Paints & Decorating Guide: Interior, Exterior, Wood Care & Everything In Between

Paint and decorating products transform spaces, protect surfaces, and extend material lifespan. At Rock Bottom Northampton, we stock over 2,400 paints, stains, varnishes, and decorating supplies from trusted manufacturers including Ronseal, Liberon, Rustins, and PlastiKote. Based in Northampton NN4 7BF, we supply professional decorators, builders, and DIY enthusiasts with comprehensive finishing solutions for every surface and application.

This guide explores paint types, wood care products, specialist coatings, and decorating supplies to help you achieve professional results. With brands like Ronseal providing over 1,000 products and Liberon offering 270+ specialist finishes, you'll find the right coating for interior decoration, exterior protection, or specialist restoration work.

Understanding Paint Types and Applications

Paint selection depends on the surface being coated, the environment, and the desired finish. Interior paints differ fundamentally from exterior formulations—using interior paint outdoors results in rapid failure, while exterior paint indoors may not cure properly and can off-gas unpleasant odours for extended periods.

Water-based paints have largely replaced solvent-based options for most applications. They offer low odour, quick drying, easy cleanup, and lower VOC emissions compared to traditional oil-based paints. Modern water-based formulations provide durability that rivals or exceeds older solvent products while being more environmentally friendly and user-friendly.

That said, solvent-based paints still serve specific applications where their properties prove superior—high-traffic floors, metal protection, certain wood finishes, and situations requiring maximum durability or specific performance characteristics. Understanding which paint type suits your application ensures results that last.

Interior Paints and Wall Finishes

Interior wall and ceiling paints come in various sheens affecting both appearance and practicality. Matt and flat finishes hide surface imperfections and create understated, sophisticated looks but mark easily and prove difficult to clean. Silk and satin finishes provide subtle sheen with reasonable wipability, suitable for living areas and bedrooms.

Eggshell finishes balance low sheen with cleanability, popular for woodwork and walls in family areas. Gloss paints deliver high shine and maximum durability for doors, skirting boards, and trim work requiring frequent cleaning or subject to heavy wear.

Specialist interior paints include bathroom and kitchen formulations with anti-mould additives, primer paints that combine undercoat and topcoat functions, and coverage paints designed to hide strong colours in fewer coats. Quick-dry formulations allow same-day recoating, valuable when time constraints matter.

Exterior Paints and Weather Protection

Exterior paints must withstand UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, moisture, and biological growth while maintaining colour and adhesion. Modern masonry paints include flexible resins that accommodate substrate movement, preventing cracking and peeling. Breathable formulations allow moisture to escape from walls while blocking external water ingress, essential for solid wall properties where trapped moisture causes damage.

Exterior wood paints require different properties than masonry coatings. Flexible formulations move with timber as it expands and contracts with moisture changes. Microporous finishes allow moisture to escape while resisting water penetration, preventing the blistering and peeling that occurs when moisture becomes trapped beneath impermeable films.

Metal paints for exterior use must resist corrosion and weathering. Hammerite provides direct-to-rust formulations that eliminate extensive preparation while delivering durable protection. For ferrous metals in aggressive environments, proper primer systems followed by compatible topcoats ensure long-term performance.

Wood Stains, Varnishes and Finishes

Wood finishing products enhance grain, protect surfaces, and provide colour options from natural tones to bold contemporary shades. We stock over 1,300 wood care products from specialists including Ronseal (560+ wood care items), Liberon (270+ products), Rustins (260+ finishes), and Sadolin (150+ wood stains).

Interior Wood Finishes

Interior varnishes range from traditional oil-based products delivering warm, amber tones to water-based acrylic varnishes that dry clear without yellowing. Satin finishes provide subtle sheen suitable for floors and furniture, while matt finishes create contemporary looks on walls and joinery. Gloss varnishes deliver maximum protection and shine for high-wear surfaces.

