Second coat applied, very good, smooth and silky too apply, and it does dry to very flat matt finish. this paint really is a joy to use. Not suitable for ceilings due to the potential for flashing with natural light (I recommend MacPherson’s Eclipse for ceilings)

I did have to apply a third coat, could be because I didn’t use a Johnstone’s contract matt, I do think that if I was putting it over an existing white ceiling it would go in two coats. The opacity is good too, better I would say than Crown and Dulux. When dry it is a matt finish as stated, unlike diamond Matt that has a soft sheen finish. I noted that Good Home’s White Emulsion is less flat than its previous version and slightly less opaque. However, it is more durable. While it’s a decent choice for retail gear and rental properties, I wouldn’t recommend it for personal use, particularly when compared to paints such as Johnstone’s Durable Matt.My top tip: best results are achieved with proper preparation and the use of a quality roller – I personally recommend the Hamilton microfibre 12-15”. Covaplus is an unbeatable choice for achieving a consistent, pleasing look throughout your home. This white emulsion paint is not just about exceptional finish and durability, but also about providing value for money, making it my go-to choice for my own projects. Johnstone’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt is a trustworthy white emulsion paint for walls that has consistently impressed me with its excellent quality and affordability. It delivers the same high standard as Tikkurila’s vinyl matt, yet comes at half the price. The impressive coverage, with two coats generally sufficing no matter the original shade, makes this a practical choice for any decorating job. Albany Supercover is a robust and reliable choice when it comes to painting over dark colours. I often turn to this when I need to transform a space with a fresh white finish. The paint has a creamy texture, which eases the application process, although I do recommend thinning it slightly to prevent tramlines.

Those of a sensitive disposition should be aware emulsion paint contains chemicals that may trigger an allergic reaction. Dulux’s contribution to our shortlist includes the snappily-titled ‘ 5-Chlor-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one’ and ‘ 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one’. I’ve tried plenty of retail paints out of curiosity and the consistency is usually so watery that it’s a nightmare to apply with all the splashes. Of course, because it’s so watered down, it can sometimes take 6 coats to cover dark colours.MacPherson Eclipse is a flat emulsion that’s hugely popular with professional decorators with some refusing to use anything but this on ceilings. As always, the way you paint will depend on which emulsion you have at hand but there are a few tips you can follow to get that perfect, modern finish.

The Perfect Matt is designed to be touched up, up to 4 years later, but I would point out that I’ve never been asked to touch up a ceiling up 4 years down the line. In most cases the lady of the house will take the opportunity to redecorate the whole room.The consistency of Covaplus is ideal, providing an effortless application without the need for thinning. Plus, it offers flexibility when used on plaster, where it can be watered down as a mist-coat before using it straight from the tin for the top coats. I suppose it comes down to budget. If budget is not an issue and you want the best paint money can buy, then Johnstone’s Perfect Matt is the ideal product. As you can see from the photos, I marked the walls with Tomato Ketchup (Heinz), mustard and a non-permanent pen. I felt this was a great way to review it’s durability. The sauces wiped off with ease and the pen needed a slight scrub with scotch brite. This test was done only after 4 hours of drying time and after the 1st coat as I wanted to give it a challenge. No visible marks were left on the wall after wiping or scrubbing.

Overall I’m unimpressed by this product considering the premium price. As stated before, I’m painting a small home theatre and wanted a high quality flat matt which is at least wipeable. With its high opacity, it bleaches out beautifully when drying, injecting a fresh brightness to the walls which is ideal if you’re painting rooms that get minimal natural light. Valspar Tough Matt is a superior choice for pure brilliant white emulsion, especially when compared with brands like Dulux Diamond Matt. It offers superb coverage and a pleasing finish. Just remember to thin it down and mix well before application, and you’re all set. Albany Supercover offers exceptional quality and coverage. Despite a few minor issues, it’s a worthwhile choice, especially for transformations involving light shades over dark colours. It was my go-to before Covaplus, and it certainly holds a premium standard in my book. Valspar Tough Matt, my preferred pure brilliant white emulsion, is an impressive product with standout qualities. When compared with brands like Dulux, specifically its Pure Brilliant White Emulsion, Valspar Tough Matt outshines in terms of coverage, rendering Dulux’s version quite disappointing.

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Smooth Layer Technology eliminates visible application marks highlighted by critical lighting for example large windows or spot lights.