Paint Brand Battle Royale: Dulux vs Taubmans – Choosing the Perfect Paint for Your Aussie Home
Tired of the paint-picking blues? Staring at endless colour swatches can make anyone’s head spin. But fear not! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting your home transformation journey, this guide is your paint-choosing lifeline.
We’ll break down the battle between two Aussie paint giants – Dulux and Taubmans – and explore crucial factors like durability, washability, and weather resistance for both interior and exterior projects. We’ll even go beyond these big names to give you the full picture of the Australian paint market.
Plus, we’ll share insider tips on VOCs, sheen, and prep work so you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish that’ll have your home shining bright.
Ready to transform your space with confidence? Let’s dive into the colourful world of paint and discover the perfect hues for your Aussie home!
Table of Contents
What’s the Big Deal About Paint Choice, Anyway?
Choosing the right paint isn’t just about slapping some colour on your walls. It’s a decision that impacts your home’s look, feel, and longevity. Here’s why it matters:
- Aesthetics: The right paint can transform a drab space into a stunning sanctuary, creating a mood that reflects your personality and style.
- Durability: A high-quality paint job is an investment in your home’s future. It can take the bumps and scrapes of everyday life, saving you the hassle and expense of frequent repainting. A poorly chosen paint, on the other hand, can quickly chip and fade, leaving your home looking tired and neglected.
- Protection: Australia’s weather can be harsh on your home’s exterior. The right paint acts as a shield, protecting against sun, rain, and wind, and preserving its value for years to come.
Round 1: Interior Paint Showdown
Dulux Wash & Wear vs Taubmans Endure: It’s time to put these two popular interior paints to the test.
- Washability: Both paints are champions when it comes to washability. Sticky fingerprints, muddy paw prints, accidental spills – they can handle it all. Real-world tests show that cleanup is a breeze with both Dulux Wash & Wear and Taubmans Endure.
- Durability: While both paints offer good durability, Taubmans Endure takes the lead, resisting scratches and chips like a champ. This extra toughness might be a game-changer if you have a busy household with kids and pets.
- Coverage: Forget about endless coats of paint! Both Dulux Wash & Wear and Taubmans Endure provide excellent coverage, usually requiring just two coats for a flawless finish. That means less time painting and more time enjoying your beautifully refreshed space.
- Colour Selection: Dulux boasts a vast colour range that will inspire, but don’t count Taubmans out. Their thoughtfully curated palette makes it easy to find the perfect shade without feeling overwhelmed by choices.
- Ease of Application: Both paints go on smoothly and evenly, but Dulux Wash & Wear might be your new best friend if you’re the impatient type. Its faster drying time means you’ll be admiring your handiwork in no time!
- Price: Taubmans Endure often comes in at a slightly lower price point, which can make a difference for larger projects. Those savings could go towards a few extra decorative touches to complete your room’s transformation.
Remember: The best interior paint for you depends on your priorities. If durability is paramount, Taubmans Endure might be the winner. If you crave a wide variety of colours or need quick-drying paint, Dulux Wash & Wear could be the better choice.
