I though I’d do a separate section for the application of this vinyl matt in white on a ceiling, simply because it performs particularly well. You see very little in the way of flashing and other imperfections, and you’re left with a very sharp, crisp finish. One coat is often enough to freshen up a ceiling that is already white, or two coats will cover bare plaster. PaintWell increased its Industrial Paints offering with the acquisition of Promain UK Limited, the preferred UK distributor for many of the world’s leading paint and surface coatings manufacturers.

Whilst the Optiva 5 is causing some headaches for Tikkurila, the same can’t be said about the Optiva 3. As of June 2021, it’s a big favourite amongst decorators due to the ceramic technology within the paint which makes it easy to wash.It should go without saying but the clue is in the question. Washable matt is (obviously) washable which means it will typically be easier to clean than regular matt paints. But that’s not the only advantage it enjoys – washable matt paint tends to be better at resisting stains and grease too so that you don’t have to deal with them in the first place. I think every manufacturer is doing a version of a class 1 scrubbable matt nowadays. Not all though do have a Matt finish as advertised. Some leave a mark when wiped too. Some are cheaper than others too but it’s good to have choices. Crown clean extreme is a good paint and I’d happily recommend it to my clients. Not only are they affordable and scrubbable, I find them a pleasure to use, the consistency is great, and Crown include really helpful information on the tins such as what to use as a mist-coat on fresh plaster, what tips and pressure to use if you’re spraying… I really, really have to struggle to find something I dislike about this range of products. It is probably the best durable emulsion range on the UK market. Whilst we’ve used the paint a couple of times, we thought we’d reach out to self-employed professional decorator Chris Marsh for his opinion:

Crown Clean Extreme is a durable emulsion which is available in white, or any colour from Crown’s vast colour range. It is suitable for kitchens, most bathrooms and areas with high traffic. It is perfect for households with small children or pets. Benefits : New and aged stains can be easily cleaned away, returning walls to an ‘as new’ condition – reducing the need for costly redecoration. Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable is a true flat matt with 10,000 scrubs durability. It has been independently tested to ISO 11998 Class 1 scrub rating for guaranteed results in high-traffic areas. Crown Trade vinyl matt represents great value for money, which echoes Crown Trade as a whole. You will get a good finish with this paint and the price is very attractive. However, you will need to be careful not to let it drag on application, and your finished walls can scuff easily. You wouldn’t use Crown Trade vinyl matt in rooms with high traffic, or in homes with pets and small children.

2.5 Litre White

Yes, I’ve noticed a big difference in it. It used to be brilliant and my go to paint. Now looking at changing again as there’s flashing happening above door facings, had it picture frame (even doing 1 wall at a time) and now showing up the slightest imperfections in walls. OK, this one is a little bit outside my experience, as almost all of my work as a Decorator is domestic, so I’ve never been asked to spec an anti-bacterial paint. These products are ideal in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, possibly dentists or vet centres, etc. In the past, Crown Stain Resistant Clean Extreme Matt has been poor opacity with white. However, Crown identified the problem and improved the formula to compensate. This covered a base white in two coats of Clean Extreme, which is impressive for a durable matt. The paint flowed well and didn’t pull, but I always cut it in and go around with a 4 inch paint roller. Crown Trade Clean Extreme is a great range of products at a price that should really make it everyone’s first choice for environments that need a stain-resistant, scrubbable paint, whether it’s high traffic hallways, hospitals or bathrooms occupied by teenagers!