Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

B&Q and Valspar partnership to "transform the paint market in the UK"

Published: 29 November 2012

The Valspar Corporation, which owns PlastiKote among other paint brands, has announced a strategic partnership with B&Q which will see the DIY giant supply a full selection of premium Valspar paints in every store.
Valspar will be positioned as one of the retailer's flagship paint brands, and the two companies are collaborating to create "an entirely new consumer experience not seen before in the UK decorative paints marketplace."

It is set to significantly expand Valspar's presence in the UK and Ireland, and will bring consumers more choice for interior and exterior paints which can be custom tinted.

Valspar chief executive Gary Hendrickson said: "Our partnership with B&Q is another important step in expanding our global consumer paint business and bringing innovative paint solutions to new retail partners and markets."

"We're looking forward to helping B&Q grow the paint category and making its stores the destination of choice in the UK and Ireland for consumers' painting projects."

A B&Q spokesperson said: "We can confirm that B&Q and the Valspar Corporation have been trialling a new partnership that will transform the customer experience of the paint market in the UK. We will have more to say in early 2013 with a view to roll out mid 2013."

DIYWeek.net will have more on this story as it develops.

Comments

09 April 2019 16:43:33
Tony Turner

A bit of context: first decorating undertaken in 1968, have continued to decorate at DIY and professional level ever since, Wife has decorated places including 12 bedrom hotel, large Georgean mansion etc. so we are not novices!

It is strange to see that B&Q continue to sell this stuff considering the comments on here since 2014. Unfortunately we came back from 5 years abroad (renovating..) and so are a bit out of touch with UK paints.

We had found the paints in Austria were odd and were pleased to be back in the country where we have used a range of good paints - but what a mistake! First used a Dulux emulsion that dried as if we had painted over glasspaper so then have tried Valspar. I thought it was strange that the name had re-appeared on the market and thought it might be B&Q using the name but apparently not. This paint is appalling - like many paints nowadays it dries too fast so it is hard to keep a wet edge, after a few seconds a roller can pull off the paint just applied makign it a bit tricky to paint a large area. Coverage is poor. Subsequent coats can also remove previous ones as if the paint has softened the existing coat. Now I read that unless they have changed the formula the paint will be pretty useless for a busy area - and we have used it on stairs and hall.

I do wish I had seen this review earlier.  Johnsons paint next time.

12 July 2018 15:23:32
Muriel

Have to agree that this paint is expensive and poor .Went to Valspar for a colour match which granted is correct .But the eggshell wood finish is sooo difficult to apply.Dries too quickly to paint a larger area ,you cant go over to blend it as strange 'pips' appear and the brush marks remain even with a featherlight touch.Horrible experience and £23 or 1 litre not funny.

23 April 2018 09:02:36
David Jarrold

i don’t understand these negative reviews. I have just painted our front door using Valspar wood and metal exterior satin. The paint goes on in beautifully thin coats leaving almost no brush marks or runs. That trains is what makes this a great product. I did 3 coats, although 2 had covered very nicely, each taking about 15 minutes to complete and left at least 4hrs between coats. The finish is superb and looks fantastic. 

31 October 2017 09:25:33
Pierre Bernard

I have tried 3 different types of paint custom mixed from Valstar at B&Q V700 V500 and wood metal gloss.

Results :

 V700 one coat only turned into 2 coats this on a matt white undercoat ( 2 coats). the matt finish expected is actually silk. The paint is difficult to apply in hot weather as it dry very fast.

V500 is a 3 coat minimum even on white but the matt finish is really matt. Same difficulties with th application as above

wood metal : absolute rubbish the gloss finish is not gloss AT ALL. The matt silk is enhanced by the extremly difficult application either with brush or roll : poor levelling high sag ...

Bad experience I will NEVER repeat again.

18 October 2017 20:10:24
john stevens

valspar trade emulsion  2017

does not cover even after 5 coats

 

04 October 2017 10:06:05
Paul A Moyes
I have been a decorator since 1967, used to use Valspar a lot in the eighties, a decent paint, it disappeared until B&Q brought it back, terrible stuff, won't cover even after three coats, very expensive, stick to Dulux and don't touch this rubbish product
01 August 2017 12:02:15
Margaret Laird

why does my hall smell musty after using valspar paint .

