What to Know Before Painting Your Dubai Home: Choosing the Right Paint, Painting Services & VOC
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your villa, a business owner updating your office, or an interior design looking for that perfect finish, navigating Dubai painting services requires insider knowledge.
In Dubai, where air-conditioned indoor living is the norm, low VOC or VOC-free paint options are especially important to maintain healthy air. Choosing a reputable painter in Dubai also ensures quality application and long-lasting results.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to make smart choices for your next painting project.
What Should I Know Before Hiring Painting Services in Dubai?
Before you engage wall painting services in Dubai, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Paint Finishes & Sheen Levels
The finish affects both appearance and durability. Common types of paint finishes include:
- Flat – No Shine
- Eggshell – A Little Shine
- Satin – Some Shine
- Semi-Gloss – Quite a Bit of Shine
- Gloss – Shiny!
Tip: Match wall and ceiling paint sheen levels for a cohesive look.
2. VOC Levels
Different paint finishes contain different VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels. VOC-free and low VOC paint are now the go-to choice for those who cares about better air quality and breathing cleaner air at home.
- VOC-Free: Less than 5 grams per liter
- Low VOC: Less than 50 grams per liter
- Standard paints: Can contain 150+ grams per liter
- Oil-based paints: May contain up to 500 grams per liter
3. Paint Coverage Planning
- You will need primer and 2 coats to cover 95% through.
- Premium paints will cover 95% in 2 coats.
- Budget or lower quality paint may need 3 coats.
Smart Planning Tips
Paint color and materials do go out of stock quickly in Dubai, and you may need a Plan B if you can’t find what you want.
1. Sample Testing
- Get paper swatches or small tin samples for color choice
- Test in different lighting conditions and different areas of the room
- Observe color changes throughout the day
- Make sure they have enough in stock before ordering
2. Coverage Planning
- Premium paints cover 95% in 2 coats
- Budget options may need 3 coats
- Always include primer in your calculations
- Add 10-15% extra for touch-ups
3. Consider the Ceiling
Fresh wall paint can make old ceilings look dated.
Plan for:
- Painting ceilings first
- Matching ceiling and wall paint sheen levels
Remember, if you don’t paint the ceiling, and have brand new wall paint up next to it, you may wish you would have just gone ahead and done it.
Where to Buy Wall Paint in Dubai?
When you are hunting for a painter in Dubai, knowing where to buy available paint is crucial. Brand leaders like Jotun and National Paints have established themselves as go-to choices for both residential and industrial painting projects.
Top paint brands and where to find them:
| Wall Paint Brand | Google Review* |
|---|---|
| Jotun | 4.3 (157 Reviews) |
| Benjamín Moore | 4.2 (152 Reviews) |
| Dulux | 4.1 (17 Reviews) |
| Asian Paints | 4.6 (59 Reviews) |
| National Paints | 4.2 (40 Reveiws) |
| Caparol | 4.0 (60 Reviews) |
*Note: Jotun, Benjamin Moore, Dulux paint are also available in ACE Hardware stores.
What are the Best Low VOC and VOC-Free Paint Options in Dubai?
| Brand | Range | VOC Content | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juton* | Fenomastic | Low VOC | AED 199 / 3.6 L |
| Benjamin Moore* | Regal | Zero VOC | AED 339 / 3.7L |
| ben | Zero VOC | AED 299 / 3.7L | |
| Super Hide® | Zero VOC | AED 199 / 3.7L | |
| Dulux* | EasyClean Air | Low VOC | AED 165 / 4L |
| Dulux Colours Of The World | Low VOC | AED 155 / 4L | |
| Dulux Heritage | Low VOC | AED 195 / 4L | |
| Asian Paints | Royale Health Shield Clear | Low VOC | AED 141 / 1L |
| ezyCR8 Health Shield Single Coat Luxury Emulsion | Low VOC | AED 90 / 1L | |
| Caparol | CapaCare Protect | Zero VOC | |
| CleanStar | Zero VOC | ||
| National Paints | Expression | Low VOC | AED 35 / 3.6L |
How can I Ensure VOC Safety when Painting my Dubai Home?
In Dubai, where we spend significant time indoors with air conditioning during the hot weather, VOC levels can become concentrated. This makes choosing low VOC paints particularly important.
- Always check paint labels for VOC content
- Choose water-based over oil-based when possible
- Ventilate rooms during and after painting
- Allow drying time before occupying spaces
- Use air purifiers during the curing period
Signs of High VOC Content
Watch out for:
- Strong paint odors that persist
- Headaches or dizziness during application
- Eye or throat irritation
- Labels without VOC information
- Unusually low prices
Working with Wall Painting Services in Dubai
For best results:
1. Discuss Finish Preferences Upfront
- Ask about paint brands and types of paint finishes they have worked with, and their experience with the paint.
- As different finish serves different purposes, they may offer suggestions for hiding wall imperfections or extra durability in busy spaces.
2. Request for a Proper Quote
- Have a good estimate of how much paint you will need.
- Quote should include coverage calculations and cost breakdown.
3. Have a Game Plan
- Consider room accessibility during painting. This is especially important if there are multiple contractors on site.
- Plan for adequate drying time.
4. Clean up after Themselves
- Establish guideline for how to leave a worksite clean and tidy at every stage.
- Make sure paint tins are put away properly at end of the day. You don’t want paint lids left open or paint spilled on your new flooring!
Conclusion
Quality painting services in Dubai are more than just applying color, they’re an investment in your property’s value, comfort, and air quality. Whether opting for low VOC or VOC-free paint, well-known brands like Jotun or local options like National Paints, proper planning makes all the difference.
