FAQs

Paint colour is created through a combination of colorants and bases that can literally reproduce millions of colours. At B&Q, your colour sample is measured for Valspar® paint colour matching via a spectrophotometer that can read any colour the human eye can see. The measurements are turned into a paint formula to create your custom colour.

A tint base provides a neutral starting point to enable the paint to be tinted into thousands of colours. There are different base types that are specially formulated to tint certain colours. This ensures your paint will give the best possible coverage and the truest colour.

Valspar paint chips are painted with real paint; however, colours may vary due to lighting conditions, sheen and the surface you are painting. We always recommend narrowing your selection to a few colours and taking a tester pot home to try the colour on your wall.

Yes, for best practise we recommend you use a Valspar Primer & Undercoat, it will give a durable, even finish that really shows off your colour. As it is tintable, it also provides a base for some of our darker, or more vibrant colours or any Base C products. New bare plaster must be sealed with Valspar Primer & Undercoat before painting.

You can actually save time and money. Make sure to let your undercoat dry for at least 2-4 hours to ensure maximum adhesion and durability.

For all Wood and Metal products, Valspar Wood Primer & Undercoat is a must for ALL surfaces, especially if previously painted with an oil based gloss.

The best thing to do when you are planning your painting project is to buy enough paint before you begin so your colour is consistent. Use our online paint calculator to determine exactly what you’ll need for your job. While it is possible to match a colour to an existing wall colour (or to leftover paint), slight variations may occur. Try to end your existing colour at the edges of a wall.

Yes, the radiator will need to be sanded down and primed beforehand with Valspar Primer & Undercoat. Our Premium Interior Wood & Metal  paint can heat up to 100 degrees. The radiator needs to be turned off and cool before, during and after for a few days to let the paint dry.

No, you would need a specific radiator paint to withstand the temperatures.

We would advise that our paint has elements that aid coverage and hiding but the product does not have the ability to seal a porous substrate as a primer would.

Yes, our Exterior Masonry Paint is microporous.

The term 'microporous' is often applied to specialist paints and stains and describes a coating that acts as a barrier to liquid water, but allows water vapour to pass through.

The special feature about the coating is that it keeps rainwater out of the substrate, but allows moisture that has found its way into the substrate escape as a vapour. Although almost all coatings will act as a barrier to liquid water, it is not correct to imply that coatings can be made so that moisture vapour can only travel through them in one direction. Moisture vapour will be able to pass through a coating equally well in either direction: from places where there is more moisture, to places where there is less moisture. The rate at which moisture passes through a coating is controlled by the permeability of the coating, the moisture content gradient, the film thickness, and the temperature. 

Solvent-based products typically contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and were traditionally for use on wood and metal surfaces, giving a glossy finish but associated with longer drying times and a strong smell, However, water-based products have typically low levels of VOC and have come a long way over recent years, with many companies offering a water-based paint equivalent to a solvent-based option. The benefits of a water-based product includes quicker drying times, less smell, and easier cleaning up with brushes and rollers being able to be rinsed with water rather than white spirit, making the whole decorating process more environmentally friendly.

Washing solvent-based paint from brushes required the use of white spirit or solvent-based brush cleaners, which in themselves release VOCs when used, and are difficult to dispose of because of their hazardous nature. Therefore, using water-based paints, where brushes can be washed in soapy water, can further reduce the environmental impact of decorating.

Water based and oil based products are not compatible to be used together.

Yes, the Valspar Premium Wood & Metal paint can be used on MDF. We recommend priming the surface before painting it.

We recommend 2 coats of primer to seal the surface followed by 2 coats of topcoat. The primer will seal the substrate and provide added durability. It will also increase the hiding and coverage of the paint.

We would recommend using our Classic Kitchen & Bathroom paint as it is designed for rooms exposed to frequent cleaning and high humidity. It is also stain, mould and mildew resistant.

