability credentials. Our easy to clean premium paint includes a super-scrub formula and undergoes vigorous scrub testing to ensure the paint won't fade or chip off when cleaned, making it durable for your family home. This high quality paint allows walls to be wiped down and scrubbed clean once the festivities come to an end, without compromising on colour.

"As well as being available in a variety of finishes, including matt, mid-sheen and silk, the Valspar unique colour matching technology can replicate any colour the eye can see - that's 2.2 million shades! Choose a colour that's personal to you and your family - be it the shade of a festive Christmas bauble, or a favourite ornament, simply take the item to your local B&Q and its exact colour can be scanned and recreated in paint form."

Testers, please let us know:

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?
• Which room did you decorate and why?

- Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Please also share your before & after photos on this thread.

Everyone who adds their feedback and completes the feedback survey will be entered in to a prize draw where one winner will receive a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks & good luck,
MNHQ

PS: To give you a little bit of inspiration, visit Valspar's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest

Posted too soon

I picked from all the colour chips and found much easier than using paint charts. Although I didn't use I loved the paint match facility

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

We went with a vague idea of what we wanted then ummed and aaahed over the colour chips - too much choice! Happy with what we chose though.

• Which room did you decorate and why?

The nursery for our now 3 week old son - I questioned my sanity for signing up but the room hadn't been decorated as planned since we moved in 4 months ago, and I figured this would make me get on and do it! It was magnolia and we wanted something brighter.

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I'd hoped I might get away with one coat but the first one was too patchy for that so I've had to do a second, but that was what was recommended so it's not a complaint. Paint seems perfectly good quality in terms of application, time will tell whether it can be scrubbed as it claims! I like that it's not very smelly, especially with small children around. Now I just need to find some decor for the walls and a lampshade and it'll be ready for our son to move in in a few months time.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, for the choice of colours.

After photos wouldn't attach for some reason - trying again.

Testers, please let us know:

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

I already had an idea which colour I wanted. I colour rack was HUGE and it took me a while to pick the exact shade, there was lots of choice!

• Which room did you decorate and why?

Dining room. I originally planned on doing the hallway but decided on the dining room as its a high traffic area and needs durable paint. The children often kick their shoes off against the wall and it'd prone to marking so scrubable paint is a must.

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I was very impressed. The design of the tin means it isn't prone to dripping after being poured into a tray. The paint itself seemed to go a long way. The smell isn't overpowering. The actual application was impressive. Two coats was perfect, no bubbling or streaks. The finish is lovely and smooth.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes! I wa impressed with the choice of colours, finishes and the finished product. It's worth the money.

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

I took a wallpaper sample in and it was matched from there. Very impressed as it is an exact match.

Which room did you decorate and why?

My younger boys' bedroom. It hadn't been decorated in 5 years and they had outgrown the theme.

Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I found it covered exceptionally well compared to other named brand paints. I wouldn't usually pay so much for paint but think I am converted. I painted over a dark blue with a lighter blue and didn't need another coat, it coated very well.

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes without a doubt. I'm already planning on doing the bathroom after Christmas.

The before photo, you can see where I removed the space theme stickers
The after photo, the wallpaper is still drying, but the paint was matched to the 'KA-POW' writing.

Just had to wipe the wall down after spilling something and a small amount got on the wall, i would say that you can certainly wipe the wall down with no effect but scrubbing with force i could tell where i had done it afterwards. Maybe im just heavy handed!

You aren't supposed to scrub for 2 weeks after applying the paint - it says on the tin, and the guy in B&Q who mixed it for us told us that as well

Ah thats good thanks I didnt see that :) didnt have much choice due to chucking my tea everywhere, handy to know it can be done. I do love the colour feels warmer in here.

This product test has been quite an ordeal already. On the way to B&Q we had a car accident, we were literally 30 seconds away from the store. No one was hurt except our car and the other vehicle and now my lovely car is going away to be assessed and I am hoping it wont be written off.
Anyway, this made for a rather tense paint choosing experience.

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?
The colour is from the chip rack (soft sheen) Fresh Narcissus, it is a rich creamy colour. The light meter didn't work in my B&Q so we were unable to give feedback on that.

Which room did you decorate and why?
I had originally planned to paint a feature wall in the Dining Room but wasn't sure that 2.5L would be enough as it is already a deep red colour and I wanted to lighten the shade SO I now have a freshly painted Porch which is welcoming and looks brilliant.

Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.
It is an excellent paint. I loved the mixing machine and it felt the paint was getting a good workout! There are so many colours to choose from it gave me a headache. The assistant in the store told me not to scrub it until at least 10 days after application for the best results.

We had no problem obtaining the roller or brushes but it was a huge B&Q store (Bilston). There was a slight delay at the checkout as the cashier went to ask about the vouchers but our service was excellent.

