Paint: Frequently Asked Questions

Colour Advice

Can you recommend matching/complementary colours?

Each of our paints and wallpapers features complementary colours so you can create a coordinated scheme.

On our website, each paint shade and wallpaper colourway features three coordinating colours. You can also find three complementary colour swatches for each design in our wallpaper books.

You can also find colour advice in our 'Little Book of Colour' a compact colour tool which allows you to combine and coordinate Little Greene colours with confidence. The book contains all 191 Little Greene colours with a breakdown of the pigments used to create them and provides related whites, neutrals, coordinating, accent & dark colour suggestions for each shade on the colour card making it easy to create a harmonious, beautiful colour scheme. 

For personalised colour advice, our showrooms provide a Colour Consultancy service both in Home and in Store.

We also provide a Bespoke Colour Consultancy service for projects that require a more specialised approach. Our Colour Specialist, Simon Hutchinson provides a bespoke colour advice and personal colour creation service.

Can you recommend a colour for a specific room?

We provide personalised colour advice for specific rooms in the home through our In Home and In Store Colour Colour Consultancy service. Our colour consultants will speak to you about your requirements.

Can you provide a RAL code for your colours?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide either a RAL or BS reference, as we are unable to match our colours.

Viewing paints on the Little Greene website?

Depending on the device used and screen resolution, the paint colours depicted on the website can appear slightly different to the paint when applied to a surface. We do recommend testing a colour before purchase to ensure you are happy with the final result. 

We are unable to accept returns as each can is freshly tinted to order.

Samples

Can I purchase sample pots in any finish?

Sample Pots are available in our most popular finish, Absolute Matt Emulsion - perfect for testing colour on your own walls.

We would advise painting the colour onto an A4 swatch and moving it around the room throughout the day. This will show you how the colour will appear in different lights.

You can watch our video on using sample pots here.

Can I purchase sample pots in 250ml or just 60ml?

All of our paint sample pots are poured by hand and come in 60ml tester pots.

What's the difference between The Little Book of Colour and the Colour Album?

Our Colour Album features A5 sheets painted with all 198 colours, to give a large, accurate colour sample. The Colour Album is ideal for professional use, for interior designers or in showrooms.

The Little Book of Colour is a comprehensive colour tool with suggestions for using colours together. The Little Book of Colour is designed to help you combine and coordinate Little Greene colours with confidence. 

Do you have technical data sheets available?

You can download our product data sheets for helpful information on preparation and usage for all the Little Greene paint finishes. Product MSDS documents can be supplied on request by calling 0845 880 5855 or via email using [email protected].

Paint Finish

What are the new Intelligent finishes?

The formulations of Intelligent Matt, Eggshell, Satin and Gloss have been upgraded, using groundbreaking paint technology so you can prime and paint any surface from a single tin.

These environmentally-friendly finishes, in a full range of sheen levels from completely flat to high gloss, innovatively combine primer and topcoat in a single tin of paint. They can now be painted, direct from the tin, onto almost any surface in the home, and will securely grip with no requirement for a separate primer.

What is Intelligent Grip™ technology?

Intelligent Grip™ brings the technology of the primer into the topcoat, with no compromise to the finish and no need for a separate primer. This means, you can transform a room with a single tin of paint, minimising fussy preparation, extra cost, packaging and left-over paint.

Such are the unrivalled adhesive qualities of Intelligent Grip™ technology, these paints don’t require significant surface preparation; only aged oil-based gloss requires a light sanding to guarantee premium adhesion and finish. All other surfaces just need to be stable, clean and dry to receive an amazing single-tin Intelligent Paint treatment.

What can the Intelligent finishes be applied to?

Intelligent Matt, Eggshell, Satin and Gloss can be creatively applied directly to almost any substrate, providing a cohesive look across all surfaces, whether it’s completely matt, low-sheen, mid-sheen or high gloss. They will confidently adhere directly to all the common domestic building substrates: wood and plaster, but also metal (including radiators), plastics, uPVC, melamine, Formica® and even tiles and glass.

