Laura Ashley paint has got a bad reputation within the professional decorating industry, with many decorators refusing to use it. With Laura Ashley being a retail paint, I can see why professionals won’t touch it.
But is it actually that bad?
I’ve used it on a couple of jobs over the last year or so, and with Graham and Brown now manufacturing it, I must admit it’s decent stuff for retail paint.
Of course, the draw of Laura Ashley paint is their trendy colour schemes but with the fact that their matt emulsion is extortionate, you’ve got to ask: is it worth it?
I’ve decided to create a Laura Ashley paint review to help answer that very question!
Laura Ashley Paint Review
Consistency and Ease of Application
I’ll be frank; Laura Ashley paint needs a bit of work in the consistency department.
On my first go with this paint, I noticed it was too thick. The first coat framed a little, but for the second coat, I had to thin it down a lot.
Once watered down, the paint looked great, especially in a colour like duck egg. When sprayed, it looks awesome too. But the need for thinning down can be an annoyance.
Opacity
It’s not the best on the market when it comes to opacity. If you’re painting over previously painted surfaces, you’ll find that the opacity really isn’t great. To get a solid finish, it usually takes 3 or 4 coats. It’s manageable, but it’s a bit annoying for an emulsion. If a customer insists on using Laura Ashley paint I would recommend quoting for 3 coats instead of 2.
Durability
Durability is where Laura Ashley paint tends to falter. While it looks great when it’s done, it’s difficult to touch up, and it just doesn’t last.
If you want something scrubbable with a similar shade, you might want to get Laura Ashley matched up in Valspar Trade. However, I’d like to note, this paint isn’t crap; it’s just not the most resilient.
Colour Selection
The colours are great, hands down. They offer a good range of shades, and whether you’re painting feature walls or seeking something trendy, you’ll find what you’re after. I particularly enjoyed using Hedgerow Green.
But be cautious if you opt for mixing up the colour into different brands; it might only be 80 to 90% accurate!
Pros of Laura Ashley Paint
- Great Colours & Coverage: The colour selection is impressive, and the coverage is pretty good, especially on the feature walls.
- Fine Quality of Emulsion: The quality is not bad, and the finish and flow are nice.
- Aesthetic Appeal: When applied right, it does reflect a bit of light, which could be a positive for some.
Cons of Laura Ashley Paint
- Expensive: It’s just well overpriced for what it is. Found it ok, but no idea why it’s so expensive.
- Touch-Up Issues: The emulsion doesn’t touch up very well, a known issue.
- Requires Knowledge to Use: It’s not your everyday paint; you need to know how to use it.
Conclusion
The Laura Ashley paint is a mixed bag. Its trendy colour schemes are appealing, and it’s fine to use, but the need for multiple coats and its steep price tag may lead you to explore other options like Little Greene paints.
If the customer wants to pay for it and you know how to handle it, it’s not a wrong choice. However, there’s no denying that there are more durable and cost-effective alternatives in the market.
In the end, it’s neither bad nor extraordinary. It’s a decent paint that caters to a specific audience, but the overpricing might be a big drawback for many.
The quality of the emulsion is fine, but the opacity and cost leave something to be desired. If you’re after the colours, you might want to consider the tinting route for benefits in durability and cost/time-saving. Make of that what you will!