We would recommend using the Exterior Wood & Metal Trim for outdoor use. This paint is specially formulated for exterior use and guarantees protection against cracking, flaking and peeling for up to 15 years. The UV resistant formula ensures the colour will not fade and it is also mould resistant.

Yes, as long as there will be no naked flames in direct contact with the paint.

Before you start painting anything that produces heat, we recommend you touch the surface to see how hot it is. If you can leave your hand there for a couple of minutes, it should be fine to paint. If it's too hot, we don't recommend you paint until it's completely cool.

Also, you will need to allow time for the paint to be fully cured before using the fireplace/wood burner.

For a plaster, plasterboard, or previously painted wall, we recommend using Premium Walls & Ceilings and for wood or metal substrate we recommend Premium Wood & Metal.

No, Hexadecimal colour formulas are used for graphic design and web design. If you know the RAL number however you could contact the Customer Service Team and ask them for the closest match.

A solution of 3 parts of water and one part of white spirit should do the job. However we cannot guarantee this will remove everything.

It offers a complete protection guarantee against cracking, flaking, peeling, discolouration etc. with the exception of naturally getting dirty and maybe slight fading from sunlight, which of course cannot be helped and is inevitable.

Oil based paints dry solid and tend to fade quite drastically and crack quite easily in the various weather types, whereas water based paints tend to deal with these conditions at lot better. Our water based paint has the capability to expand and retract with the seasons.

We would always say 7 days to allow the product to be fully cured to its maximum durability, we would not recommend washing the surface or exposing to elements outside and heat or humid conditions inside within this curing period.

Use our Store Locator to see the closest stockist to you.

You simply need to complete the Refund Request Form. 

• Premium Walls & Ceilings 2.5L
• Premium Walls & Ceilings 5L
• Classic Walls & Ceilings 2.5L
• Classic Walls & Ceilings 5L
• Simplicity Walls & Ceilings 2.5L
• Simplicity Walls & Ceilings 5L
• Kitchen & Bathroom 2.5L
• Trade Walls & Ceilings 2.5L
• Trade Walls & Ceilings 5L
• Trade Wall & Ceilings 10L
• Exterior Masonry 2.5L
• Exterior Masonry 5L

You can either take the required photo with a smartphone or digital camera. If completing the form on a computer, save these images to your desktop and then simply use the browse option on the template to locate and upload them.

If using your smartphone, then simply choose the browse option on the form and locate form your photo library and upload them.

Please note, the images need to be uploaded via the online form and not sent via the post or email.

If all necessary information has been submitted, then customer services will process this refund via BACs transfer. Please note, this is the only refund method that Valspar use. This can take 3-4 working days depending on your bank.

Once the refund has been processed, your payment details will automatically be wiped from our customer service interface. So please rest assured, we do not keep these details on file.

You can make a claim via the Love Your Colour Guarantee once during the promotional period.

Say hello to hassle-free decorating with Valspar Walls & Ceilings Ready Mix paint - designed for easy application and a flawless finish. With even coverage and low-spatter application, it's perfect for fast, stress-free home updates. Choose from a curated palette of Valspar's must-have shades, all with a wipeable Matt finish that resists every day marks and scuffs - so your space stays stylish with minimal effort.

Valspar Ready Mix is available in a curated palette of popular, on-trend colours, chosen to help make colour selection simple and stress-free. Browse the full range online or in store to find the perfect shade for your space.

Ready Mix is designed to offer a convenient selection of our most popular, on-trend colours, ready to buy straight from the shelf. If you're looking for a specific shade outside of the Ready Mix range, Valspars tinted Premium and Classic ranges can be mixed to order in 2.2 Million colours!

Valspar Ready Mix is available in a selection of popular curated colours that are ready to buy and ready to use in a wipeable Matt finish. Valspar Classic is mixed to order in any of our 2.2 million colours in Matt or Silk finish Options, in up to 5ltrs cans. Offering durable performance that's designed to stand up to everyday life.

