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Neve Prior | 9th May 2025


When it comes to getting a professional-quality finish, choosing the right paint is just as important as how you apply it. With so many surfaces, finishes, and formulations to consider, it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s where Leyland Trade comes in. Known for its reliability, great coverage, and no-fuss application, Leyland Trade offers a wide range of paints to suit every job—whether you're refreshing a living room, tackling high-traffic areas, or painting tricky surfaces like metal or wood.

Step 1: Identify the Surface You're Painting

Before choosing a paint, it’s important to understand the surface you're working with. Different surfaces require different formulations to ensure optimal adhesion and finish. Here’s how to approach each:

  • Interior Walls

    For walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways, you'll want a paint that offers a smooth finish and long-lasting durability.

    Leyland Trade Contract Matt – Offers a tough, washable finish perfect for high-traffic areas.

  • Kitchens & Bathrooms

    These areas often experience moisture, making it crucial to choose a paint that resists stains, mould, and mildew.

    Leyland trade Vinyl Matt – Specifically formulated to resist moisture and provide a wipeable finish.

  • Woodwork & Trim

    Baseboards, door frames, and trim need a paint that’s easy to clean and provides a hard-wearing finish.

    Leyland Trade Satinwood – Provides a smooth, durable finish that is perfect for woodwork.

Step 2: Consider the Finish

The finish of your paint not only affects the look but also the durability of your walls. Different finishes serve different purposes. Here are the common types and their ideal uses:

  • Matt Finish

    Ideal for walls that need a smooth, non-reflective finish, especially in living rooms and bedrooms where you want to hide imperfections.

    Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt – Offers great opacity and a smooth, flat finish.

  • Satin and Eggshell Finishes

    These finishes offer a subtle sheen and are easier to clean than matt paints. Perfect for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic spaces.

    Leyland Trade Satinwood – Great for woodwork and areas needing a mid-sheen finish.

  • Gloss Finish

    Glossy finishes give a shiny, reflective look, perfect for woodwork, metal surfaces, or features like doors and trim.

    Leyland Trade Gloss – Provides a high-gloss finish, great for doors, windows, and trims.

Step 3: Think about Durability & Maintenance

Choosing the right paint isn’t just about the colour — it’s about how long it lasts. Durable paints resist weather, wear and fading, keeping your finish looking fresh for longer. Opting for a low-maintenance, long-lasting option means fewer touch-ups, saving you time, effort and money in the long run.

Step 4: Colour Selection

Choosing the right paint colour is key to setting the tone of a room. The right shade can transform a space, making it feel more open, inviting, or calming, depending on the atmosphere you're aiming for. Whether you want to brighten up a small room, create a cozy feel, or add drama to a larger area, the right colour plays a big part in bringing your vision to life. Plus, getting the colour right from the start saves you time and effort, ensuring your space looks perfect for years to come.

Pro Tips

  • Small Rooms

    Go for: Light neutrals, soft pastels, pale blues or cool greys

    Why: Lighter colours reflect more light, helping small spaces feel bigger, brighter and more open.

    Tip: Use the same colour on walls and ceilings to reduce visual boundaries and make the room feel more spacious.

  • Large Rooms

    Go for: Rich tones, deeper neutrals, navy, forest green or warm terracotta

    Why: Darker shades can make a large space feel cosier and more grounded, adding character and warmth without overwhelming it.

    Tip: Use contrasting trim or feature walls to add depth and break up big expanses.

  • Narrow Rooms

    Go for: Light walls with a darker feature at the far end

    Why: This trick draws the eye forward and helps balance the proportions.

    Tip: Horizontal stripes or contrasting colours on shorter walls can also help widen the feel of the space.

  • Low Ceilings

    Go for: Light-coloured ceilings and walls in similar shades

    Why: Minimising contrast between wall and ceiling can help raise the visual height of the room.

    Tip: Avoid heavy crown moulding or strong ceiling colours which can bring the ceiling “down."

  • High Ceilings

    Go for: Slightly darker ceiling colours or warm tones

    Why: A darker or warmer ceiling can make tall rooms feel more balanced and intimate.

    Tip: Painting walls partway up (like with panelling or a colour block) also helps visually “lower” the space.

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Seen Something You Like?

If something in this blog has caught your eye, you're in luck!

Our full Leyland Trade range is now available. From Vinyl Matt for busy living spaces to High Gloss for a durable finish on wood and metal, there’s plenty to explore. Take a look and see what you can discover.

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