27 May 2017 22:58:30
Mark R.

Here's a review I submitted to B&Q about Valspar Trade Pure Brilliant White Gloss Paint.  Well, the company refused to publish it as apparently it contravened some aspect of their review guidelines, though they declined to say exactly which part.  Presumably on the basis that I didn't think the product was any good.  So here's my contribution to  the discussion.

Valspar used to be a major name in paint many years ago, but the brand then seemed to disappear from view completely. So it was something of a surprise to learn that B&Q had teamed up with the manufacturer to revive the name in the U.K. I bought this paint in King's Lynn on the recommendation of one of the store's managers who was extolling the virtues of Valspar's water based gloss. Big mistake on my part. I've used some paints in my time, but I can honestly say this takes the prize as the worst paint product I have known. Ever. It was like trying to paint with glue; there is no flow to it and it starts to dry the moment it touches the wood. All the work had brush marks showing through and within minutes the brush was clogged with a mushy paste, rather like an uncleaned brush used with a solvent gloss left out for three days. Washing the brush out and trying again made no difference, with the same thing happening after a very short time. With products like this, I can see the Valspar brand's return to the UK market as being short-lived.

17 March 2017 19:09:35
Kat

I own an eleven bed B&B and redecorate every year so have lots of experience. My local B&Q started stocking Valspar, so I decided to give it a go as the colour choices were good. BIG mistake! It is thick and sticky, and impossible to get a good smooth finish. Every time you end a brush or roller stroke you end up with a mark, so the end result is awful. If you try to paint over these the colour changes. After four coats I lost the will to live! THen just when I thought I couldn't get anymore exasperated I discovered that if you brush against it, it scratches, and if you try to wipe it with a soft cloth the paint comes off! At this point I read some other reviews and discovered that, yes if scratched or wiped I will lose the paint! I have started again and covered this rubbish with good old Crown! I never write reviews, but after the endless hours spent using this and the extra expense putting it right I just want to warn others. DO NOT USE VALSPAR! 

20 February 2017 17:29:11
Steve Pering
This Valspar emulsion paint is the worst paint I've ever used!! Incredibly runny and watery. It takes ages (hours) to dry and you need about 4 coats to get a good finish. Never will buy this again. Horrible stuff...
Published prior to March 2014
By Merik
Bought two colours. One went on fine. The other is a complete disaster. There appears to be a real lack of consistency. Very inferior compared to my experiences with other brands. Will not be buying again.
Published prior to March 2014
By Marpleman
What a load of rubbish this paint is and expensive too. Painted a front door. 1l from B&Q 27! 750ml F&B 22. F&B are cheaper! The paint forms a skin within seconds and pulls off if touched like a scab so absolutely no overpainting. My suggestion is to apply a little and paint like the clappers. I hope to never use this stuff ever again.
Published prior to March 2014
By dddd
after using other paint brands, we tried valspar recently. Exact colour match to the colour card, 3 different colours in 3 different rooms - all perfect match (on fresh plaster and already painted walls). Paint goes on like a dream, did do two coats but it was more cautionary than necessary, we love it and will not go back to other brands until proven otherwise.
Published prior to March 2014
By Stephan
I've been painting walls ceiling in the home for over 50 years I tried this paint from B&Q as I could get exact colour we liked.
Rubbish paint within 1 min of painting it starts to dry and if you go over any part just painted it pull old paint back off.
Don't waste your money on this paint B&Q stock answer we have never had any complainst before.


Published prior to March 2014
By Jayson Keable
Worst paint I've ever used! I'm only painting a small home office, really not that much wall space. 3 coats done and it still looks patchy, i's going to need a 4th coat. It's taken a whole weekend so far and I've used a whole 2.5 litres of paint! Really board of painting this really small room now. The first coat was purely laughable, in hindsight that was the warning sign and I should have gone back for a refund at that point. Tomorrow, I'll be going to B&Q to get either a refund or a free tub of paint to finish the job. No way should such a small room need 2.5L of paint and then more!
Published prior to March 2014
By jane webster
I love the colour I chose, I love the finish. But the durability is rubbish.everything and anything that touches it leaves a mark!
Published prior to March 2014
By Peter
I'm a professional decorator and I have very mixed reviews on Valspar paint. Some colours are amazing, almost covering in one coat then a 2nd light coat. And some colours I'v had need 3,4 and even 5 coats. I wish I knew why some colours are really bad as on the whole I do like it.
Published prior to March 2014
By Steve
Valspar Standard silk emulsion is no good. It separates out within 48 hours and you cannot get it to mix again. B&Q say they will remix it for free in the store - because they know it separates out but will not admit it. Avoid
Published prior to March 2014
By Jojo
Just done all my skirting boards with this paint. It is the the easiest paint ever - it just glides on with no drips or runs.
I'll certainly use it again.
Published prior to March 2014
By Duffyrad
I will never ever buy this paint again. I have needed 4 coats to cover what were essentially white walls (one with a hint of rose and the other with a hint of lime!). Shocking quality, runny and thin.
Do not waste your money!
Published prior to March 2014
By Roy
Hi all

