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’s painting services landscape requires insider knowledge.
From understanding low VOC options to selecting the most reliable paint brands, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about wall painting services in Dubai, equipping you with the knowledge to make smart choices for your next painting project.
What to Know Before Hiring Dubai Painting Services
Paint is one of the expenses that come up time and time again. Obviously, the paint use will differ for rentals, your own home, or commercial use. Before you engage wall painting services in Dubai, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Paint Finishes Matter
- 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.
- There are different types of paint finishes and paint sheen levels for different durability and aesthetic effect.
Here are the different types of sheen paint to choose from:
- Flat – No Shine
- Eggshell – A Little Shine
- Satin – Some Shine
- Semi-Gloss – Quite a Bit of Shine
- Gloss – Shiny!
The VOC Factor
Different types of 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 Levels to Look For
Different types of paint finishes contain different VOC levels:
- 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
We will break down the VOC Free and Low VOC options by paint brands later.
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.
| Wall Paint Brand | Review |
|---|---|
| Jotun | 4.3 (133 Reviews) |
| Benjamín Moore | 4.3 (132 Reviews) |
| Dulux | 4.1 (17 Reviews) |
| Asian Paints | 4.6 (57 Reviews) |
| National Paints | 4.3 (38 Reveiws) |
| Caparol | 4.1 (56 Reviews) |
*Note: Jotun, Benjamin Moore, Dulux paint are also available in ACE Hardware stores.
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!
Understand VOC in Paints
VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing gases into the air. The familiar “new paint smell” is actually the result of VOCs being released into the air.
Why VOCs Matter in Dubai
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 for:
- Home, especially children’s rooms
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools and nurseries
- Office environments
- Enclosed spaces with limited ventilation
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
Apartment Painting Dubai – Best Low VOC Options
For our eco-friendly painters, here is a list of VOC free and low VOC selection across wall paint brands available 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 |
Best Practices for VOC Safety
- Always check the VOC content on paint labels
- Choose water-based over oil-based when possible
- Ensure proper ventilation during and after painting
- Allow proper drying time before occupying freshly painted spaces
- Consider using air purifiers during the drying process
Conclusion
Remember that quality painting services are an investment in your property’s value and appearance. Whether choosing low VOC levels, well-known brands like Jotun or local options like National Paints, proper planning makes all the difference.
