Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

1. Where are we?
2. What are our hours of opening?
3. How easy is it to park?
4. Is there a branch near ...?
5. Can we send paint:
6. Can I order in advance?
7. What ranges do we stock?
8. Colour Matching
9. Can we send a "brochure"?
10. Do we refund the price of the colour cards with the first order of paint?
11. How can I obtain colour cards?
12. Do we sell sample tins?
13. Do we have anyone who gives on-site advice?
14. How is our paint different?
15. Can I have a paler / darker version of ...?
16. Do we make it in a masonry paint / a floor paint (etc.)?
17. Do we sell "environmentally-friendly" paints / "natural" paints / "organic" paints?
18. Is there a flat paint for external woodwork?
19. Can one use matt varnish on a floor?
20. Do we tint glazes?
21. Do we stock lead paint?

1) Where are we?

In Chelsea, at the Fulham Road end of Park Walk, between the UGC Cinema and the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.
Underground stations: Earls Court; Gloucester Road, South Kensington and Fulham Broadway are all roughly equidistant.
Buses running nearby: 11, 14, 19, 22, 211, 328, 345.

Click here to see a map of our location
(provided by www.streetmap.co.uk)

2) What are our hours of opening?

Monday to Friday: 0830hrs-1730hrs.

We are Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
We do not close for lunch

3) How easy is it to park?

Not very, although there are parking meters outside the shop, and in all the neighbouring streets. Orders can be telephoned or faxed beforehand. These should be accompanied by credit card details, and sufficient time allowed for their execution.

4) Is there a branch near ...?

No, there is only one of us, but we can send paint virtually anywhere.

5) Can we send paint:

a) within London? - Yes, using taxis and motorcycle couriers;
b) outside London? - Yes, using national carriers;
c) abroad? - Yes, using Fedex / Freight forwarders.
There is a charge for these services.

6) Can I order in advance?

Yes, provided that we have the security of a credit card and enough time to mix the paint.

7) What ranges do we stock?

The three main paint ranges that we stock are the Sanderson Spectrum, Dulux Trade and Little Greene ranges. However, using these as a basis we can produce virtually any colour.

8) Colour Matching

For nearly 50 years we have been colour matching objects brought to us. Colours can be produced to match almost anything, be it paint, wallpaper, fabric etc. We have a spectrophotometer on the premises.

9) Can we send a "brochure"?

We are more like a tailor than a conventional paint shop, and as such have an almost limitless collection of paint colours. Any brochure would be limited in the range and accuracy of the colours shown. The only colour charts that we send out are those for our three themed ranges: The Historical Colours, The Traditional Colours, and The Off Whites. Sets of hand-painted cards of these are available at a charge.

10) Do we refund the price of the colour cards with the first order of paint?

No.

11) How can I obtain colour cards?

Hand-painted sets of colour cards of four ranges are available, for a list of prices please see Colour Ranges.

12) Do we sell sample tins?

Yes, most colours are available in 250ml tins of vinyl matt emulsion. For many colours, however, the smallest size tin in eggshell and gloss is 1 litre.

13) Do we have anyone who gives on-site advice?

Yes. This is principally in relation to our consultancy on historical decorative schemes. Occasionally Patrick Baty will advise on the use of colour in other situations. Please call to discuss your project.

14) How is our paint different?

Our paint is conventional, top quality, modern house paint

15) Can I have a paler / darker version of ...?

Generally yes, provided that we have some indication of what you are trying to achieve.

16) Do we make it in a masonry paint / a floor paint (etc.)?

If a colour is not already formulated in a particular type of paint we can generally do this within a week or so. There is sometimes a one-off extra charge for this.

17) Do we sell "environmentally-friendly" paints / "natural" paints / "organic" paints?

There are very few paints that can honestly be termed such whilst still providing the necessary protection and durability. The paint industry is striving to reduce the Volatile Organic Compounds in solvent-based paints. None of our paints have added lead. We do sell lime putty for turning into limewash, and various forms of distemper, where this is relevant. Please call with any specific questions.

18) Is there a flat paint for external woodwork?

Not one that is practical. If one wants a paint that will protect and continue to look good, a gloss paint is usually to be recommended. Exterior eggshell is now available.

19) Can one use matt varnish on a floor?

You can, and we stock one brand with a matt finish, but it will not offer as much protection as a varnish with a higher sheen level. Before very long, natural wear and tear will dull down a shiny finish.

20) Do we tint glazes?

No, because there are too many variables. To be effective, a glaze has to be tinted so that when it is applied over a coloured basecoat - in a particular manner - it achieves the desired effect.

21) Do we stock lead paint?

No.

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