Used the exterior garden paints and the results are amazing, easy to apply, tough and durable with a great finish, in fact looking at using some for interior cabinets.
Published prior to March 2014
By Helen
Bought 5 litre tin to paint a large hallway. So so disappointed with the paint, its very thin and runny. I have painted one wall and I am giving up and going to buy some Dulux. I do alot of painting at home and work and l have never used such a dreadfully poor quality paint before.
Published prior to March 2014
By STEVE WOODWARD
Really poor results with Valspar premium paint.I have used most brand paints on the market and without doubt this was one of the most disappointing.

Never again.
Published prior to March 2014
By Pete
I have bought this so called gloss Valspar, sorry but if you lot are really decorators and not B & Q enployees you can see its complete rubbish. Take my advice and steer clear. Forty years in decorating and I've never been so disappointed.
Published prior to March 2014
By Ash baker
Just had a tin mixed at b and q for a nice light blue,opened it up stirred it for 20 mins still like water !
Impossible to use with brush as just leaves streak marks ,does not dry well.what are B and q thinking ,thi paint is going back tomorrow ,and in 20 years of painting it's the worst product I've seen,
Wish I had seen reviews first!
Published prior to March 2014
By JP
Not sure why there are so many negative comments. I used some for painting our bedroom & lounge and was very impressed. Application was far easier than dulux (no roller spatter!) and coverage was just fine. Never been a big fan of dulux paint rheology; thicker does not necessarily mean better- it's all down to how they formulate with their thickeners and extender packages. I for one am very pleased with the Valspar paint I've used & have been recommending it to family & friends.
Published prior to March 2014
By D Corfield
This stuff covered well but bubbled and lifted the paint underneath in places. We are now having to scrape every bit off and start again.It has a very plastic like consistency and peels. Do not use at any cost. Going back to Leyland trade mixed.
Published prior to March 2014
By JohnS
Bought 5 litres of B&Q mixed paint for the lounge, a cream colour to go over very light blue. Sugar soaped the walls. After two coats it was still blotchy. After three coats still not a good finish. Used a medium roller. Looking at this thread I am off to buy a long pile roller. Will post back outcome.
Published prior to March 2014
By Steve
Standard silk emulsion - avoid! This, runny, forms drips long after application and the silk is almost glossy. Worst paint ever. Ends up with plastic feel. DO NOT USE.
Published prior to March 2014
By Keely
Shockingly bad paint
Published prior to March 2014
By Anthony
This is the first paint that has actually matched the shade card in the shop when mixed. Yes it is thin and poor technique will mean drips but it covers impressively. You don't use it like Dulux which is a thick glurpy sort of stuff and relies on quantity rather than quality for coverage. You need to work quickly as it dries fast and edges go off showing brush marks if you don't get a move on. Cutting in is a dream as the brush glides along and leaves a full clean line, not missed bits like other emulsions. Negative comments must be from inexperienced users, learn how to use this stuff properly and you'll stick with it.
Published prior to March 2014
By Annoy
Thats why every weekend there is a queue of folk at the dulux mixing lab in HomeBase because the Valspar stuff from B+Q is cheap rubbish
Published prior to March 2014
By peter
Colour did not match,complained to Valspar customer service who made all kinds of excuses,
wrong undercoat,light.they also said that because I accepted the colour at b and q there was nothing they could do.Went and got the paint from dulux mixing lab.Perfect
Published prior to March 2014
By Cat'M
This is the probably the biggest mistake B&Q have made in my opinion. To change from a trusted quality brand like Dulux to this appalling American excuse for a paint. It goes on like water and then blisters and rolls off when you try to apply more paint over the top. Considering B&Q is primarily aimed at the DIY market you shouldn't have to be a time served painter and decorator to slap some emulsion on and make a half decent job. This stuff should be shipped back across the Atlantic... They are welcome to it. Google your nearest Dulux trade centre and buy your paint there...your wallet will thank you for it.
Published prior to March 2014
By Jackie clynch
I will never use another paint. This is so superior. I love it it looks like a professional job
Published prior to March 2014
By Jackie clynch
