Navigating the world of paint specification isn’t always easy, especially when time and budget is limited. This article is designed to provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure that you make the right specification for every education project. We will delve into the nuances of paint finishes, cleaning methods, colour recommendations and more, to help you make informed decisions.
What are the differences between each paint type?
Your choice of product and subsequent finish will depend on where the product is being used. The following products are just some of the most popular for education settings:
- Scuffshield Matt has a cleanable matt finish that contains the ultimate scuff resistant technology to help keep walls looking fresher for longer.
- Vinyl Matt has a smooth, non-glossy finish ideal for walls and ceilings, and helps to hide imperfections on less-than-perfect walls.
- Diamond Matt is a tough and cleanable emulsion with a smooth, uniform matt finish that contains a unique Stain Repellent Technology.
- Diamond Eggshell is a tough and cleanable emulsion with a smooth, even mid sheen finish that contains Anti-Fade Technology for truly long-lasting colour.
- Vinyl Silk has a moderate sheen – shinier than matt, flatter than gloss – and are durable and easy to clean.
- Gloss is a type of paint with a high-sheen finish, reflecting light and giving a shiny appearance. It’s durable and is best applied to woodwork
How can painted walls be cleaned? And what paint should I choose if my client wants an easy to clean option?
Painted walls should be gently cleaned using mild soap, warm water and a soft sponge. Gloss or semi-gloss paint is generally the easiest to clean because of its smooth surface, which makes it more difficult for dirt and dust to adhere to.
However, developments in technology mean that other paints are becoming more resistant to marks and dirt. For example, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt contains Stain Repellent Technology making it highly scrubbable and achieves Class 1 ISO 11998 and Type C BS 7719 scrub ratings, making it ideal for high traffic areas. The paint is also tested up to 10,000 scrubs, meaning walls withstand daily wear and tear and are easier to clean.
What colours do you recommend for use in education settings?
Colour serves as a vital tool in classrooms, as it can help to maintain student focus. Saturated shades on the teaching wall can draw attention, while neutral, softer shades on other walls create a non-distracting backdrop. It is recommended to avoid bright whites as they can cause glare and become a distraction.
To help students navigate around a building, different tones should be used on critical surfaces such as walls, doors, floors, and ceilings to make them easily distinguishable. This approach extends to features like light switches and handrails to enhance their visibility. Different building levels or subject buildings, along with spaces like sports halls and dining areas, should also be decorated in contrasting colours for easy recognition.
The Dulux Trade Colour of the Year collection offers the perfect starting point for colour choice. The Dulux Trade Colour Schemer is also a great tool that can provide sample colour schemes for your project. If you are still unsure on your colour choices you can request expert support from the Dulux Trade Colour Commercial Services team and order colour chips directly to you.
What colour palettes can support SEND settings in particular?
Colour is essential for designing effective learning environments for all students - but it plays an even more important role for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The same principles generally apply, such as using saturated shades for teaching areas and varying tones for critical surfaces, but there are notable differences. For example, to create a calming and adaptable space in multi-sensory classrooms, avoid overwhelming colours like brilliant whites and bold reds, yellows, and oranges. Instead, use softer tones such as warm neutrals, pinks, deep blues, and greens to foster tranquillity.
How do I find a painting contractor for my upcoming job?
The Dulux Connect directory is an excellent starting point. It provides a comprehensive list of verified contractors and provides details on each contractor’s expertise – including case studies of previous work.
Summer is a peak season for decorators. Therefore, if you’re planning a summer job, it’s crucial to start your search for a contractor at the beginning of the year. This early start allows you to secure a contractor before their schedule fills up, ensuring your project proceeds without delay.
What training does Dulux Decorator Centre offer for my employees?
If you have maintenance staff on site that that are keen to develop their painting and decorating skills, Dulux Decorator Centre, in partnership with Dulux Academy, offers a wide range of painting and decorating courses. These industry leading courses can help to train your team at any stage of their careers. For more information on the courses available, and to find your nearest training centre, click here.
If you still have questions or are ready to get started on specifying paint for your next project get in touch or explore the wide range of information on our Specification Hub.