Oil finishes penetrate wood rather than forming surface films, providing natural appearance while nourishing timber. Danish oil, tung oil, and specialist hardwax oils suit furniture, worktops, and flooring where film finishes might appear inappropriate. These finishes require more frequent maintenance but allow easy repair without sanding back to bare wood.

Specialist wood finishes include floor varnishes formulated for traffic resistance, French polish for traditional furniture finishing, and grain fillers for achieving glass-smooth surfaces on open-pored timbers like oak and ash.

Exterior Wood Protection

Exterior wood faces severe challenges from UV degradation, moisture cycling, fungal attack, and insect damage. Preservative treatments protect against rot and insect infestation, essential for ground-contact timber or structures where decay would compromise safety. Water-based preservatives have replaced traditional creosote and other harmful treatments while maintaining effectiveness.

Decking oils and stains combine protection with aesthetic enhancement, available in natural wood tones or contemporary greys and blues. These products typically require annual or biennial reapplication but allow easy maintenance without stripping previous coats. For garden furniture, shed treatments, and fence panels, specialist products balance protection requirements with cost-effectiveness.

Clear wood preservers maintain natural timber appearance while providing protection against weathering and biological attack. These products suit situations where stained or painted finishes would be inappropriate but unprotected wood would deteriorate rapidly.

Specialist Coatings and Problem-Solving Products

Metal Paints and Corrosion Protection

Metal protection requires primers that inhibit corrosion plus topcoats that resist weathering. Zinc-rich primers provide galvanic protection for ferrous metals, particularly valuable for structural steelwork. Etch primers improve adhesion on non-ferrous metals like aluminium and galvanized steel where standard primers may not grip adequately.

Direct-to-metal paints simplify metal finishing by combining primer and topcoat functions. Brands like Hammerite pioneered this approach, delivering durable finishes without extensive surface preparation. For agricultural and industrial equipment, machinery enamels provide tough, chemical-resistant coatings.

Floor Paints and Coatings

Floor paints must resist abrasion, chemical exposure, and frequent cleaning while maintaining slip resistance. Garage floor paints withstand vehicle traffic, oil spillage, and pressure washing. Workshop floor coatings resist solvent exposure and provide easy-clean surfaces. For residential use, floor paints transform concrete or wooden floors into attractive, durable surfaces.

Anti-slip additives improve safety on potentially slippery painted surfaces. Line marking paints create clear demarcation in warehouses, car parks, and sports facilities. Heavy-duty two-pack epoxy coatings deliver maximum durability for demanding industrial applications.

Damp and Problem-Solving Treatments

Damp-proof paints provide temporary solutions for minor moisture issues but cannot solve underlying damp problems. Mould-resistant coatings inhibit fungal growth in bathrooms and areas prone to condensation. Stain-blocking primers prevent tannin bleed-through from knots in timber and stop water stains, nicotine, and other contaminants from showing through topcoats.

Heat-resistant paints suit radiators, pipes, and surfaces near heat sources. Insulating paints claim to improve thermal performance, though their effectiveness compared to proper insulation remains debatable. Anti-condensation paints provide slightly insulating surfaces that reduce condensation formation.

Decorating Tools and Accessories

Quality tools significantly impact decorating results. Cheap brushes shed bristles, cheap rollers leave texture, and poor masking tape bleeds or damages surfaces. Investing in proper tools makes work faster, easier, and produces better results.

Brushes and Rollers

Synthetic brushes suit water-based paints, maintaining shape and release throughout use. Natural bristle brushes work better with oil-based products, though mixed bristle brushes offer versatility. Brush size matters—use large brushes for broad surfaces to maintain wet edges, smaller brushes for cutting in and detail work.

Roller sleeves come in various pile lengths. Short pile (4-6mm) suits smooth surfaces like plaster and board. Medium pile (9-12mm) works on lightly textured surfaces. Long pile (18mm+) carries more paint for rough render or heavily textured surfaces. Microfibre rollers deliver ultra-smooth finishes on doors and trim.

Surface Preparation Equipment

Proper preparation determines coating performance more than paint quality. Filling knives, scrapers, and sandpaper prepare surfaces for decoration. Sugar soap removes grease and contamination that prevents paint adhesion. Fillers and sealers correct defects and create smooth surfaces.

