Hello to all my fellow DIYers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’ve just picked up a paintbrush for the first time, you’re about to embark on a colorful journey.
Today, we’re delving into the world of paint, specifically comparing two of the industry heavyweights: Dulux and Olympic.
As a qualified painter and decorator, I’ve had a lot of experience with both brands.
So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and see how they stack up against each other!
Quick Summary
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick rundown: Both Dulux and Olympic offer a range of high-quality paints with good coverage, durability, and a broad color palette. While Dulux tends to be more readily available globally, Olympic is a popular choice in North America. Both offer environmentally friendly options, but there’s some variance in sheen, finish options, and ease of application. Continue reading for an in-depth analysis.
Overview
Dulux is a globally recognized brand offering a wide range of paints for both indoor and outdoor use.
They have a reputation for high-quality, durable paints that deliver exceptional color richness and coverage.
Dulux offers an extensive color palette and innovative technologies like stain and scrub resistance.
Olympic is a well-known North American brand loved for its durability and affordability.
They provide a wide range of interior and exterior paints, stains, and finishes.
Olympic is also recognized for its environmental responsibility, offering a line of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products.
Coverage and Durability
From my experience, Dulux paints generally offer excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats than other brands.
Their paints are highly durable, standing up well to wear and tear, making them a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
Olympic, on the other hand, has a solid reputation for durability, especially their exterior paints and stains, which are resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Their coverage is pretty decent, but in some cases, an extra coat might be needed compared to Dulux.
Pro Tip: For the best coverage, always prep your surface well. Sanding and priming can significantly improve the final result.
Price
Olympic is often praised for its affordability.
While prices can vary depending on the specific product and retailer, in general, Olympic paints tend to be less expensive than Dulux.
However, considering Dulux’s coverage, you might end up using less paint, so the cost difference may not be as significant as it first appears.
Olympic paints are mainly available in North America.
So while you may have access to a greater range of Olympic products if you’re in this region, availability may be more limited if you’re elsewhere.
Environmental Responsibility
Both brands have shown a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
Dulux, for example, offers a range of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, and has been striving to reduce the environmental impact of their products.
Olympic takes it a step further with their “zero VOC” line, demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and healthier living spaces.
They also offer an extensive range of eco-friendly stains and finishes.
Color Range and Finishes
Dulux offers an incredibly wide range of colors and finishes.
Their unique color-matching technology allows you to get the exact shade you want, making them a go-to for bespoke projects.
Olympic, while offering a broad color palette, is not quite as extensive as Dulux.
However, they shine in the range of stains and finishes they provide, especially for outdoor projects.
Application
Both Dulux and Olympic paints are generally easy to apply.
However, some DIY enthusiasts find Dulux paints a bit easier to work with, noting that they spread smoothly and evenly.
Olympic paints, while still easy to apply, may require a bit more effort to achieve an even finish.
But with proper technique, you can still get fantastic results.
Frequently Asked Questions Section (FAQs)
Q. Are Dulux and Olympic paints suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts?
A: Absolutely. Both Dulux and Olympic paints cater to a wide range of users, from professional painters and decorators to DIY enthusiasts.
They both offer products that are easy to work with and provide excellent results, irrespective of the user’s level of experience.
Q. How do Dulux and Olympic handle color retention, especially for exterior paint?
A: Both Dulux and Olympic have a good reputation for color retention.
Dulux’s exterior paints are known for their resistance to fading and UV damage.
Similarly, Olympic’s exterior paints and stains are praised for their longevity and ability to retain color despite harsh weather conditions.
Q. Are there any specific product lines that are unique to each brand?
A: Yes, each brand has unique product lines. Dulux has a ‘Diamond’ range known for its exceptional durability and stain resistance.
Olympic, on the other hand, has a ‘Rescue It!’ line specifically designed for resurfacing and restoring worn or weathered wood and concrete.
Q. How do the brands differ in terms of warranties or guarantees?
A: Dulux provides a variety of warranties depending on the specific product, many of which guarantee the product’s performance for a certain number of years.
Similarly, Olympic offers limited warranties for many of its products, including assurances of waterproofing and mildew resistance.
Q. Can I use Dulux and Olympic paints in my sprayer?
A: Yes, most Dulux and Olympic paints can be used in a sprayer.
However, it’s always recommended to check the specific product information or contact the manufacturer directly to ensure it’s suitable for your particular sprayer and needs.
Q. How do Dulux and Olympic paints respond to touch-ups?
A: Both Dulux and Olympic paints generally respond well to touch-ups.
Dulux paints often blend well with the existing paint, making touch-ups less noticeable.
Olympic paints, especially their interior line, also offer good touch-up properties.
However, results can vary depending on factors like the age and condition of the original paint, the specific color, and the environment.
Q. Are there specific applications where I might prefer one brand over the other?
A: While both brands offer a range of products suitable for various applications, some distinctions might guide your choice.
For instance, if you’re working on an exterior wood project, you might lean towards Olympic for their extensive range of stains and finishes.
Conversely, if you’re after a specific, hard-to-match color for an interior project, Dulux’s advanced color-matching technology might make them the preferable choice.
Conclusion
Both Dulux and Olympic are solid choices for your next painting project.
Your decision may come down to availability, specific color preferences, environmental considerations, or simply personal brand preference.
Dulux offers superior coverage and a vast color palette, while Olympic provides excellent durability, especially for exterior paints, and an edge in affordability.
Remember, the key to a successful DIY paint project is not just in the paint you choose, but also in the preparation, application, and care you give your project.
Suggested Products:
Dulux
- Dulux Weathershield: This is a top-rated exterior paint known for its durability and excellent protection against all weather conditions. It’s also mold, mildew, and algae resistant, making it perfect for areas exposed to high moisture.
- Dulux Diamond Interior: This premium interior latex paint is loved for its exceptional durability and stain resistance. It’s a top choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Dulux Easycare: This innovative line of paint offers stain repellent technology, allowing you to easily clean up spills and stains without damaging the paint finish. It’s great for rooms used by kids or pets.
Olympic
- Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One: This product is a standout for exterior wood projects. It provides a stain and sealant in one product, saving time and ensuring comprehensive protection against water damage, UV light, and mildew.
- Olympic ONE Interior Paint: This is a high-quality, all-in-one paint and primer. It offers excellent coverage and durability, making it a great choice for a variety of interior projects.
- Olympic Rescue It! Resurfacer: This is a unique product designed for resurfacing worn or weathered wood and concrete. It locks down splinters, fills cracks up to 1/4 inch wide, and offers a barefoot friendly texture. It’s a great solution for aging decks and patios.