Paints

It’s tempting to assume paint is much of a muchness, and the only real decision to make involves which shade to go for. Yet there are numerous types of paint on today’s market, all offering distinct benefits and drawbacks. In this series of guides, we examine the best paint products across categories as diverse as bathrooms and radiators.

Depending on the nature and scale of the job being undertaken, factors like drying time and thickness can be significant. Some paints eliminate the need for primer layers or second coats, while painting radiators means temperature thresholds are important.

People with allergies need to avoid acrylates, which are commonly found in masonry paint and could potentially cause allergic reactions. And don’t overlook size, either – our expert guides compare 500ml tins against five-litre tubs.