COAT Paint is a relatively new brand in the paint industry, garnering attention from professional painters for its eco-friendly attributes and modern appeal. While some professionals praise its ease of use and smooth finish, others remain skeptical about its durability and value for money. This review consolidates the insights from experienced painters who have used COAT on various projects, providing an in-depth evaluation of its performance.
The Pros: Smooth Application and Eco-Friendly Features
Several professionals have noted that COAT’s Flat Matt paint stands out for its superior application. Ben P, a seasoned decorator, praised it as “the nicest gear I’ve ever used,” highlighting its luxurious super matt finish. Another decorator, James Y, echoed this sentiment, describing the Flat Matt as “amazing paint,” particularly when applied over well-prepped surfaces. Many professionals appreciate how smoothly the paint goes on, with Martin R commenting that it “flows like liquid velvet” when sprayed, making it a pleasure to work with, especially on larger projects.
Another appealing aspect of COAT is its low VOC formulation, making it a popular choice among decorators who prioritise environmentally friendly products. Emma B, a professional with severe allergies to chemicals in most conventional paints, found COAT to be a game-changer. She highlighted that it allowed her to continue her craft without suffering allergic reactions. Emma was especially impressed by the lack of strong odours and the smooth, durable finish after two coats. For decorators working in environments where clients are sensitive to strong smells or chemicals, COAT’s low-VOC formulation is a definite advantage.
The Cons: Durability and Value for Money
While many decorators appreciate COAT’s application and eco-friendly benefits, there are significant concerns about its durability and overall value. Adam H and Lorraine M, both experienced in using various paint brands, found COAT to be less durable than expected. Adam commented that while COAT is “nice to use,” it doesn’t hold up as well over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Lorraine echoed this, adding that while she appreciated the paint’s smooth finish, its longevity left much to be desired, particularly considering its premium price tag.
Price is another common sticking point among professionals. At approximately £87 for 5 litres, many decorators, including Callum G, question whether COAT delivers enough value for its cost. While it performs well in terms of application, the high price, combined with concerns about durability, makes it difficult for some professionals to justify choosing COAT over more established brands like Johnstones or Dulux, which offer similar or superior performance at a lower price.
Scrubbability and Self-Undercoating: Mixed Opinions
COAT markets its Flat Matt paint as scrubbable, which has received a mixed response from professionals. Emma B praised the scrubbability of COAT, stating that even after rigorous cleaning, the paint held up without flaking or degrading. However, Kevin B, another experienced painter, expressed skepticism about the claims of durability, especially in a flat matt finish. He questioned how a paint could maintain scrubbability without losing some of its visual appeal, given that higher durability typically correlates with a higher sheen.
COAT also promotes its paints as self-undercoating, which has sparked debate among professionals. Emma, who used COAT on woodwork, was initially doubtful but ended up satisfied with the results, finding the finish durable and easy to apply. However, others, like Elisa S, pointed out that many trade paints are designed to be applied without the need for an undercoat, especially on properly prepped surfaces. Elisa argues that COAT’s self-undercoating claims may not significantly reduce labor or costs compared to traditional trade paints that professionals are more familiar with.
Market Position: Aimed at Consumers Rather Than Professionals?
Many professional painters feel that COAT’s branding and marketing position it as more of a consumer-focused paint than a trade-focused product. Elisa S likened COAT to other designer brands like Farrow & Ball and Lick, which often appeal to DIYers rather than seasoned professionals. Features such as stick-on swatches and aesthetically pleasing packaging may resonate more with consumers who prioritise convenience and style over performance. For professionals, these elements are often viewed as gimmicks rather than practical advantages.
This perception is reinforced by feedback from decorators like Darren W, who noted that while COAT is a decent product, it doesn’t perform as well as more established trade brands in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For decorators working on high-end or time-sensitive projects, COAT’s consumer-oriented marketing and relatively high price make it a less attractive option.
Comparisons to Other Paint Brands
Throughout the feedback, COAT is frequently compared to other established paint brands. Emma W-A pointed out that while COAT offers a solid product, many professionals prefer brands like Johnstones or Tikkurila, which offer more consistent results and a wider range of finishes. These brands also tend to be more cost-effective, particularly for larger projects where multiple gallons of paint are required.
Ben P noted that while COAT has a thicker consistency than Farrow & Ball, which helps with coverage and application, its durability may still not be on par with other premium trade paints. Elisa S and Kevin F also emphasised that trade-focused paints from brands like Tikkurila and Teknos have been trusted by professionals for decades, offering superior performance in terms of coverage, durability, and versatility. These paints are often preferred in the trade because they provide reliable results without the premium price associated with newer designer brands like COAT.
Sentiment Analysis
The feedback on COAT Paint from professional painters was generally positive, with 64% of the feedback expressing satisfaction with its performance. However, 36% were more critical, particularly regarding the paint’s durability and value for money.
Conclusion: Is COAT Paint Worth It for Professional Painters?
COAT Paint offers some clear advantages, particularly its smooth application, low VOC content, and eco-friendly attributes. For projects where these factors are critical—such as homes with young children, allergy sufferers, or eco-conscious clients—COAT could be a good choice. Its finish, particularly in the Flat Matt variant, has impressed several professionals, and for decorators prioritising aesthetics and ease of use, COAT can deliver satisfying results.
However, for professionals focused on durability, cost-efficiency, and long-term performance, COAT may fall short. The high price point, combined with concerns about longevity and its overall suitability for heavy-use areas, make it a less compelling option compared to more established trade brands. COAT seems to be positioned more as a designer brand aimed at consumers rather than a workhorse paint designed for high-traffic or commercial spaces.
Ultimately, COAT Paint may be best suited for smaller, decorative projects or environmentally conscious clients willing to pay a premium for style and eco-friendliness. For professional painters handling large-scale or long-lasting jobs, tried-and-tested brands like Johnstones, Tikkurila, or Dulux are likely to offer better value for money and more dependable performance over time.