| Feature | Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen | Taubmans Endure Low Sheen |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Barrier Technology: Forms a tight interlocking acrylic film to resist stains, marks, and scuffs. It offers excellent washability and long-lasting performance. | Nanoguard® Technology: Features an interlocking molecular structure for a protective shield that allows stains to be wiped away without damaging the finish. Provides better long-term protection. |
| VOC Level | < 16 g/L (Very low VOC) | 41 g/L (Still low, but higher than Dulux) |
| Durability & Washability | Highly durable with superior scrub resistance and burnish resistance. The paint allows for multiple washes without losing sheen or colour. | Extremely durable, designed for high traffic areas. Offers superior washability and maintains sheen even after frequent cleaning. |
| Mould & Mildew Resistance | Provides good resistance to mould and mildew, though not explicitly emphasized as a primary feature. | Offers excellent mould and mildew protection throughout the life of the paint, providing a cleaner and healthier environment. |
| Finish | Low Sheen: 5-12 at 60°, 10-20 at 85° gloss level | Low Sheen: 5-10% gloss level according to AS2311 |
| Touch Dry Time | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Recoat Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Coverage | Up to 16 m²/L | Up to 16 m²/L |
| Asthma & Allergy Friendly | Complies with Green Star rating tools for indoor air quality. | Approved by the National Asthma Council Australia's Sensitive Choice® program, making it ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. |
| Warranty | Not explicitly mentioned | 15-year warranty against blistering, flaking, or peeling |
| Surface Preparation | Requires standard surface preparation, including washing with sugar soap and treating mould. | Requires cleaning, filling, and priming for new or damaged surfaces. Offers comprehensive mould treatment recommendations. |
| Fire Hazard Properties | Not explicitly mentioned | Meets AS1530.3 standards with low ignitability, spread of flame, and heat evolved. |
| Application Method | Brush, roller, or spray. Offers excellent flow and leveling properties for smooth application. | Brush, roller, or spray. Offers low roller spatter and ease of application with special thickeners. |
| Recoat Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Temperature Range | Should not be applied at temperatures below 10°C. | Should not be applied below 10°C or above 35°C. |
| Clean Up | Water | Water |
| Available Sizes | 15L, 10L, 6L, 4L, 2L, 1L, 500mL | 15L, 10L, 4L, 2L, 1L |
Price Comparison Between Dulux Wash & Wear and Taubmans Endure
| Product | 15 Litre | 10 Litre | 4 Litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen | $258.90 | $218.90 | $98.90 |
| Taubmans Endure Low Sheen | $225.05 | $191.15 | $94.90 |
Note: Prices are based on white base low sheen paint from Bunnings. Prices for deep base colours may vary.
Round 2: Exterior Paint Face-Off
Australia’s sun can be brutal, and the rain can be relentless. Choosing the right exterior paint isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safeguarding your home from the elements. Let’s see how these two contenders stack up.
Dulux Weathershield vs Taubmans All Weather:
- Weather Resistance: Both paints are formulated to withstand the Aussie climate but have unique strengths. Dulux Weathershield’s MaxiFlex technology acts like a protective shield that expands and contracts with your home, preventing cracks even in extreme temperature swings. Taubmans All Weather’s advanced formula creates a tough barrier against the sun’s harmful rays, keeping your home looking vibrant for years.
- Ease of Application: Both paints offer good flow and levelling, making application a breeze, even for DIY beginners. Dulux Weathershield’s self-priming formula means one less step in your painting project, giving you more time to enjoy the results.
- Coverage: Coverage can depend on surface porosity and colour, but both paints generally provide good coverage, potentially reducing the need for multiple coats. Remember, porous surfaces like unsealed brick or weathered wood may require an extra coat for optimal coverage with either paint.
- Touch-Up Capability: Accidental bumps and scrapes are inevitable. With both Dulux Weathershield and Taubmans All Weather, you can easily touch up those minor blemishes without worrying about unsightly patches.
- DIY Friendliness: Both paints are formulated for easy application, even if you’re a first-time painter. Plus, you’ll find plenty of helpful tips and videos online to guide you through the process.
Additional Consideration for Exterior Paint
- Prep Work: Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting exterior paint job. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface to ensure the paint adheres properly and resists peeling and flaking.
With careful consideration of these factors, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect exterior paint to protect and beautify your Aussie home.
| Feature | Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen | Taubmans All Weather Low Sheen |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | MaxiFlex™ Technology: Allows paint to expand and contract with the surface, preventing cracks, peeling, and blistering. | Nanoguard® Advanced Technology: Creates an interlocking molecular structure that forms a protective shield against dirt, stains, and weathering. |
| UV Protection | Provides excellent UV protection, helping to prevent color fading and maintaining the paint’s appearance over time. | Offers total UV blockout, protecting both the paint and the substrate from sun damage, ensuring long-lasting surface integrity. |
| Durability | 15-year guarantee against peeling, flaking, and blistering when applied according to specifications. | Lifetime guarantee against peeling, flaking, and blistering, offering superior long-term durability. |