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, definitely. We have a smooth, clean finish and it looks perfect. It would be ideal for my hall/stairs as this area gets the most traffic and could be scrubbed easily if dirty. I like that it dries quickly and there is minimum smell.
The Icon roller and brushes were also very good. I especially liked the synthetic bristles - the depth of the brush made 'cutting in' easier than any other brushes I have used.

Thanks again MN and Valspar

My paint

Ok, I've put up my pictures but they're pretty rubbish I'm afraid. The one taken with the sky dark is the finished wall, but you'll have to take my word for it that the room looks much brighter and fresher!

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

It was great to have so many colours to choose from. We chose from the chip rack and took home several cards before making our choice of Coronation Dress, a very pale, fresh yellow/cream.

Which room did you decorate and why

I painted our living room/diner which was previously painted with a very non-scrubbable matt magnolia. The walls have got very grubby after having sticky fingers, yoghurt, weetabix and bolognaise splashed on them at various points, plus some scribbling . I've cleaned them in the past as best I could but without much success.

Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

The paint is quite thick and easy to use. It did drip unexpectedly a few times but I'd say there were far fewer spatters from the roller than when using cheaper paint. It's very low odour which is good, and the coverage is good - I won't get away with one coat due to the difference in coverage between the brush application round the edges and the roller, but two will definitely be enough.

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

The 2.5l wasn't enough to do a full room (which I knew would probably be the case), so I'd need 5l which is quite expensive. It's nice to use though and I love the range of colours so I would consider using it again even though it's more expensive than the B&Q own brand I usually use. As I suspect I'd need one fewer coat than cheaper paint to get as good a finish it would save time which is a huge plus (I like the idea of painting but usually get so bored half way through...)

In going to give my feedback now as in busy over the weekend but I still haven't completely finished as waiting for the rollers.

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?
We chose from the rack, one of the yellow shades, there were so many we didn't need to colour match on this occasion.
Which room did you decorate and why
The play/family room, which dh is hoping to turn into a caribean themed room eventually.
Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.
The product went on easily but the coverage isn't good as yet but this could be as its over a textured paint and as I said we didn't have the rollers. Hopefully we will be able to get better coverage with those.

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

We probably would yes, it's a bit pricey but well worth it if it's scrubbable as in my house paint seems to get dirty very quickly.
The colour choice woukd definitely attract me as well as its great to be able to match soft furnishings correctly.
Thanks for the opportunity.

How did you choose the colour?
We decided to paint dds room and she wanted yellow. I wanted something bright as her room is quite dark. After looking at their colour charts I chose Chickery Chick and sent dh off to B&Q (our closest was Yeovil). He found the staff very helpful and had no problem getting brushes, rollers and paint.

Which room did you paint?
We painted our daughters room. It is quite small but there was enough paint to do the whole room with a second coat as well. There's a tiny bit left which I will use for any touch ups in the next few days.

What was your overall experience? Think about application and quality.
I found the paint quite sticky, but it went on well and was a true likeness to the colour chip. It smelt a little stronger than I thought it would but not a huge problem. The first coat dried very quickly and meant I was able to second coat it the same day.
I liked the brushes and roller a great deal. They made the job very easy (much better quality than I normally buy!)
The paint does look lovely on the walls and has brightened up what is normally a very dark room.

Would you use again? Why?
I love the choice of colours, you don't get this with many other brands. For that reason I would seriously consider buying it again, particularly if I wanted to colour match.
I think the test will be to see if it is as durable as claimed. If it is then I will be buying again to do the hallway/stairs which seems to get grubby.
I will buy the brushes and rollers in the future too.

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

DD had a very firm idea of the colour she wanted, so we looked through the paint samples in store. The different light effects were great, allowing us to see what the colour would look like in electric/daylight.

• Which room did you decorate and why?

DD's bedroom, as she had grown out of the 'babyish' pale pink on the walls.

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

The paint was very simple to use, and felt like a good quality product. It was thick but easy to work with. The only problem was with using a fluffy roller, which meant the paint went on textured, and had to be worked in really well to flatten it out. I preferred to use a brush.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definitely! And I say that as a F&B paint snob The finish is great, and I only needed 3.5l for a huge room with high ceilings, as I didn't need to use multiple coats.

Will try to work out how to upload before and after pics from my temperamental phone.

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

I chose one of the existing colours (Teapot!). Had a chat with the lady who mixed up the paint, and she showed me colour charts from other brands that she keeps under the counter. Apparently they can scan any colour "as long as the sample isn't really shiny".

• Which room did you decorate and why?

Part of my kitchen because (a) it was the grubbiest! and (b) I am a very inexperienced painter. I decided to choose a small-ish section of wall that was as easy to access as possible, because I wanted to get a proper feel for the paint without the process itself being beyond me. Also, we have a small house so will be having Christmas dinner in our kitchen, and I wanted it to look nice and fresh.

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

Again, I am inexperienced, but I found myself making far less of a mess than I've done on previous attempts. As it was a kitchen I'd been worried about too much paint smell, but that was fine. I was able to get an even coat (I'm impressed!). Good coverage, including over bad scuffing and a part where I couldn't remove all the adhesive from a sticky-back pad. Drying evenly so far (this is a work in progress!). I do believe that one coat will be sufficient, especially as I'm painting light on (slightly less) light. But I'm planning to put on a second coat just to see how it goes.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

So far, yes, definitely. It might encourage me to do more painting by myself rather than hiring a decorator, which would certainly save me more than enough to compensate for the higher price of the paint. Jury is out on the scrubbability over time, but that would be another big advantage, as the house would also look better between decorations.

I'll get pics up when the second coat is on. :)

I was thrilled to get an email from Mumsnet saying I was one of the chosen few who’d be receiving free Valspar paint. Vouchers for a 2.5 litre tin of their Premium Walls and Ceilings Paint, plus Harris brushers and a roller, quickly followed. I’ve been keen to paint our hallway for ages, but money is so tight at the moment I couldn’t justify the cost. Even though I have an entire kitchen cupboard filled with old tins of paint along with several brushes and rollers, the brushes had gone stiff and crispy and the rollers were covered in dried paint! So I chucked them out and headed off to B&Q to collect my goodies.

I’d spent a ridiculous amount of time checking out paint colours on Pinterest and Houzz. My plan was to paint the hallway of our Victorian terrace. When we moved in it was painted a fetching shade of mid brown so we’d given it a quick, and slightly slapdash facelift - obliterating the brown with a couple of coats of Pure Brilliant White. This had the desired effect of brightening it up and was definitely an improvement but to me it didn’t look properly ‘finished’. Five years on and the white's looking decidedly shabby. It’s also covered in dirt marks - our three kids aren’t known for their care when pushing their bikes through the hall or playing spiderman on the walls. Which is another reason the scrubbable Valspar appealed! Anyway, enough rambling, onto the questions!

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

There was an excellent choice of Valspar colour chips. But I'd already decided, after many hours of indecision at home, to match a colour from a major paint brand (starts with D, ends in X). It's a very pale warmish grey and I chose it because it comes in four different tones. I planned to use the darker tone below the dado rail, and then later on do above the dado with a lighter tone. I found the experience quite fascinating - I gave my colour card to the Valspar woman and she scanned it in, then mixed it up in her machine. When it had finished shaking the paint can to mix it, she opened it up for me to inspect. It looked paler than I'd expected, so she dabbed a little bit of paint onto my colour card, then dried it with a hairdryer thing. It was a completely perfect match!

Which room did you decorate and why?

I did the hallway, downstairs and upstairs, for reasons explained above.

Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I was (genuinely) really impressed. I have painted using all the major paint brands (and the trendy smaller brands) before, but this is the best. Excellent coverage, non streaky, no unpleasant smell, lovely colour and gorgeous matt finish. I have to wait a few days until it has hardened enough to scrub, so haven't tried that yet.

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Without a doubt. I've already recommended it to my parents who are about to get their house painted. They've chosen their colours from the colour card of a certain traditional but extremely popular purveyor of 'dead flat' emulsions and will be getting them mixed by Valspar!

I'll be posting pics of my before and after shortly.

Only finished one coat so far. But here is my progress so far:

How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?**
I looked at the colours in the chip rack. I choose a selection to take home. In my B and Q there was a light box so you could compare how the colours would look in : natural light, fluorescent light, or a low energy bulb.
If you live a long way from B and Q this would really help you choose and have an accurate idea of how the colour would look.
I took my samples home, blu tacked them to the wall to be painted and discussed with others the best colour.**
**

• Which room did you decorate and why?

The upstairs hallway, which is small enough to get done before Christmas. It also has desperately needed re-doing since we moved in (a long time ago).
The previous owners like bright colours, but had toned it down to sell the house, but it wasn't even painted one colour. It seemed to be a messy mix of white and magnolia. And was dirty and dingy.

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I bought the paint and brushes with no trouble, but couldn't get the specified roller, as the nearest B and Q to stock it is 20+ miles away. I bought a different Harris roller instead.
First good point was not having to use a screw driver to get into the paint can. The lid fits snugly but can be pulled off using the indented handle area.
Both I and my daughter found the paint to be a good consistency. It went on well, and didn't drip. So there wasn't too much clearing up afterwards. This was especially help when painting above the stairs, and would be good for ceilings.

Oh one other thing, it doesn't smell as strongly as most new paint, in fact I hardly notice it.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes! The only factor would be cost. But given that a 2.5 l tin seems to be enough for two coats in the upstairs hall, the £28 price doesn't seem as bad as it did at first.

