
Trade paint is a type of paint that is specifically designed and formulated for use by professional painters and contractors in various industries, such as commercial painting, construction, and interior decorating. It is made with higher-quality ingredients, such as zinc phosphate and biocides, which provide protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion. Trade paint offers higher opacity and better coverage than normal paint, resulting in fewer coats being required. It is also more durable and longer-lasting, making it a better value option in the long term. While trade paint is made for professionals, it is available to all customers and can be purchased directly from manufacturers or specialist stores.
Differences between Trade Paint and Normal Paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quality | Trade paint is generally of higher quality than normal paint. |
| Durability | Trade paint is more durable and long-lasting. |
| Finish | Trade paint provides a superior finish with better colour retention. |
| Coverage | Trade paint offers better coverage and can be thinned while maintaining good opacity. |
| Flexibility | Trade paint is more flexible and can be tailored to specific applications, such as bare plaster or outdoor use. |
| Ingredients | Trade paint contains superior ingredients like zinc phosphate and biocides, providing protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion. |
| Opacity | Trade paint has higher opacity, requiring fewer coats. |
| Cost | Normal paint is typically cheaper than trade paint. |
| Availability | Trade paint may be more challenging to find and often needs to be purchased directly from the manufacturer. |
| Customization | Trade paint can be custom-made to match specific colours or benefits desired by the customer. |
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What You'll Learn

Trade paint is higher quality and more durable
Trade paint is specifically designed and formulated for use by professional painters and contractors in various industries, such as commercial painting, construction, and interior decorating. It is a common misconception that only professionals can purchase trade paint, but it is available to everyone.
Trade paint is produced with a greater level of pigmentation and opacity, which gives it a higher colour quality finish and more 'hiding power'. This means that trade paint can cover a room in one or two coats, whereas retail paint may require three or four coats. Trade paint also has a smoother, more even finish, and it is easier to apply than retail paint.
Trade paint is also more durable than retail paint. It is formulated with specialist ingredients like zinc phosphate and biocides, which offer greater protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion. Trade paint is designed to withstand higher levels of wear and tear, so it lasts longer and can be wiped clean without compromising the finish.
The higher quality and durability of trade paint make it a better value choice in the long term, despite its higher price. Trade paint is also versatile and comes in a variety of applications, such as weather-resistant paint for spaces exposed to the elements, or fast-drying water-based paint for quick turnaround projects.
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Trade paint is tailored for professional painters and decorators
Trade paint also offers better coverage, even after thinning, and can be tailored to the specific job at hand. For example, paints designed for bare plaster can be thinned by up to 30%, allowing them to go further while maintaining good opacity and coverage. This flexibility means decorators can adapt to the conditions on site and thin the paint to provide a comprehensive first coat, saving on costs.
Trade paint also provides a superior finish, retaining its good-as-new look for longer. This is due to the rigorous scientific testing trade paint undergoes, which benchmarks against internationally recognised standards. These tests measure factors such as durability, colour consistency and colour protection. Trade paint also has greater pigmentation and opacity, which means fewer coats are required, saving time and money.
While trade paint is designed for professional use, it is available to all, and many retailers stock trade paint in smaller, more manageable tins.
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Trade paint offers higher opacity and better coverage
Trade paint is formulated with a greater level of pigmentation and opacity compared to regular paint. This gives it a higher colour quality finish and more 'hiding power'. Trade paint is designed to be applied in fewer coats, saving time and money. For example, a room that might require three or four coats of regular paint can often be painted in just one or two coats of trade paint.
The higher opacity of trade paint is due to its superior ingredients, such as titanium dioxide, colourants, and advanced thickeners, which provide a smoother, more even finish. Trade paint designed for bare plaster, for example, can be thinned by up to 30% while still maintaining good opacity and coverage. This allows for greater tailoring and flexibility depending on the specific job.
The advanced formula of trade paint ensures optimum performance and finish. It is designed to be easier to apply than regular paint, which often drags and results in a poor finish. Trade paint is also more durable, designed to withstand higher levels of wear and tear without yellowing or fading over time. It can be gently wiped clean without compromising the finish or colour.
The higher opacity and better coverage of trade paint contribute to its overall higher quality compared to regular paint. Trade paint delivers a superior finish that retains its good-as-new look for longer. This is achieved through rigorous scientific testing and the addition of specialist ingredients, such as zinc phosphate and biocides, which offer greater protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion.
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Trade paint is more expensive
Trade paint is also formulated with specialist ingredients like zinc phosphate and biocides, which offer greater protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion. This makes trade paint a better choice for outdoor use and for surfaces that require frequent cleaning, as it can be wiped down without compromising the finish.
The higher cost of trade paint is also due to the rigorous scientific testing that it undergoes. Trade paint is intensively tested by ex-professional decorators, undergoes product trials, and is benchmarked against internationally recognised standards. This ensures that trade paint delivers a superior finish and performance that meets the demands of professional applications.
While trade paint may be more expensive upfront, its durability, longevity, and superior finish make it a better value choice in the long run. It is also worth noting that trade paint is available to both professionals and DIY customers, and buying in bulk can help achieve a more consistent finish across multiple rooms.
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Trade paint is harder to buy
Because of these benefits, trade paint is more expensive than regular paint. Trade paint also comes in larger tubs, which can be beneficial when painting multiple rooms as it allows for more consistency. However, this also means that buying trade paint can be more costly upfront.
Another reason trade paint is harder to buy is that it is not as readily available as regular paint. While regular paint can be purchased at high street, commercial outlets, and DIY stores, trade paint is often only available through specialist suppliers or directly from the manufacturer.
Overall, trade paint is harder to buy than regular paint due to its specialist nature, higher cost, and limited availability. However, for those seeking a high-quality, durable, and long-lasting paint, trade paint can be a worthwhile investment.
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Frequently asked questions
Trade paint is a higher-quality paint made for professional painters and decorators. Trade paint is more durable, has better coverage, a superior finish, and better colour retention. Trade paint also has higher opacity, which means fewer coats are needed.
Trade paint is made with superior ingredients, such as zinc phosphate and biocides, which provide protection against scratches, mould, and corrosion.
No, trade paint is easier to apply than normal paint. Trade paint has advanced formulas that ensure optimum performance and finish. Trade paint can also be thinned, allowing it to go further while maintaining good opacity and coverage.
Trade paint is generally more expensive than normal paint. However, because trade paint has better coverage, fewer coats are required, making it a better value in the long term.










