Valspar Ready Mix offers quick, convenient decorating in a curated range of popular colours with a wipeable Matt finish. Valspar Premium is our highest-performing interior paint, with it's unique Life-Kind formulation it delivers exceptional coverage, enhanced stain resistance and superior scrubbability in any of our 2.2 million colours in Matt, Mid-Sheen or Silk finishes, in up to 5 litre cans.

Yes you can! Valspar Ready Mix can be used alongside Valspar Classic and Premium products throughout your home. Just make sure you choose the appropriate paint for the surface and finish you want to achieve.

We don't recommend mixing different Valspar paint formulations together, as this can affect colour consistency, finish and performance. It's always best to complete a specific job with the same product for optimum results and a great outcome.

Yes! We want you to love the colour you've chosen, which is why Valspar Ready Mix is covered by our Love Your Colour Guarantee, so you can choose your colour with confidence. If you decide your chosen colour isn't quite right, simply follow the Love Your Colour Guarantee process and we'll help you find one you'll love. Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions for eligibility details and how to make a claim.

Our colour chips are designed to provide a close representation of the finished paint colour. However, lighting conditions, room orientation and surrounding décor can all influence how a colour appears in your home. Should you want to be sure always try a colour sample pot first in the room you're painting. We advise trying it on the lightest and darkest areas of your room so you can be sure you'll love the colour in all lighting conditions.

Yes. Valspar Ready Mix should be stirred thoroughly before use. As with all water-based paints, some natural separation may occur during storage. Stir until the colour and consistency are even throughout the tin with a paint stirrer and make sure it reaches the bottom of the can.

For the best finish, durability and colour depth we recommend applying two coats of Valspar Ready Mix paint. Allow 2–4 hours between coats and ensure the first coat is fully dry before recoating.

A 2.5L tin of Valspar Ready Mix Walls & Ceiling paint covers an area up to 35m² in a single coat, depending on the surface and application method. We recommend two coats. Please note more porous, textured surfaces and freshly plastered walls may mean the paint doesn't cover quite as big an area.

Valspar Ready Mix Walls & Ceiling paint is available in 236ml colour sample pots and 2.5L tins.

Valspar Ready Mix Walls & Ceiling paint is suitable for interior walls and ceilings, including dry, sealed plaster, plasterboard and wallpaper. Please ensure surfaces are prepped correctly prior to painting.

For the best results:

1. Remove dirt, grease, grime and mould.
2. Fill and sand any cracks or holes with suitable, paintable fillers.
3. Lightly sand previously painted shiny surfaces.
4. Seal fresh dry plaster before painting.
5. Consider using a primer for dramatic colour changes and for more problematic surfaces.
6. If using masking tape remove before paint cures.
7. Ensure the room temperature is above 10°C and below 25°C for best painting conditions.
8. Use correct rollers and brushes for the surface and paint.

Great preparation helps achieve the smoothest, most durable finish.

Valspar Ready Mix Walls & Ceiling paint is available in a matt finish for a modern, non-reflective look. Check out other Walls and Ceilings products if you're after a different finish sheen.

Yes. Ready Mix is ideal for future touch-ups, provided you're using the same colour, finish and product. Store any leftover paint according to the instructions on the tin for best results. When touching up always make sure you're re-stirred the paint and you use paint from the can not from the lid!

It's not making a cuppa! Kettling, sometimes called boxing, is the process of combining paint from multiple tins into one larger container and mixing thoroughly before you start painting.

This helps ensure colour consistency across larger areas and is especially useful when using more than one tin for the same project. If you are unable to do this just ensure you don't change cans mid-wall, find a natural break such as a corner of 2 walls to change between cans.

Valspar Ready Mix colours are produced in advance and held in stock, which means they can be dispatched quickly and easily. Valspar Classic and Premium paints are mixed to order, allowing us to create your chosen colour specifically for you, these can be purchased via Click and Collect (See DIY.COM for further details).