| VOC Level | < 45 g/L, low VOC compliant. | 37 g/L, lower VOC than Dulux Weathershield, also compliant with Green Building Council requirements. |
| Mould & Mildew Resistance | Helps resist mould, dirt, and stains, making it suitable for damp environments. | Contains encapsulated biocides that release slowly to provide long-term protection against mould, mildew, and fungus. |
| Surface Flexibility | Expands and contracts with temperature changes, ensuring the paint remains intact even under extreme weather conditions. | Designed to cope with normal substrate movement, reducing the risk of cracking, even in fluctuating weather conditions. |
| Finish | Low Sheen: 5-20 at 60° gloss level, providing a smooth, low-reflective finish. | Low Sheen: 25-30 microns dry film thickness, offering a durable and attractive finish. |
| Touch Dry Time | 20 minutes, allowing for quick handling and less downtime. | Not explicitly stated, but the paint is designed for fast drying, helping to speed up project completion. |
| Recoat Time | 2 hours, enabling multiple coats to be applied in a single day. | 2 hours, similar to Dulux, supporting efficient project timelines. |
| Coverage | 16 m²/L, providing excellent coverage per litre of paint. | 16 m²/L, comparable coverage to Dulux Weathershield. |
| Self-Priming | Self-priming on most surfaces, reducing the need for additional primer coats. | Self-priming, eliminating the need for a prep coat or undercoat on many surfaces, simplifying the application process. |
| Salt Resistance | Recommended to prime galvanized iron within 1 km of the sea to prevent salt corrosion. | Offers advanced protection suitable for harsh environments, including coastal areas. |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good resistance to abrasion, maintaining surface integrity even in high-traffic areas. | Scrub resistant with a tough, durable coating that resists wear and tear. |
| Application Methods | Brush, roller, airless spray; suitable for various surfaces including masonry, timber, and metal. | Brush, roller, spray; designed for ease of application with minimal roller spatter and good flow properties. |
| Temperature Range | Should not be applied below 10°C or when temperatures may drop during drying. | Can be applied in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C, offering a broad application window. |
| Clean Up | Water-based, allowing for easy cleanup with water. | Water-based, similar to Dulux, enabling easy cleanup and environmentally friendly disposal. |
| Available Sizes | 1L, 4L, 10L, 15L, offering flexibility for projects of various sizes. | 1L, 2L, 4L, 10L, 15L, offering a wide range of sizes to suit different project needs. |
| Environmental Considerations | Lead-free and low VOC, complying with environmental safety standards. | Water-based formula with low VOC, meeting Green Building Council requirements and offering a safer option for both users and the environment. |
Price Comparison Between Dulux Weathershield and Taubmans AllWeather
Note: Prices are based on white base low sheen paint from Bunnings. Prices for deep base colours may vary.
| Product | 15 Litre | 10 Litre | 4 Litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dulux Weathershield | $279.90 | $225.50 | $101.50 |
| Taubmans All Weather | $239.00 | $189.00 | $86.00 |
Additional Considerations: Making Your Paint Job Last
Choosing the right paint is just the first step. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting finish:
- VOCs: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that can be released from paint as it dries, affecting indoor air quality. For a healthier home, consider low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, especially in bedrooms and living areas where you spend a lot of time.
- Sheen: The sheen, or finish, of your paint affects both its appearance and durability.
- Flat or Matte: It hides imperfections but can be harder to clean. Ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
- Satin or Lowsheen: Offers a balance of washability and subtle shine. Great for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways
- Semi-Gloss or Gloss: Highly durable and easy to clean, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim.
- Remember: The way a sheen looks can change depending on the lighting in the room. It’s always best to test a sample in your space before committing to a full gallon.
- Prep Work: Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful paint job. Skipping this crucial step can lead to peeling, cracking, and an uneven finish. A little prep work goes a long way in ensuring your paint job looks its best for years.
- Basic Prep Steps: Clean the surface to remove dust, dirt, and grease
- Patch any holes or cracks.
- Sand rough surfaces for better adhesion.
- Prime if necessary, especially when painting over bare wood or changing colours drastically.
Remember: If you’re unsure about any aspect of your painting project, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. The team at Procover Painting is always happy to help!
The Procover Painting Promise
At Procover Painting, we’re not just another name on the list of house painters in Newcastle. We’ve spent years working with all the top paint brands, gaining invaluable insights into their performance in various settings. This experience allows us to recommend the perfect paint for your unique needs and budget, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Feeling overwhelmed by paint choices? We understand! Our team will help you through the selection process, taking the guesswork out of choosing the perfect paint for your home. Contact Procover Painting, your trusted house painter in Newcastle, today for a free consultation and let us help you bring your vision to life.
Remember: The perfect paint isn’t just about the brand; it’s about finding the right match for your needs and budget. Our experts at Procover Painting are here to ensure you make a choice you’ll love for years to come. With a little research and our expert guidance, you can confidently choose the perfect paint to make your home shine!
