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Specialist Paints For Interior & Exterior DIY Projects

The Paint Shed is a trusted specialist paint supplier in the UK. We stock trade-quality paints from leading brands, designed to handle the materials, surfaces and conditions that generic paints can't. 

Whether you need the ideal paint for kitchen cabinets, an anti-mould paint for high-humidity areas like bathrooms, or durable paint for log cabins exposed to harsh weather, we have what you need. We only stock high-performance trade paints, allowing you to achieve excellent coverage, colour depth and durability at home.

Explore our range by interior, exterior or garden project, and find the perfect specialist paint for your next DIY job. Order online and enjoy free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £50*.

Interior Projects

From scuffs and stains in hallways to moisture in kitchens and bathrooms, interior surfaces face daily wear. So choosing the right paint is key to getting a finish that lasts.

Our interior range includes specialist coatings designed for specific conditions, whether you need wipeable wall paint for busy living areas, moisture-resistant finishes for bathrooms, or hard-wearing solutions for floors, radiators and kitchen cupboards. Each product is selected to deliver enhanced adhesion and durability in the spaces you use most.

 

Exterior Projects

Exterior surfaces need to handle constant exposure to rain, UV, frost and temperature changes. Using the right paint is essential to prevent peeling, cracking or fading over time.

Our exterior specialist paints are formulated for specific materials, including masonry, metal, uPVC and wood. Whether you're painting walls, doors, garage doors or cladding, these coatings provide flexible, weather-resistant protection that helps maintain colour and a durable long-lasting finish which requires minimal maintenance.

Garden Projects

Garden features like sheds, fences and decking are constantly exposed to moisture, sunlight and changing weather, so they need more than standard paint to stay protected.

Our garden paints and woodcare products are designed specifically for outdoor timber and surfaces. They help prevent rot, fading and weather damage while enhancing the natural look of the material. Whether you're refreshing garden furniture or protecting larger structures like log cabins and summer houses, you’ll find durable, easy-to-apply solutions built for long-term performance.

Choosing the right paint for your project is crucial in ensuring that:

  1. Your paint correctly adheres to the surface you are painting

  2. The paint does not bubble, crack or easily peel from the surface

  3. You can enjoy the long-term durability and benefits of the paint without having to reapply every year

  4. You enjoy colours that stay vibrant and stable over time

  5. You can benefit from the paint's unique features, like enhanced durability, scuff resistance, weather resistance or UV resistance

Our specialist paint finishes are designed to bond with the substrate, resist conditions like heat, moisture, traffic and weather, and deliver heavy-duty, long-lasting results with fewer reapplications. That's why these coatings are highly recommended for decorators and serious DIYers looking for professional results.

Selecting the right product comes down to three questions:

  • What surface are you painting? Different materials need different primers, bonders and paint chemistries for proper adhesion.

  • What conditions will the paint face? High humidity, high traffic, direct sunlight, heat and weathering all call for different formulations.

  • What finish and colour do you want? We offer a versatile range of finishes, including matt, satin, gloss and eggshell as well as tinted and colour-matched shades.

Feeling unsure? Contact us for product-specific advice before you order, or browse our tips and advice section for application guides and how-tos.

Do I need a primer before applying specialist paint?

Whether you need a priming product will depend on the surface. 

  • Bare metal, unpainted wood, damp plaster, glossy tiles and uPVC usually need a primer to help the topcoat properly adhere and last longer. 

  • Previously painted surfaces in good condition can often be painted directly, but any bare spots should be spot-primed first. 

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations on your product datasheet for the right primer. View our guide on how to use a paint primer to ensure proper application.

What is the difference between standard paint and trade paint?

The difference between retail and trade paint comes down to formulation and performance.

  • Trade paint has higher pigment levels and offers better coverage and opacity, meaning fewer coats are needed. It’s also more durable, longer-lasting and easier to clean, making it the preferred choice for professional results.

  • Standard (retail) paint has a lower upfront cost and is designed for DIY use. It typically requires more coats to achieve full coverage and may not be as durable or resistant to cleaning over time.

What is the difference between water-based and oil-based paint?

Water-based and oil-based paints differ mainly in how they’re made, how they perform and how they clean up.

  • Water-based (acrylic/latex) paint uses water as the main solvent, making it low-odour, quick-drying and easy to clean with soap and water. It’s flexible, less prone to yellowing over time, and ideal for most interior walls, ceilings and many exterior surfaces.

  • Oil-based (solvent-based) paint uses oil or solvent as a base, creating a harder, more durable finish. It takes longer to dry, has a stronger odour and requires white spirit for cleaning. It’s often used on trim, metal, woodwork, and high-wear areas where a tougher finish is needed.

In general, water-based paints are now the most common choice for everyday decorating, while oil-based paints are used where maximum durability and hardness are required.

How do I know which paint finish to choose?

The right paint finish depends on the room and the level of wear the surface will experience. As a rough guide: 

  • Traditional matt or flat finishes are suitable for ceilings and low-traffic walls

  • Satin and silk finishes offer more durability for everyday spaces

  • A tougher finish, like eggshell or gloss, is best for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and trim, as it resists moisture and is easier to clean

What tools do I need to start painting?

To get started, you’ll need a few essential painting tools: 

Proper prep tools like sandpaper and filler also help ensure a smoother, longer-lasting finish.