My Top Product Recommendations for Colour Drenching

By now, you’re probably familiar with the fabulous colour drenching trend – saturating a room in a single shade by painting walls, woodwork, ceilings, and even radiators the same hue. If you haven’t heard of colour drenching, I’ve posted a few blogs that go through what colour drenching is and shared some of my favourite colour choices, but today is all about the products. Because, let’s face it, having the right paint and tools is crucial for getting that seamless, immersive finish.

I’m going to break down my top product recommendations for anyone wanting to take on a colour drenching project. Whether you’re drenching a low-traffic bedroom or tackling a high-traffic kitchen, here’s everything you need to get the job done right!

1. AllCoat: The Do-It-All Paint

If you’re looking for one product that can handle everything, Zinsser AllCoat is your answer. This beauty works on walls, woodwork, metal, both inside and outside—it’s even self-priming! Yes, it’s a specialist paint, so it’s a bit pricier, but the convenience of having one tin that covers all surfaces is unbeatable for colour drenching.

Available in Matt, Satin, or Gloss, you can get it in 1L, 2.5L, or 5L sizes depending on the area you’re covering. Whether you're tackling walls, woodwork, or radiators, it gives you a sleek, uniform finish without the faff of multiple products. Zinsser AllCoat is available to colour match into any shade giving you a huge breadth of options for colour selection!

 

2. Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt: The All-Rounder

Johnstone’s Acrylic Durable Matt is perfect for drenching walls and interior woodwork. It’s ideal for low-traffic rooms where you don’t need extreme durability on the woodwork. I’d recommend this product for spaces like bedrooms or lounges, where it can handle a bit of wear and tear, but for super high-traffic areas, I’d personally look for something a bit tougher for woodwork.

For those who like to keep things coordinated, Johnstone’s offers a fabulous product pairing: Acrylic Durable Matt  for your walls and Johnstone's Aqua Guard Satin for the woodwork and metal if you want to maintain a contrast in sheen level. This will give your woodwork a subtle shine while keeping your walls matte. However, if you prefer a uniform flat look throughout, you can opt for Aqua Guard Matt to keep everything in line with the flat finish of your walls. Make sure to grab the Johnstone's Aqua Guard Primer Undercoat if you’re working with bare wood or radiators for a smooth, flawless finish. Bonus: because they’re from the same product family, the colour matching is spot on, ensuring a seamless look across your whole space.

 

3. Zinsser Perma White: For Moisture-Prone Spaces

If you’re planning to drench a bathroom or a room that struggles with airflow (hello, mould spots and mildew!), Zinsser Perma White is your best friend. This paint is designed to resist mould and mildew, which makes it perfect for those high-humidity spaces. Plus, it can be used on walls and woodwork—and yes, radiators too, once they’ve been primed! I’d recommend the Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat or Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 primer for a smooth base on your radiators.

Zinsser Perma White is fantastic because it’s not just a paint but a specialist solution for spaces that need a bit more TLC. No cracking, peeling, or blistering – just a beautiful finish that stands the test of time. It can also be colour matched, so you’re not limited to just the standard shades you can get that perfect, tailored hue for your drenching project.

4. Little Greene Intelligent Matt or Eggshell: High-End Elegance

For those wanting a luxurious, heritage feel, Little Greene’s Intelligent Matt or Eggshell paints are an excellent choice. These paints don’t require a separate primer, which makes them a great option if you want to streamline your project while still enjoying a high-quality, premium finish.

The Intelligent range is known for its beautiful, historic colours, tying in perfectly with the origins of the colour drenching trend. Plus, it’s durable, washable, and available in both matt and eggshell finishes depending on your desired sheen level.

5. Farrow & Ball Dead Flat: Luxurious Matte with Durability

Farrow & Ball’s Dead Flat is perfect for those wanting an ultra-matte finish on their walls. If you’re drenching in a high-traffic area, consider pairing it with F&B’s Modern Eggshell on the woodwork to add durability while keeping a seamless look on the walls.

F&B paints are renowned for their rich pigments and luxurious finish, making them an obvious choice if you're after something truly special. It’s a bit of an investment, but once you see the result, you’ll know why!

Key Characteristics to Look for in Paints

When selecting the right paint for colour drenching, you’ll want to keep an eye out for certain characteristics:

• 'Acrylic' Matt or Durable Matt: Ideal for walls and woodwork when primed correctly. Offers a modern, flat finish while still being durable enough for most rooms.
• Woodwork or Trim Paints: Look for water-based options—they're less smelly, quicker drying, and much easier to clean up!
• Scrubbable Finishes: If you’re drenching high-traffic or high-moisture rooms like kitchens or bathrooms, a scrubbable finish is a must for easy cleaning.

Sundries: Must-Have Tools for Colour Drenching

Choosing the right brushes and rollers can make a world of difference when drenching. Here are my favourites:

• Flat Brushes: Since you won’t be cutting in with an angled brush, I’d recommend flat brushes like the Axus S Finish or Axus Silk Touch. For a budget option, check out the ProDec Premier Synthetic flat brush.
• Rollers: For larger areas, the Axus Adjustable Roller Frame and 12" Silk Touch roller are great. Don’t forget the 4" Silk Touch roller kit for smaller areas or doors.
• ProDec Microfibre Roller Kit: Perfect for an all-in-one solution, with two sleeves for different surfaces.
• Covermasq Tape and Drape: Keep your floors and skirting boards protected while you drench!

And there you have it! My go-to product recommendations for taking on the exciting world of colour drenching. Whether you’re going bold with a single, saturated hue or want to create a calming, monochromatic sanctuary, having the right products will make all the difference.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions - just send us a message on  WhatsApp or any of our social media channels, give us a call on 01388 608144, or drop us an email. And don't forget to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest at @decoratingcentreonline if you try out this trend—we love seeing your beautiful creations!

Helen x