We put Crown Paints to the test in a real home decorating project, looking at everything from application and coverage to drying time, finish and value for money.

A good paint needs to do more than look smart once the job is finished.

For a successful decorating project, it needs to be straightforward to apply, provide reliable coverage and leave an even finish – particularly if you’re planning to tackle the work yourself.

For this Good Homes Approved review, we put Crown Paints to the test as part of a home decorating project, using both a brush and roller to see how it performed.

Here’s how we got on.

First impressions

From the outset, the paint proved straightforward to work with.

Our tester didn’t need to use a primer for this particular project, helping to cut down on both preparation and decorating time.

When it came to application, our reviewer found it went on “very well”, with no problems with streaking.

This made the decorating process relatively fuss-free, particularly when moving between cutting in and covering larger areas.

How easy is Crown Paints to apply?

Our tester used a brush to cut in before switching to a roller for the main areas.

There was no noticeable compromise when moving between the two methods, with our reviewer reporting “even coverage with both”.

For anyone planning to take on the decorating themselves, that ease of application is a major plus.

There was no need for complicated techniques or specialist equipment to achieve a consistent result.

How many coats does it need?

Two coats were enough to achieve full coverage during our test.

Our reviewer waited around 30 minutes between coats, making it possible to get on with the project without lengthy periods of downtime.

As with any decorating project, the number of coats required can depend on the condition and type of surface you’re painting, so individual results may vary.

How quickly does it dry?

Drying time was another strong point during our test.

Our tester found the paint was fully dry in approximately 45 minutes.

Combined with the 30-minute wait between coats, this made it a relatively quick decorating project rather than one that needed to stretch over several days.

What is the finish like?

Once dry, our tester described the finish as “smooth”.

There was no streakiness, while using a brush for cutting in and a roller across the larger areas still resulted in consistent coverage.

The finished surface looked even and well covered after two coats, without requiring additional work to correct patchiness or obvious application marks.

Is it DIY-friendly?

Ease of use is one of the strongest reasons we’d recommend the paint for those taking on their own decorating projects.

From cutting in with a brush to covering larger surfaces with a roller, the process was straightforward and the paint performed consistently.

Our tester said: “It’s DIY friendly, worked really well with the design I was going for and I would definitely recommend.”

For less experienced decorators, that combination of easy application, quick drying and reliable coverage makes it particularly appealing.

Value for money

Our tester also rated the paint as good value for money.

Achieving full coverage in two coats is a definite advantage, helping to keep both the amount of paint required and the time spent decorating under control.

The smooth finished result also meant there was no need to keep adding extra coats or correcting streaky areas once the paint had dried.

Good Homes verdict

Crown Paints impressed with its easy application, even coverage and smooth finish.

Our tester achieved full coverage in two coats, experienced no streakiness and found both brush and roller application worked equally well. With a quick drying time and straightforward application, it also proved particularly accessible for a DIY decorating project.

As our reviewer concluded: “It’s DIY friendly, worked really well with the design I was going for and I would definitely recommend.”

Good Homes Approved: Recommended