Goodhome Durable Matt Emulsion has been making plenty of noise in the painting and decorating trade over the last couple of years with many pros ditching trade-standard emulsion for this cheap retail paint.
But how good can it actually be? Is it good enough to give a professional finish? Does it last a long time? What about applying different colours?
Having used Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion paint myself on five projects over the last 18 months, I thought it would be a good time to review it, now that I’ve got a solid feel for its performance.
With that being said let’s jump right into my Goodhome Durable Matt Emulsion review.
Consistency and Ease of Application
One of the first things I noticed when I first opened a tub of GoodHome Durable Matt Emulsion Paint was its consistency. It was surprisingly thick – approaching that of treacle which made me skeptical of its quality. Despite this, it was really easy to apply, smoothly rolling out with my Hamilton Perfection sleeve (which probably helped).
Cutting in on the other hand required a bit more care. Adding a bit of water made it easier, smoothing the paint without affecting the quality of the finish.
It also sprays brilliantly, just needing a good deal of water to be thinned down for sprayers. So, whether you’re using a roller, brush, or sprayer, this paint applies well regardless of your chosen method.
Opacity of Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion
The opacity of Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion is impressive. In one of the projects, where I transitioned a ceiling from a dirty, stained white to white, one coat was honestly all it took. I got a beautiful white finish with no flashing or dragging.
When shifting walls from dark grey to white, it was ALMOST there in one coat (check out the photo I took of this shift below). Two coats sealed the deal perfectly.
In comparison, Dulux Vinyl Matt or Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt usually require at least two coats too.
Durability
Having worked with this paint over multiple projects, I’ve found it to be durable and less prone to polishing when wiped, compared to other durables. This is a huge plus, especially when dealing with areas that may see more traffic or need regular cleaning.
Colour Selection
The colour selection is pretty good, too. I’ve had it mixed to Valspar blue for a feature wall and to a dark grey for another project. Both turned out lovely. The colours were rich and had excellent opacity. Limerick green, midnight blue, and Valencia orange are a few other colours I can vouch for.
Pros of Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion
The list of pros is quite extensive: great opacity, easy application, durability, doesn’t flash, brilliant white finish, and touches up lovely. The fact that it can be used as an undercoat, though not my preferred choice as an undercoat, is ideal. Moreover, it’s extremely affordable and readily available at B&Q stores nationwide.
Cons of Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion
As much as I love this paint, I have to admit that it’s not perfect. The white definitely has a sheen to it; it’s lower than eggshell, but it’s NOT matt, which may not be ideal for everyone. Also, the coverage isn’t always as great over strong colours.
In the past, there were instances where I had to apply up to four coats when going from light blue to white. And I’ve also heard that the quality has changed slightly over the past few months. There seems to be more shine now and it doesn’t roll out as nicely without leaving marks.
In terms of price, while it’s affordable, it used to be cheaper. But, honestly, the slight price increase isn’t a deal-breaker, given the benefits it offers.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, Good Home Durable Matt Emulsion Paint is an impressive product. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. With its ease of application, excellent opacity, and durability, it’s a strong contender against more known brands like Dulux and Johnstone’s although I’m definitely not ready to choose it over those brands as a regular.
For budget-conscious projects or for those needing a durable, washable finish, this paint is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but for its price point and quality, it’s an excellent option.