Contract Matt
Contract matt paint is a high-opacity, water-based interior emulsion designed for large-scale trade projects. With a flat, non-reflective finish and excellent coverage across walls and ceilings, it's the practical choice for new plaster, mist coating and high-volume redecoration work.Â
At The Paint Shed, we stock contract matt emulsion from leading trade brands including Armstead Trade, Crown Trade, Dulux Trade, Macpherson Trade, Tikkurila and our own Paint Shed Contract Matt (found in-store only - find your nearest Paint Shed store).
Achieve a professional finish with trade-quality contract matt paint at The Paint Shed today and enjoy free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £50*.
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What is Contract Matt Paint?
Also known as contract emulsion paint or contract paint, contract matt is a flat-finish, economical emulsion formulated for professional interior decorating jobs. Unlike standard matt emulsion, this water-based paint prioritises opacity and coverage over durability or wipeability, making it ideal for large-area and large-scale, fast-turnaround jobs.Â
Contract matt paint is commonly used for:
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Mist coating and sealing new or bare plaster
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Large-scale interior redecorations such as rental properties, offices and commercial fit-outs
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Ceilings and low-traffic walls that do not require a wipeable finish
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New builds and housing developments requiring a cost-effective first finish
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Schools, community spaces and public buildings where a clean, bright finish is needed across large areas
Because contract matt is not formulated for scrubbing or repeated cleaning, it is best suited to low-traffic areas. For walls in kitchens, bathrooms or other rooms where wipeability matters, a vinyl matt or soft sheen emulsion will serve you better.
Our Contract Matt Emulsion Range
We stock a variety of contract matt emulsions from some of the most trusted trade paint manufacturers. Learn more about our range below.
Dulux Trade
Dulux Trade Supermatt is a high-opacity, economical contract matt emulsion with the highest coverage rate in the range at 18m²/L. Touch dry in 1–2 hours and recoatable in 2–4 hours, it performs well on interior walls and ceilings, including new plaster that is still drying out. This makes it a practical choice for new builds and large refurbishment projects.Â
Apply by brush, roller or spray; on new or bare surfaces, thin the first coat with up to 1 part clean water to 3 parts paint before proceeding with the finishing coats. Dulux Trade Supermatt is available to order online in a full tinted colour-match range.Â
Macpherson Trade
We supply two contract matt options from Macpherson Trade, covering both standard new plaster applications and a more specialist low-odour formula for sensitive environments. Both are available in 10L tubs for in-store purchase and can be applied by brush, roller or spray.
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Macpherson Trade Eclipse Emulsion: A low VOC, low-odour emulsion with high moisture permeability, allowing application to new plaster before it has fully dried. Coverage runs to 16m²/L, with the finish touch-dry in 2 hours and recoatable in 4 hours. Trade Eclipse Emulsion is a strong choice for occupied buildings, schools and sensitive environments.
The Paint Shed
The Paint Shed Trade Contract Matt is our own-brand option and the most competitively priced product in the range. With excellent opacity across a wide range of interior surfaces, including new plaster, wallboard and brick, it covers everything a typical contract job demands without needing a separate primer.Â
Coverage runs to 13 m²/L, with the finish touch-dry in 1-2 hours and recoatable in 3-4 hours. Available exclusively in-store in 10L Brilliant White.
Not sure which product best suits your project? Contact our team or use our product finder tool to find your perfect match.
FAQs
Both are flat-finish, water-based interior paints, but they are formulated for different purposes.Â
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Contract matt prioritises opacity, coverage and economy, making it well-suited to mist coats, new plaster and large-area redecorations.Â
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Standard matt emulsion typically offers a more durable and wipeable finish with greater colour depth, making it the better choice for walls in occupied spaces that need occasional cleaning.
For more information on paint emulsions, explore our guide to the right emulsion for your needs.
Yes. Contract matt is well-suited to ceilings. Its flat finish eliminates light reflection that would otherwise highlight roller lines or surface irregularities. The high opacity of most products delivers consistent matt coverage in fewer coats, keeping application time down on larger areas. On textured or heavily coated ceilings, applying a thinned mist coat first helps the finishing coats bond properly and dry evenly.
In most cases, no.Â
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On previously painted surfaces in reasonable condition, contract matt can be applied directly without a separate primer or undercoat.Â
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On new plaster, render or other porous surfaces, a diluted mist coat of the contract matt itself acts as a sealing coat.Â
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On smooth or non-porous areas such as plasterboard joints or freshly filled patches, a dedicated primer may give a more consistent base before the finishing coats.
A mist coat is a diluted first coat of emulsion applied to new or fresh plaster before any full coats of paint. New plaster is highly porous and absorbent, so applying undiluted paint directly can result in uneven absorption, poor adhesion and a patchy finish.Â
Thinning the first coat with water allows it to soak in, seal the surface and provide a stable base for the finishing coats. The normal finishing process after mist coating is one or two full coats, applied once the previous coat has dried. Always check the manufacturer's datasheet for the correct dilution ratio before mixing.
Contract matt emulsion is water-based, meaning you can clean brushes and rollers with warm, soapy water immediately after use. Let tools air dry naturally before storing them away for future projects.Â
Store leftover paint in a sealed container and keep it in a cool, dust-free area away from extreme temperatures and frost. Do not flush paint or pour waste water down the drain. The British Coatings Federation provides guidance on responsible disposal and recycling options for leftover paint.
Still have questions? Get in touch with our friendly team or explore our helpful tips and advice section.
Shop Trade Contract Matt Paint at The Paint Shed
The Paint Shed is the UK’s most recommended independent paint retailer, with 24 stores across Scotland and Northern England. We aim to make it easier, quicker, fairer and simpler to buy trade-quality paint at competitive prices.Â
Why shop with us?Â
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High-quality paints from the world’s leading paint manufacturers
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Product-specific tips and advice from our experienced team
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Carefully packaged orders shipped UK-wide*
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In-store colour-matching service
Shop trade-quality contract matt emulsion from leading manufacturers at The Paint Shed. Order online today and get 5% off your first order when you sign up to our newsletter.