Which colours are available in the Intelligent finishes?

All Intelligent paint finishes are available in every colour in the Little Greene palette, so there are virtually no limits in bringing fabulous colour to all corners of the home.

Are the Intelligent finishes environmentally-friendly?

Completely solvent-free, with the lowest possible VOC content and certified “Child Safe” for toys and children’s rooms, these paints are perfect for the family home. Most dirty stains and marks can be washed or scrubbed away with a damp cloth or a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water. All Intelligent Paints are water-based and low in odour, and brushes can be safely cleaned in running water.

How durable are the Intelligent finishes?

Up to 15 times tougher than ordinary decorative paints, the new Intelligent finishes can resist stains, take knocks and tolerate persistent scrubbing, with no compromising to their beautiful appearance.

How long do the Intelligent finishes take to dry?

Surfaces require minimal preparation, application by brush or roller is easy, and recoat time is just 1–4 hours, meaning several coats can be applied on the same day.

What's the difference between Absolute Matt and Intelligent Matt?

Absolute Matt Emulsion is our original classic flat paint for walls and has the most matt finish offered by any Little Greene paint.

Intelligent Matt Emulsion is the most popular of our ‘Intelligent Paints’ family and is more durable and completely washable – perfect for high traffic areas.

What's the difference between Intelligent Eggshell and Interior Oil Eggshell?

Both our eggshell finishes are suitable for interior use, particularly when painting woodwork and primed metals.

Intelligent Eggshell is a self-priming water-based paint, formulated to resist moisture, staining and general wear and tear. It has a tough yet subtle finish and is a superb paint for woodwork and kitchen & bathroom walls.

Interior Oil Eggshell is a more traditional, oil-based paint with a gloss level of 10-20% suitable for most surfaces including woodwork and primed metals. Please allow time for the finish to fully cure following application, the paint should be cured after 4 weeks.

Please note that specific preparation and priming information will be dependent upon the nature of the substrate and the presence of any existing finish or treatment. Please contact our Customer Service team for more details. 

Little Greene oil based finishes are formulated to the highest possible quality. However, due to current EU legislation on solvent levels, lack of exposure to UV light or exposure to heat may lead to yellowing over time.

What's the difference between water-based and oil-based paint?

Water-based paints are thinner and therefore dry quicker than oil-based alternatives, they also have a lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) content and are therefore more eco-friendly.

With a nine hundred year pedigree, oil-based paints have long been recognised as the classic finish for woodwork. By forming a deeper bond with the surface than is possible with a quick-drying paint, traditional oil-based recipes are renowned for their increased longevity, excellent flow and smooth finish. 

What should I use to paint kitchen cupboards?

Our Intelligent Satin paint is the perfect choice for painting kitchen cabinets, as it is hard-wearing and washable.

Alternatively, for a lower sheen finish, choose Intelligent Eggshell.

Please note that specific preparation and priming information will be dependent upon the nature of the substrate and the presence of any existing finish or treatment. Please contact our Customer Service department for more details.  

Read our full advice article on Kitchen Decor.

Do you sell paint suitable for wood?

For painting wood, including skirting boards and kitchen cabinets, we would recommend the quick-drying, hard-wearing Intelligent Satin. For a lower sheen finish, Intelligent Eggshell makes a suitable alternative.

To paint wooden flooring, choose our revolutionary water-based Intelligent Floor Paint. With a drying time of just two hours, life can continue virtually seamlessly.

Can I paint melamine or plastic surfaces?

Melamine can be painted using our Intelligent finishes, Intelligent Satin, Intelligent Eggshell and Intelligent Gloss.

With their Intelligent Grip™ technology, all of our Intelligent finishes are now self-priming, so they can be applied to almost any surface without the need for a separate primer or undercoat.

Intelligent Grip™ means these finishes can be applied directly to plaster, woodwork, concrete, glass, uPVC, brick, ceramic tiles, aged water and oil-based paints, melamine and all metals.

