Frequently Asked Questions

Paint colour is created through a combination of colorants and bases that can literally reproduce millions of colours. At B&Q, your colour sample is measured for V&CO paint colour matching via a spectrophotometer that can read any colour the human eye can see. The measurements are turned into a paint formula to create your custom colour.

A tint base provides a neutral starting point to enable the paint to be tinted into thousands of colours. There are different base types that are specially formulated to tint certain colours. This ensures your paint will give the best possible coverage and the truest colour.

Each sample is true to life and painted using the exact same paint you will find in every can. Just remember that V&CO’s Dead-Flat Matt finish will absorb light, so it’s worth testing the colour around the room and at different times of day. We always recommend narrowing your selection to a few colours and taking a tester pot home to try the colour on your wall.

Yes, for best practise we recommend you use a Valspar Primer & Undercoat, it will give a durable, even finish that really shows off your colour. As it is tintable, it also provides a base for some of our darker, or more vibrant colours or any Base C products. New bare plaster must be sealed with Valspar Primer & Undercoat before painting.

You can actually save time and money. Make sure to let your undercoat dry for at least 2-4 hours to ensure maximum adhesion and durability.

The best thing to do when you are planning your painting project is to buy enough paint before you begin so your colour is consistent. Use our online paint calculator to determine exactly what you’ll need for your job. While it is possible to match a colour to an existing wall colour (or to leftover paint), slight variations may occur. Try to end your existing colour at the edges of a wall.

We would advise that our paint has elements that aid coverage and hiding but the product does not have the ability to seal a porous substrate as a primer would.

Solvent-based products typically contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and were traditionally for use on wood and metal surfaces, giving a glossy finish but associated with longer drying times and a strong smell, However, water-based products have typically low levels of VOC and have come a long way over recent years, with many companies offering a water-based paint equivalent to a solvent-based option. The benefits of a water-based product includes quicker drying times, less smell, and easier cleaning up with brushes and rollers being able to be rinsed with water rather than white spirit, making the whole decorating process more environmentally friendly.

Washing solvent-based paint from brushes required the use of white spirit or solvent-based brush cleaners, which in themselves release VOCs when used, and are difficult to dispose of because of their hazardous nature. Therefore, using water-based paints, where brushes can be washed in soapy water, can further reduce the environmental impact of decorating.

Water based and oil based products are not compatible to be used together.

Yes, for a plaster, plasterboard, or previously painted wall, as long as there will be no naked flames in direct contact with the paint.

Before you start painting anything that produces heat, we recommend you touch the surface to see how hot it is. We don’t recommend you paint until it’s completely cool.

Also, you will need to allow time for the paint to be fully cured before using the fireplace/wood burner.

No, Hexadecimal colour formulas are used for graphic design and web design. If you know the RAL number however you could contact the Customer Service Team and ask them for the closest match.

A solution of 3 parts of water and one part of white spirit should do the job. However we cannot guarantee this will remove everything.

We would always say 7 days to allow the product to be fully cured to its maximum durability, we would not recommend washing the surface or exposing to elements outside and heat or humid conditions inside within this curing period.

You can buy V&CO at your local B&Q store or online at diy.com. Select your colour and then click the order paint at B&Q link to order online or find the closest stockist to you.

You simply need to complete the Refund Request Form. 

V&CO Interior Walls & Ceilings 2.5L

V&CO Interior Walls & Ceilings 5L

Premium Walls & Ceilings 2.5L

Premium Walls & Ceilings 5L

Classic Walls & Ceilings 2.5L

Classic Walls & Ceilings 5L

Simplicity Walls & Ceilings 2.5L

Simplicity Walls & Ceilings 5L

Kitchen & Bathroom 2.5L

Trade Walls & Ceilings 2.5L

Trade Walls & Ceilings 5L

Trade Wall & Ceilings 10L

Exterior Masonry 2.5L

Exterior Masonry 5L

You can either take the required photo with a smartphone or digital camera. If completing the form on a computer, save these images to your desktop and then simply use the browse option on the template to locate and upload them.

If using your smartphone, then simply choose the browse option on the form and locate form your photo library and upload them.

Please note, the images need to be uploaded via the online form and not sent via the post or email.

If all necessary information has been submitted, then customer services will process this refund via BACs transfer. Please note, this is the only refund method that Valspar use. This can take 3-4 working days depending on your bank.

Once the refund has been processed, your payment details will automatically be wiped from our customer service interface. So please be rest assured, we do not keep these details on file.

You can make a claim via the Love Your Colour Guarantee once during the promotional period.