Tikkurila Luja 7 is renowned as a durable, mould-resistant, and highly scrubbable paint, often praised for its suitability in challenging environments. Its reputation among professional decorators reflects a mix of high regard for its performance and some debate about its finish. Here’s a detailed review based on real-world feedback from decorators.
What is Tikkurila Luja 7?
Tikkurila Luja 7 is a specialised paint designed for environments where durability, washability, and resistance to mould are critical. Originally developed for spaces like hospitals, bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas, it offers a Class 1 scrub rating and anti-mould properties, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
Key Features of Luja 7
- Durability and Scrubbability Luja 7 is highly resistant to wear and tear. Decorators like Steve Mark and Simon Wayne Woodall noted its ability to withstand scrubbing with hospital-grade detergents, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and wet environments.
- Anti-Mould Properties The paint is formulated with anti-mould agents, providing excellent resistance to damp and mould growth. This feature has made it a go-to option for bathrooms, kitchens, and even swimming pool areas.
- Versatility While predominantly used in bathrooms and kitchens, Luja 7 has been successfully applied in various settings, including hospitals, saunas, and children’s homes.
- Sheen Level Luja 7 has a 7% sheen level, offering a matt finish that is slightly shinier than traditional matt paints. Some decorators appreciated this level of sheen for its aesthetic appeal, while others felt it was too glossy, especially in darker colours.
Strengths of Tikkurila Luja 7
- Resilience in Moist Environments Decorators frequently praised Luja 7 for its performance in damp and humid settings. Daniel Bailey shared how the paint resolved bubbling issues in a poorly ventilated bathroom, outperforming other products.
- Ease of Application While some users found the paint slightly challenging to apply due to its tendency to pull when cutting in, most decorators, like Tim Cannons, praised its smooth application and excellent finish.
- Versatile Usage The paint’s resistance to moisture and scrubbing makes it suitable for spaces requiring durability, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and public areas. Decorators like Keith Parker and Andrew Moss recommended it for pool rooms and saunas, citing its robustness in extreme conditions.
- Cost-Effectiveness At approximately £30–£40 for 3 litres (with discounts), Luja 7 is competitively priced for a premium product, especially considering its durability and performance.
- Professional Approval Many professionals, including Lee Thornton and Steve Reilly, consider Luja 7 a superior choice, with several stating they wouldn’t use anything else in bathrooms or kitchens.
Weaknesses of Tikkurila Luja 7
- Sheen Levels in Dark Colours Some decorators felt that Luja 7’s sheen level was too high for their liking, particularly in darker colours. Paul Oakes noted that while it worked well in white, it appeared too shiny when tinted.
- Opacity Challenges A few decorators, like Lee Carroll, reported that Luja 7 required more coats than expected, especially in lighter colours. However, this concern was less prevalent compared to its other strengths.
- Cutting-In Considerations The paint can pull if cutting in is left to dry too long before rolling. Neil Bridgen advised either completing sections immediately or allowing them to dry fully before continuing.
- Not a Pure Matt For those seeking a true flat matt finish, Luja 7 might not meet expectations. Its slight sheen, while offering durability, may not suit projects requiring a completely matt aesthetic.
Comparisons with Other Products
- Zinsser Perma-White Luja 7 and Perma-White are often compared for bathrooms and kitchens. While Perma-White offers excellent mould resistance, some decorators, like Kevin Moti Freeman, preferred Luja 7 for its durability and finish.
- Crown Clean Extreme Crown Clean Extreme is another durable option. However, Luja 7 surpasses it in terms of mould resistance and suitability for wet environments, as noted by decorators working in challenging spaces like swimming pools.
- Dulux Diamond Matt Luja 7 is frequently recommended over Dulux Diamond Matt for bathrooms and kitchens. Lisa Storey highlighted that Diamond Matt isn’t ideal for high-moisture environments, while Luja 7 excels.
- Isomat Kitchen & Bathroom Paint Isomat offers a lower sheen option, which some decorators prefer for its aesthetic. However, Luja 7’s durability and resistance to hospital-grade cleaners make it the more robust choice.
Professional Use Cases
- Bathrooms and Kitchens Luja 7 is frequently used in these spaces for its mould resistance and ability to withstand scrubbing. Decorators like David Pyke found it flawless for bathroom ceilings and walls.
- Hospitals and Commercial Spaces With its high scrub rating and durability, Luja 7 is ideal for high-traffic areas such as hospitals, schools, and public restrooms.
- Specialist Applications Luja 7 has been successfully applied in demanding environments like saunas, pool rooms, and dog kennels. Keith Parker recommended it as the best choice for steam-heavy spaces.
Recommendations from Decorators
- For Durability: Luja 7 is an excellent choice for spaces requiring frequent cleaning or exposure to moisture.
- For True Matt Finishes: Consider alternatives like Tikkurila Optiva 5 or Isomat Kitchen & Bathroom Paint.
- For Colour Matching: Tikkurila’s F&B colour matching is highly accurate, making Luja 7 a versatile choice for high-traffic areas requiring bespoke colours.
Conclusion
Tikkurila Luja 7 stands out as a premium paint designed for environments where durability, washability, and mould resistance are paramount. While its slight sheen may not suit every project, its performance in high-moisture and high-traffic settings makes it a top choice for professional decorators. Whether you’re tackling a hospital corridor, a humid bathroom, or a busy kitchen, Luja 7 delivers exceptional results that stand the test of time.
