The Paints and Products We Use, and Why
The paint matters almost as much as the painter. A cheap paint on the wrong surface can peel, trap damp or need redoing within a couple of years. Here's what we use, and why, so you know exactly what's going on your walls. If you've got a favourite brand or colour, just tell us.
Our products
Johnstone's Trade paints, Toupret fillers and Zinsser primers are used exclusively. Other paints can be used on request, and specialist coatings depending on the job specification.
Our approach
Trade-quality products. We use professional-grade paints, which generally cover better, are more durable and are easier to touch up than cheaper retail ranges
The right product for the surface. Old plaster, new plaster, timber, metal, stone and render all need different products
Breathable where it matters. Older Edinburgh buildings need to let moisture escape, so we choose products that work with traditional materials
Preparation products count too. Fillers, primers and stain blockers are what make the top coat last
Interior walls and ceilings
Walls and ceilings are painted in Johnstone's Trade paints.
For high-traffic areas such as halls, stairs and children's rooms, we use harder-wearing, washable finishes. For tall tenement ceilings, a flat matt finish helps hide minor imperfections in old plaster.
Interior woodwork
Interior woodwork is primed with Zinsser primers where needed and finished in Johnstone's Trade paints.
Water-based woodwork paints dry faster, smell less and stay white for longer. Oil-based paints have a traditional look and a hard finish. We'll recommend what suits your home.
Kitchens and bathrooms
We use Johnstone's Trade paints suited to kitchens and bathrooms.
These paints resist condensation, mould and regular cleaning. For kitchen cabinets, see our kitchen cabinet painting page.
Exterior timber, including sash and case windows
Exterior timber is primed with Zinsser primers and finished in Johnstone's Trade exterior paints.
Exterior timber moves as it gets wet and dries out. We use flexible exterior paint systems that move with the wood rather than cracking. Read more on our sash and case window painting page.
Masonry, render and stone
Masonry, render and harling are painted in Johnstone's Trade masonry paints. Where older stone or lime needs a specialist breathable coating, we'll specify it for the job.
Modern render and previously painted walls take a good-quality masonry paint. Older buildings, especially those with lime mortar or lime render, need breathable coatings so moisture can escape. Otherwise damp gets trapped and the paint blisters. We'll tell you honestly if a surface, such as bare natural sandstone, shouldn't be painted at all.
Metal: railings, gutters and downpipes
Metal is primed with Zinsser primers and finished in Johnstone's Trade paints.
Rust is removed and treated, then the metal is primed and finished with a coating made for exterior metal.
Low-VOC and eco-friendly options
We can use low-VOC and water-based paints, which are lower in solvents and have less odour. They're a good choice for bedrooms, nurseries, people with allergies or asthma, and homes that need to stay occupied while we work. Ask about low-VOC options when you request your quote. More in our guide to eco-friendly and low-VOC paints.
Commercial and specialist coatings
For commercial and industrial premises we can supply specialist coatings. These are chosen depending on the job specification. See commercial and shopfront painting.
Fillers, primers and preparation
We use Toupret fillers and Zinsser primers.
Stain-blocking primers stop old water marks and smoke staining bleeding through. Bonding primers help paint stick to tricky surfaces like old gloss or kitchen units. Flexible fillers cope with movement in old buildings.
Your colours, our advice
You're welcome to choose any colour from any brand. We'll tell you if a particular product isn't suited to the surface, and we can often get your chosen colour mixed in a more suitable trade paint.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own paint brand and colour?
Absolutely. It's your home. You can choose any colour from any brand, and we'll use it. If we think a particular product isn't suited to the surface, for example a standard emulsion on old lime plaster or a bathroom, we'll explain why and suggest an alternative. Often we can have your colour mixed in a more suitable trade paint.
Why do you use trade paint rather than DIY paint?
Trade paints are made for professional use. They generally cover better, last longer and are easier to touch up evenly. That means fewer coats and a more durable finish. Many brands sell both trade and retail versions of similar colours. If you've fallen for a retail colour, we can usually match it in a trade-quality paint.
What is breathable paint, and does my house need it?
Breathable paints let moisture pass out through the wall rather than trapping it behind the paint. Older buildings, especially those built with lime mortar, lime plaster or lime render, need to breathe. Covering them with non-breathable paint can lead to damp, blistering and damage. We'll check what your walls are made of and recommend the right product.
Do you use eco-friendly or low-odour paints?
Yes. We can use low-VOC, water-based paints, which are lower in solvents and have much less smell. They're a good choice for bedrooms and nurseries, for people with allergies or asthma, and for homes you're living in while we work. Just ask when you request your free quote, and we'll include them.
Is the paint included in your quote?
Usually, yes. We supply the paint and materials and include them in the quote, which means we know exactly what quality of product is going on. If you've already bought paint, or want a specific brand, we're happy to use it as long as it's suitable for the job. Quotes are always free.
Get your free quote
Tell us about your project and we'll arrange a time to come and look. Call or text us on 07514 665726 or email info@edinburghpaintingspecialists.com. We recommend booking 3–4 weeks ahead.