My picture keeps adding sideways even when I rotate the original .. will try again later from laptop.
How did I choose?
I used the chips to match against a Laura Ashley wallpaper. The chips are great - a much better size than the usual brochures to give an accurate idea BUT you must take them out of the rack as they look completely different than just browsing across them all. I thought it was very easy to compare the chips to get a "greener" or "redder" shade. I didnt rate the light box as the three choices were not accurate depictions of our room. We have very low lighting and the room is fairy dark in natural light so the light box didnt reflect my conditions to be honest.

I painted a bedroom because it needed it!

The paint had seperated slightly but soon came back once stirred. The lid IS quite hard to get off. I prefer the usual lids.
The paint was easy to use, low odour and not runny. I liked it. It is better than "off the shelf" Dulux and probably compares with trade Dulux. The depth is not as chalky and deep as F & B which isnmy paint of choice but I dont think it is trying to compare with that. I WOULD definitely use it again but after reading reviews online, I wonder if the rave reviewers used premium and the critics used standard (?) So I would stick with Premium I think.

As a pp said, the Harris products were excellent and significantly better than my usual Wilkos choice! HOWEVER they were not easy to find in the depot I went to. The racks were absolutley dominated by Dial products which I assume is an own label.

I WOULD recomme and I would also credit the workers on the stand. I was kind of in and out with no issues but they were ever so helpful with another couple who were seeking lots of help and advice. I think some examples to compare of premium and standard would be useful and maybe a couple of whole wall set ups be in position with the popular colours.

Thank you so much for allowing me to try this. I would probably not have "risked" it withouy this trial as we usually get F&B or have Dulux trade mixed at the decorator centre. I used to be a trek to either of these shops and B&Q was much more easy to pop to. However, they closed my local one and now I would have to travel past F&B AND the Dulux centre to get to B&Q. Whilst I loved the paint, I am not sure I would go out of my way just to get it.

Oh it worked this time!!

Hi mnhq, I've completed the survey you sent me by email but my browser went all funny so I'm not sure if it went through or not, could you please check for me?
Many thanks

• How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?

I had an idea of the type of colour I wanted, and found what I was looking for among the colour chips..although I got a bit overwhelmed as there were so many lovely shades!!

• Which room did you decorate and why?

I decorated my youngests room, as since moving him into his own room, it hasn't really felt like his own..so I was dying to make it look nice!

• Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

I found it extremely easy & enjoyable to use, the coverage & finish was great and it dried very quickly.

• Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I actually have been back for colour chips, as we are hoping to use Valspar to do a feature wall in our living room, and possibly our two DDs room as well! I was really impressed by the colour choice & quality.

Struggled to get the rollers too as they wasn't in my store that is the closest to me which is a shame. I've had to get it ordered and sent to the store, so I have to go back for it.

We got a colour which was already in the range. The colour we went for is Cabin plank and is a very dark brown colour we decided to do the living room so it looks nice for Christmas.

We went for a matte instead of silk and the paint when on well and pretty smooth. It needed two coats. It dried pretty quick and I would recommend and definitely use again!

describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.

The paint is quite thick but provided good coverage, some of the darker splodges required multiple coats to cover. We found that the large roller provided didn't work well with the paint due to the thickness and so made it blotchy. Once we switched to using a smaller roller and the brushes it was much better. The overall finish is really good and we are very pleased with it

Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?

We would use it again as the coverage was good and the finish was very even with no need for touch ups

After photos to be uploaded shortly (currently having problems with my camera!!

- How did you find choosing your colour? Did you choose from the 2,000 colours on the chip rack or did you match a colour sample?
We had a sample pot from the Designers Guild that we liked the shade of. We matched this.

- Which room did you decorate and why?
We decorated our living room as we got new sofas. The existing colour did not go with the sofas.

- Please describe the overall experience of using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint, thinking about the application and product quality.
The paint seems really good quality. We've gone for a total change of colour so have done 2 coats. In places, I think we'll need 3 coats. But, I think if it hadn't have been such a change 1 or 2 would have sufficed. As to the colour, we don't think it has matched 100%. The sample pot was a lot greyer (we painted a peice of lining paper). The end result is more of an aubergine shade. However, we do like it!

- Would you consider using Valspar Premium Walls & Ceilings Paint in your home again? If so, why? If not, why not?
As we didn't get the exact shade we wanted, I would be a bit nervous. However, if we weren't going for such a dark shade I think I would use them. The Valspar paint was cheaper than the Designers Guild one but not dramatically so. As to quality, we can't compare that as we only had a sample of the Designers Guild paint.

We haven't quite finished yet. That's this weekends task so I will be back later with the before and after pictures!