Preparation & Cleaning
My windows already have old M&L paint on, can I repaint over the top?
Yes of course. You do need to sand the surface first to remove any loose or flaking paint. For a durable and long lasting finish, a coat of primer is a good idea to create an even layer for your top coats to adhere to.
How should I clean brushes and rollers?
In our shift away from a throw away culture, we really recommend investing in a few decent brushes and a good quality roller (we love Purdeys). You will get a great finish, never find stray hairs on your walls, and if you wash them thoroughly, they will last you for years of decorating. As all the paints are water based, scrape off as much paint as you can before washing them thoroughly in water. Wrap the brush in old newspaper overnight to absorb the water and allow them to dry.
I am going to paint again tomorrow, should I thoroughly wash everything now?
If you are using the same paint colour, it is fine to wrap your roller in cling film or a plastic bag nice and tight. It will not dry out and will be good to use again tomorrow. Mick suggests cleaning your brushes properly every evening though.
What should I do if I am painting onto fresh plaster?
You should use our Chalky Interior Matt – 9 parts paint mixed with 1 part water as your ‘undercoat’ so the paint will be more easily absorbed and create a better base for your top coat. Then 2 coats of full strength Chalky Interior Matt should give you a beautiful smooth finish.
Paint Finishes & Surfaces
Are your paints water-based or oil-based?
All our paints are water based and have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
What finish is best for kitchen walls and cupboards?
If you are painting an area high in traffic that will need frequent washing, our Interior Eggshell is perfect as it is easy to wash and keep clean. Chalky Interior Matt is also fine if it is not in areas that will need regular cleaning. For your cupboards it is down to your preference, Interior Eggshell will do a great job.
Which paint finish can I use on radiators? What if my radiators are oil filled?
Our Interior Eggshell will be suitable for standard water filled radiators. A coat of primer will provide the perfect base for both of these finishes. Oil filled radiators can heat up to much higher temperatures than conventional water radiators and these require a specialist heat resistant enamel paint.
I want a satin finish, you don’t sell satin, will eggshell have the same finish?
Absolutely. Eggshell will be a similar sheen level and can be used in all the same situations that you would use a Satin finish paint.
It says the Masonry paint is not suitable for common bricks, what does that mean?
These types of bricks , and ‘Fletton bricks’ are characterised by their “kiss marks” caused by them sitting aside each other in the kiln. They are very hard and dense and have sealed surfaces meaning it is difficult for masonry paints to directly adhere to them. You can paint this brickwork, but preparation is key – it should be cleaned and any loose material should be removed, then apply 2 coats of M&L Primer before using M&L Masonry paint.
Durability
How long will the paint last once the tin has been opened?
In an unopened tin and stored ideally between 5°C and 25°C, paint will last at least 2 years but we have seen examples lasting in excess of 5 years and beyond. Once the tins are opened there are no hard and fast numbers as it will depend on how well the tin is resealed after use and the cleanliness of the application equipment used.
Leftover paint will last longer if the tin is sealed tightly. To reseal a tin of paint so that it is airtight, wipe the rim of the tin clean, replace the lid, place a block of wood over the top and tap it down with a hammer. Once the lid is on tight, tip the tin upside down to create a seal, this will prevent a skin on top of the paint.
Colours
Are the colours the same palette as before?
Yes. They were a much loved palette of colours and we are proud to bring them back.
I have had a paint colour from M&L Paints in the past but cannot see it on your website, do you still do it?
Please drop us an email and we will look through our colour archives. If the recipe is not already formulated we will see what we can do for you – email us at enquiries@mandlpaints.com.
I love M&L Paints but would really like to get paint to match the colour of a cushion I have, I know it sounds odd, but I love the colour!! Is that possible?
If you can bear to part with the cushion for a while we will give it to our Colour Chemist to have a look at and see how she can replicate it. If she is happy she will send you a sample pot to see what you think – and obviously return the cushion!
Shopping, Delivery & Returns
Do you have any stockists or shops where I can buy the paint?
M&L Paint is sold exclusively on our website and at our Show Site. You are welcome to pop in to say hello, and pick up a tin of paint. We will have sample pots available to buy or you can pre-order your paint so it’s ready for collection.
Unit E8, 4th Floor
Pear Mill
Stockport Road West
Lower Bredbury
Cheshire
SK6 2BP
Do you ship overseas?
Absolutely. Best thing to do is to drop us an email at enquiries@mandlpaints.com and we can get you a quote which will depend on quantities and destination.
Can I have a trade account?
We have not yet set up a formal arrangement – the best idea is to get in touch a chat.
How long is the delivery lead-time?
We will aim to get your orders to you as quickly as we can. If it is received before 12pm, DPD will attempt to deliver the next working day as Express Delivery. We have a number of other delivery options, see our delivery page for details.
We offer free delivery on sample pots and colour cards which is 2-3 working days.
Am I able to return my paint?
Regretfully we are unable to accept returns due to the bespoke manufacture of our paint. If you wish to dispute this, please contact us directly.