What type of paint can be used on radiators?

For painting radiators, we recommended using Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell, Intelligent Satin or Intelligent Gloss. Unlike all modern day solvent-based paints, they are guaranteed not to yellow upon exposure to heat.

If you are applying paint directly to bare metal, or painting over a radically different colour beneath, use Intelligent ASP to build up coverage and maximise adhesion. This robust water-based primer is available in a wide range of colours with a drying time of just two hours.

Read our full advice article on Painting Radiators.

Is your paint low odour, non-toxic and safe for children?

All our water-based paints are low odour. Our most environmentally-friendly paints, our Intelligent paints, have all been certified as Child Safe under EN 71-3:2019 (also known as the Toy Paint Regulations).

This certification includes: 

• Intelligent Matt Emulsion
• Intelligent Eggshell
• Intelligent Gloss
• Intelligent ASP (all surface primer)
• Intelligent Satin
• Intelligent Floor Paint

Please consult the product data sheets for further detail.

What paint is best for painting a bathroom?

Formulated to resist moisture, staining and general wear and tear, Intelligent Eggshell has a tough yet subtle finish. It is a superb paint for bathroom walls, especially for rooms which may have limited extraction or suffer from condensation. 

Read our full advice article on Painting a Bathroom.

Do you sell floor paint?

Intelligent Floor Paint is a revolutionary water-based paint. This durable, washable paint is low odour and dry within just two hours.

Painting the floor is an easy yet dramatic way to change the feel of a room and, with most of the Little Greene colour range at your fingertips, you can be as bold or as subtle as you like.

Does your external masonry paint have a minimum temperature for use?

Intelligent Masonry Paint should not be applied to surfaces when the ambient temperature is below 5 degrees or if there is a risk of rain during application or drying. Avoid painting in full sun or on warm surfaces.

For best results, always attempt to time the painting of a given elevation prior to exposure to direct sunlight.

How do I paint a cast iron bath?

Ensure that the external cast iron bath surface is thoroughly clean and rust free. Apply one or two coats of Intelligent ASP - All Surface Primer.

Then apply your chosen colour using Intelligent Gloss, Intelligent Satin or Intelligent Eggshell (highly recommended).

Please consult individual product data sheets for further information on surface preparation, application and drying times.

Undercoat

Which primer/undercoat do I need?

With their Intelligent Grip™ technology, Intelligent Matt, Eggshell, Satin and Gloss are now self-priming, so they can be applied to almost any surface without the need for a separate primer or undercoat.

For projects that do require a separate primer, Little Greene Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer) is both primer and undercoat in a single application, and can be used to prepare almost any household surface for decoration, including: plaster, woodwork, concrete, glass, uPVC, brick, ceramic tiles, melamine and all metals. Order an undercoat in the same colour as your chosen top coat to achieve the best finish possible. We recommend Little Greene Intelligent ASP (water-based) for all interior and exterior priming, and for sealing wallboard, concrete, brick, woodwork, metals or plaster.

What is the benefit of undercoat? (Compared to another layer of paint)

Using an undercoat will ensure full depth of colour of your chosen paint colour. Undercoat is vital to seal unpainted surfaces or prepare the surface for painting.

If you are transitioning from a dark to a light colour, the undercoat has properties which will help obliterate the colour beneath before applying the top coat. 

Intelligent ASP is water-based, quick-drying, compatible with all Little Greene finishes (water and oil-based), and can be supplied tinted for every Little Greene colour, to help achieve its full depth in one to two coats.

Paint Coverage

What is the average coverage of a tin of paint?

Paint coverage varies according to the chosen finish and the texture and porosity of the surface being painted.

Based on a single coat, you can expect an average coverage of 14 square metres per litre for Intelligent ASP, Absolute Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Eggshell and Intelligent Gloss.

Our oil-based paints, including Traditional Oil Gloss and Interior Oil Eggshell, cover around 16 square metres per litre.