This went on like a dream and I have bought loads more beautiful colours. Can't wait to transform my house with this truly lovely paint
Published prior to March 2014
By David
Was extremely wary of using this paint after reading all the negative reviews, but in all honesty I have to say it is the best paint I have ever used, the coverage is absolutely fantastic,it's seems to be extremely durable and dries very quickly and has a great finish. I am More than happy to recommend Valspar premium emulsion.
Published prior to March 2014
By Jaki
Wow, really! I have read through all these bad reviews and wondered if I'm using a different paint to everyone else. I absolutely love valspar paint. Love the fact that the matt emulsion is scrubbable .. and it really is, I've tested it lol. The colour range is overwhelming, it goes on beautifully and gives great coverage. This is now my 'go to' paint
Published prior to March 2014
By Rosie
I really looked into 'what paint' to use to paint my kitchen cupboards. After reading tons of posts -eggshell seemed to be the answer. With the fantastic colour range offered by valspar I decided go to with their premium eggshell which contains an undercoat. I prepared the doors by - sugar soaping, lightly sanding, dusting off and a final wipe over and dry...applied it's coat of eggshell - it became patchy and it smeared every time I tried to blend it in with next run. The paint dies within seconds - I have never known eggshell to do this. I chose this one also because it's water based and thought it would be so easy to work with. Absolutely dreadful - will be looking to B&Q for a refund - should have gone with Farrow and Ball - there was only 10.00 difference in the price....have wasted so much time.
Published prior to March 2014
By Steve
Two coats of Hobgoblin on the bathroom walls, lovely after 2 coats. Came back 4 days later to do some touching in. Mixed the paint well as before but after application it dried noticeably lighter than the previous finish!! Maybe the remaining paint in the tin has reacted to air exposure?
Published prior to March 2014
By ray
There is nothing wrong with this paint its how u use it and how the surface is prepped. use a purdy brush, hamilton long pile 9 inch roller and you should be fine. im baffled by the bad remarks.
Published prior to March 2014
By Michelle
Worst product I have ever used. I was initially impressed with the variety of colours and the sample went on like a dream! Bought 1l of 'marmalade magic' to cover a wall. Fist coat went on over primed wall started to bubble and the next day a massive patch had to be scraped off and sanded down. Second coat added to the nightmare had to buy another tin of paint as it is patchy as hell! I've previously used sulus and fired earth paints no problem at all. Thought I would splash out in my new extension on some bold colour and let's face it valspar isn't cheap! Never ever buy this product it will make you cry!
Published prior to March 2014
By Graham chadwick
Took a sample of crown to be matched with val spar. A joke. Crown was bright yellow. Val spar turned out brown. A total waste of time and money
Published prior to March 2014
By m prior
this is the worst paint i have ever had ... bubbled / sticky and gummy ...and then peeling off in patches . my decorator with 30 years experience told me he had never worked with anything so bad despite all the correct preparations . I am still trying to get refund from B and Q . do not touch this stuff
Published prior to March 2014
By Eddie
This has to be the worst paint I have ever used, even B&Q own brand covers better, three coats still not covered brush mark absolute rubbish. Own brands from Homebase and Wilkinsons give a better finish
Published prior to March 2014
By ndee76
As Decorator of 25 years,this is the worst paint ive used. Ive used the Sstin for wood and metal it dries like a chalky emulsion no film on it. Re painter with Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood came out great. Aldo used the emulsion an Orange that customer had bought,that was joke aswell no coverage. Won't be setting foot in BandQ until this product is off there shelf..
Published prior to March 2014
By Ray franklin
I have been decorating 10 years and this is the best paint i have used! I think the problem is people dont do the right prep work ie sanding the walls off with some p120 first. Using short pile rollers instead of long pile, using bad brushes etc. this paint was the best with darker colours i found aswell. if you get paint to the right consistancy by diluting it you shouldnt have any problems.
Other comments page: 1 2

(Your email address will not be published)
1 + 4 =  
Already Registered?
Sign In
Not Yet Registered?
Register
Printable View E-mail Bookmark
*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories