visit http://stewkleydecorating.weebly.com/decorating-tips--info.html or http://www.brewers.co.uk/news When I meet a new client for the first time there will be a discussion about different types of paints, and the majority of people understandably are unaware of the difference in performance - just that an equivalent size tin of trade paint is more expensive than DIY. As with most things you often get what you pay for and there are many good reasons for this (please click on either link above) . As a professional decorator I only consider trade paints as they offer better opacity, coverage and superior performance resulting in a quality finish.
Coverage
When the existing wall colour is not too dissimilar to the new paint then the general finish would be two coats of a trade quality paint, such as Fired Earth, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Dulux Trade, Crown Trade etc. The last time I used a DIY paint was in 2009 when a customer insisted I use it as they wouldn't accept that an accurate colour match could be achieved (Crown mixing machines provide excellent matches). So a wall that would have had a great finish with two coats of trade quality paint needed four coats to look satisfactory. Result being extra cost in labour and a finish that would not have the longevity of a trade paint.
Coverage
When the existing wall colour is not too dissimilar to the new paint then the general finish would be two coats of a trade quality paint, such as Fired Earth, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Dulux Trade, Crown Trade etc. The last time I used a DIY paint was in 2009 when a customer insisted I use it as they wouldn't accept that an accurate colour match could be achieved (Crown mixing machines provide excellent matches). So a wall that would have had a great finish with two coats of trade quality paint needed four coats to look satisfactory. Result being extra cost in labour and a finish that would not have the longevity of a trade paint.