Dust sheets protect floors and furniture. Masking tape creates clean lines and protects adjacent surfaces. Paint kettles and scuttles facilitate working from smaller quantities while keeping tins sealed. Mixing sticks ensure uniform colour and consistency before application begins.

Understanding Coverage and Calculating Paint Quantities

Manufacturers quote coverage in square metres per litre, but actual coverage varies with surface porosity, texture, and application method. Rough render absorbs far more paint than smooth plaster. Porous surfaces like bare timber or plaster require more paint than previously painted surfaces.

Measure room dimensions carefully. For walls, multiply height by width for each wall, then subtract window and door areas. Add ten percent for wastage and irregular areas. For complex shapes or rough surfaces, increase estimates by twenty percent. Buying slightly too much proves cheaper than running short mid-job and risking colour matching issues.

Consider that darker colours often require additional coats for even coverage. White or pale colours might need three coats when covering dark walls. Primer/undercoat use improves topcoat coverage and reduces total paint consumption while delivering better results.

Paint Storage and Disposal

Store unused paint in sealed containers away from extreme temperatures. Water-based paints tolerate light freezing but separate with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Solvent-based paints remain usable for years when properly sealed. Skin formation on paint surfaces can be minimized by storing tins upside down after sealing—this creates a paint seal rather than allowing air contact.

Dispose of paint responsibly through household waste recycling centres. Never pour liquid paint down drains—it contaminates water systems and can cause blockages. Empty tins can be recycled as scrap metal once fully dried out. Some retailers offer paint recycling schemes that reprocess unused paint for community projects.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Ensure adequate ventilation when painting, particularly with solvent-based products. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Modern low-VOC formulations reduce these issues but still require reasonable airflow.

Wear appropriate protective equipment. Gloves prevent skin contact with paints and solvents. Safety glasses protect eyes from splashes and overhead work. Dust masks reduce inhalation of sanding dust or spray mist. For sustained spray work or particularly hazardous products, proper respirators prove necessary.

Keep paint products away from children and pets. Store in secure locations with clear labelling. Never decant into food or drink containers—accidental ingestion of paint or solvents causes serious harm.

Why Buy Paints from Rock Bottom Northampton

We stock over 2,400 paints, stains, varnishes, and wood care products from trusted manufacturers including Ronseal (1,060+ products), Liberon (270+ specialist finishes), Rustins (260+ products), PlastiKote (235+ spray paints), and Sadolin (150+ wood stains). This comprehensive range covers interior and exterior decoration, wood finishing, metal protection, and specialist coating applications.

Our competitive pricing makes quality decorating products accessible without compromising on performance. Professional decorators and trade customers benefit from our bulk quantity options and consistent availability. Free click and collect service provides immediate access to products without delivery delays or shipping costs.

Expert advice helps you select appropriate products for your specific application. Our staff understand surface preparation, product compatibility, and application techniques. We can recommend alternatives when your initial choice proves unsuitable or suggest more cost-effective options that still meet your requirements.

Shop Paints & Decorating Products at Rock Bottom Northampton

Browse our paints and decorating collection at www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk/collections/consumables to explore interior paints, exterior coatings, wood finishes, and specialist products. Filter by brand, product type, or colour to find what you need.

Visit our Queensbridge showroom in Northampton NN4 7BF to see products and discuss your decorating project requirements. Bring photos or samples if you need colour matching advice or help selecting appropriate products for unusual surfaces or challenging applications.

Contact Rock Bottom Northampton

Rock Bottom Northampton Ltd
Artisans' House
7 Queensbridge
Northampton
NN4 7BF

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed

Phone: 01604 720272
Email: sales@rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk
Web: www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk

From interior wall paints to specialist wood finishes, exterior protection to metal coatings, Rock Bottom Northampton supplies the decorating products that professionals and serious DIYers rely on. Quality products at competitive prices, with expert advice to ensure successful results.