Comprehensive Review of Lick Paints
Introduction
Lick Paints has been making waves in the painting community with its diverse range of colors and finishes. Here’s a detailed look at what professional decorators think about this brand.

Lick Pro Vinyl Matt
JT-Decorating shared a positive experience with the Lick Pro Vinyl Matt in brilliant white. Purchased for £28.95 from Screwfix, it was applied in two coats over a contract matt base on a new ceiling. The results were impressive, with excellent opacity and a smooth, uniform finish comparable to more expensive brands like Johnstone’s flat matt. JT-Decorating plans to stock up on this paint for future projects, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and quality.
Customer-Supplied Colours
Nick Davies discussed using Lick paints supplied by customers for feature walls. While the results varied, some colours required up to five coats for full coverage, as seen in the experience of painting a yellow wall. However, other colours performed better, requiring fewer coats. David Collins and Paul Smith found the paint quality commendable, though the need for multiple coats was a recurring theme. Smith also mentioned tinting Lick paints to match Johnson’s colours, indicating the flexibility in usage.
Eggshell for Woodwork
James Baker raised concerns about Lick’s eggshell paint for woodwork. Despite proper preparation and application, the paint did not pass the scratch test immediately, though it was expected to cure fully in seven days. This was a point of concern for Baker, who sought reassurance from other decorators. Bill Harris and Jamie Evans advised patience, noting that darker colours typically require more time to cure.
Vinyl Matt Experiences
Michael Johnson and Anthony Clark commented on the vinyl matt’s consistency, noting it needed thinning for optimal application. Despite this, they found the paint to be of good quality. Miss Fixit – Flintshire Home Improvements Services and Rob Lewis also praised the vinyl matt for its impressive performance.
General Opinions
Charlie Simmons and other decorators have mixed feelings about Lick paints. Simmons found the paint to be standard and questioned the high price, attributing it to branding. On the other hand, Mike Green lauded the paint’s opacity and low sheen, while Laura’s Decorating Services and Andy Foster mentioned that the paint’s quality justified its cost, especially when on sale.
Packaging Issues
A common criticism was the old packaging design, which many found impractical. The tins were difficult to open and led to paint wastage. Fortunately, Lick has since updated their packaging to address these concerns.
Overall Performance
The consensus among decorators like Peter Mitchell and Mark Thompson is that Lick paints offer good coverage and are a viable option when priced competitively. Paul Smith and Simon Clarke emphasized the paint’s excellent opacity and smooth finish, making it a reliable choice for various projects.
Conclusion
Lick Paints has proven to be a quality option in the market, appreciated for its excellent coverage, ease of application, and diverse colour range. While there are some concerns about the cost and the old packaging design, the updated tins and frequent sales make it a practical choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Whether for feature walls, woodwork, or general use, Lick Paints offers a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution.