With so many paint options available on the market, it can be difficult for tradespeople to know which ones to choose. Here, Alexia Léonard, Brand Manager at Dulux Trade, explains more about the company’s rigorous product testing process and how it provides tradespeople with a range of paints they can trust.
The ‘Tested & Approved’ Process
Dulux Trade recognises that tradespeople need reliable, high-quality paints and coatings to deliver the best results for their customers. To ensure that its products live up to professionals’ expectations, it uses the ‘Tested & Approved’ process.
In addition to rigorous laboratory tests that assess the product’s performance under controlled conditions, Dulux Trade also passes its products through decorator trials. To really put the paints through their paces, these are carried out in three stages:
1 Assessments by a member of the internal Dulux panel of professional decorators – which is a blind test
2 Assessments by a panel of external professional decorators – which is also a blind test
3 Field trials that put the product to the test under external conditions
After each stage, feedback is collected and used to refine the product, ensuring it genuinely meets the needs of the trade by the time it gets to market. For tradespeople, the ‘Tested & Approved’ seal of approval provides reassurance that the products deliver the top results they are looking for.
An introduction to the range
Numerous products from across the Dulux Trade range have been ‘Tested & Approved’ by professional decorators.
They include:
Dulux Trade Diamond Matt
As part of its reformulation in 2023, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt achieved the ‘Tested & Approved’ seal of approval. This means that the product genuinely delivers the enhanced opacity and whiteness, and improved oil stain resistance promised on the tin.
This paint is a tough and cleanable emulsion that provides a smooth, uniform matt finish. Its unique Stain Repellent Technology makes it ideal for busy areas like hallways, as it resists stains and allows for easy cleaning, keeping walls looking pristine with minimal effort.
Its upgrade also made Dulux Trade Diamond Matt 99.9% VOC free(1), meaning it has a lower carbon footprint and impact on indoor air quality compared to the previous version – helping professionals meet demand for more sustainable solutions.
Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt
Another product to be ‘Tested & Approved’ is Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt. The paint has been reformulated to enhance its sustainability benefits, whilst maintaining the same opacity, coverage and easy application that the previous formula was known for.
Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt is an ideal everyday paint that offers a smooth, flat matt finish that is perfect for walls and ceilings. It helps to hide imperfections on less-than-perfect surfaces, providing a flawless look even on older or uneven walls, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
Desmond Cass runs D Cass & Son and has previously taken part in the ‘Tested & Approved’ process. He explained: “For me, painting and decorating is a really satisfying way to make people’s living environments more enjoyable. Choosing the right products is key to this so that the project you’re working on runs smoothly and to budget.
“As a Dulux Select Decorator, we put a two-year guarantee on all our work, so the product we use must be good. You can be as diligent and meticulous as you like when prepping a room for painting, but if the product that you use isn’t up to standard, it is all a bit pointless.
“The people who use paint daily understand it the best. That’s why I was more than happy to be part of Dulux Trade’s external testing panel, as it’s imperative the trade is involved with the product development process.
“Decorators tried a wide range of paints on several surfaces, providing feedback on their performance and finish. It was a blind testing, so we had no idea which products we were using. The process was thorough, so that we could get an idea of how the paints performed in real life scenarios.
“For tradespeople, it is so vital to have paints that have been tested by other professionals, which is why the ‘Tested & Approved’ seal of approval is so important. Having since used Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, I’m impressed with its opacity. It is beautiful to apply and you’re safe in the knowledge it will stand the test of time. Ultimately, tradespeople want quality at a fair price, and Dulux Trade delivers.”
Miles Newby, owner of Newby & Son (a family decorating business based in London) has been a decorator for over 30 years and has taken part in the ‘Tested & Approved’ process. He explained: “For decorators, the ‘Tested & Approved’ seal of approval is so important. Those in the trade use paint all day long and might look for factors that non-professionals may not catch onto.
“For example, professionals will look for efficiency to ensure they can complete projects in a timely manner. In addition, having been in the painting and decorating business for a long time, I have noticed there has been a shift in what professionals now look for, such as opting for water-based, low-VOC or VOC-free paints and it’s imperative that sustainable paint options still deliver good opacity, coverage and an excellent finish.
“The ‘Tested & Approved’ logo on a paint can lets you know that professionals have tested the product, and it will stand the test of time.”
The Dulux Trade ‘Tested & Approved’ process ensures that products like Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt and Dulux Trade Diamond Matt meet the high standards required. It guarantees top-quality results that all tradespeople can trust.
For more information on the Dulux Trade ‘Tested & Approved’ process and the products within the range, visit Read our Tested and Approved product testing process | DTPE.