For use on wood and floorboards, Intelligent Satin and Intelligent Floor Paint should both cover 12 square meters per litre.

More specialist paints have a wider variance in coverage: Intelligent Masonry Paint covers around 13 square metres per litre, Distemper covers 15 square metres per litre and Limewash covers an average area of 6 square metres per litre as is soaks into the porous stone.

How many coats of paint should I use?

There are conditions specific to your project that can affect this, but we would always recommend a minimum of two coats.

Our paints have excellent coverage; they are formulated on a high-opacity base and contain up to 40% more pigment than many ordinary paints. Using a tinted Primer Undercoat will significantly help you achieve a full and accurate depth of colour, whilst also priming the surface underneath.

How long should I leave paint to dry between coats?

Please refer to the technical data sheet for your chosen paint finish for drying time.

Application

Is your paint suitable to apply by roller?

Our paint can be applied using traditional brushes or rollers, depending on the desired final appearance.

Rollers provide a smooth uniform finish on well-prepared walls; whereas paint brushes can be useful for edging and uneven surfaces.

For further information about application of each paint type, see the detailed product data sheets.

Can your paint be applied with a spray canister?

Some of our paint finishes can be thinned (with the addition of 5-25% clean water) suitable for application using a spray canister.

For further information about each specific paint finish, please see the detailed product data sheets.

How long must I wait before painting over new plaster?

We recommend leaving a fresh plaster skim for at least four weeks, as the plaster needs to be completely dry before applying paint.

For new, fully plastered walls, allow at least six months for the plaster to dry thoroughly. 

What paint should I use on lime plaster walls?

For painting internal lime plaster walls or walls that require a breathable finish, we would advise using Distemper.

For exterior walls that are old and damp, Limewash is a very traditional finish, used to decorate and protect porous stone and lime-rendered surfaces. Like Distemper, Limewash is a breathable finish. Unlike paint, Limewash penetrates the surface and the colour is built up by applying successive coats. 

What should I use to clean my paint brushes?

For water based paints, use water and for oil based paints, use white spirit or a specific solvent-based cleaner.

Can I touch up the wall after the paint has been applied?

We wouldn’t recommend touching up the wall following the application of the paint as there can be a slight variation between batches of our shades. We would always recommend repainting the larger area

Archived Colours

Can I still order colours that are not on the colour card?

At Little Greene we never discontinue a colour, however we will remove colours from the current colour card to make way for new shade. We keep all these colours archived.

You can order Archive Colours in a 250ml sample pot by calling our Customer Services team on 0161 230 0880 or browsing online.

I can't find the Traditional Oil Eggshell finish, do you still make it?

Traditional Oil Eggshell has been discontinued; our new oil-based eggshell is Interior Oil Eggshell.

Designed specifically for interior use, the formula has been developed to give superior, glide-on application characteristics with extended workability and open time, making brushing out a real pleasure, even for the least confident of painters. 

Little Greene oil based finishes are formulated to the highest possible quality. However, due to current EU legislation on solvent levels, lack of exposure to UV light or exposure to heat may lead to yellowing over time.

Ethics

Are your paints cruelty free?

Little Greene has not, and never will commission or support animal testing.

All our paint finishes are free from any animal derived products. We always source the highest quality materials with our environmental and ethical values in mind. 

What is a VOC?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound and these contribute to atmospheric pollution when they evaporate (while you're painting). There are chemicals used in all industries that are classified as VOCs, from paints and building materials to soaps and cleaning products.

As a rule of thumb, water based paints generally very little VOCs, whilst traditional oil based paints contain some, but in very insignificant levels. If you suffer with asthma it’s definitely worth choosing a zero VOC paint, otherwise the decision is usually just a preference for one type of paint over another.

Find out more about VOCs in paint from our guide.

Delivery

Where do you deliver oil-based paints?

Please note, we are currently unable to deliver oil-based paints to the following locations: Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides, Orkney Islands, Northern Ireland. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more information on delivery, see our Ordering FAQs or read our delivery terms.