Johnstone's Trade Reviews 

Bought Johnstones non drip gloss to paint a wardrobe omg all it does is run, 5 coats later and still see streaks.
Worse paint I have ever used.
The satin paint I the same colour manhatten grey is just as bad on wood.
Took 4 coats on 2 doors but still streaky.
When used a gloss roller it now looks like bubbles of paint so you can't win with this paint, brush or roller it's horrendous paint.
I PROMISE IF YOU BUY IT YOU WILL REGRET IT
I moved home so bought satin, gloss,emulsion in same shade.
The emulsion is just as bad 4 coats.
Yet the deluxe white gloss I bought only took 2 coats obviously that's the quality difference.
DULUX FOR ME JOHNSTONES IN THE BIN

I feel like they just make prices up as they go along pfft!!

I had recently had my bathroom done with Gateshead council, to which they had given me a 50pound voucher to buy paint from Johnstones with, and whilst it was a faff trying to communicate the colours that I wanted through email, as it is. They sent me the wrong colour! The colour I wanted was Sky's Edge Voc, a darkish aqua colour, and instead I received this ugly whiteish-blue! They slapped on the label of Sky's Edge to give me the wrong colour. I generally feel a bit taken advantage of as someone who had already received a free voucher; it seemed that they didn't care because I wasn't putting money in their pocket.

I asked for paint that would cover plastic I got 1can of grey and 3 shades of green, it went on like oil on water, I took it backand get this they refunded the tin that was opened but wouldn't refund the tins that weren't open saying I picked those colours? I picked the grey as well duh £15 down the drain and I'm a pensioner. Shame on them!

Absolutely the most watery fake gloss paint ive ever used! And ive used other waterbased glosses that was fine.
£16 for a 750ml tin.... disgraceful!
Just enough for the 20 coats you have to put on.
Dont waste your money!!

Bought a small can just to test, covers well, that's about lt, not very glossy and certainly not none drip, glad I only bought a small can, on the up side it makes a not bad undercoat 👎

I’m a company director on Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead. At 2:45pm on Friday 5 September 2025, one of your HGV drivers parked across our entrance, blocking our exit and two neighbouring businesses, while delivering outside Colour Supplies, 18–19 Mark Road, HP2 7BN. When I asked him to move, he was rude and abusive, saying “tough luck,” and then casually offered his supervisor’s number because he “didn’t care.”

There was no need to block us—the paint shop/forecourt was clear and unobstructed throughout the delivery. Aside from disrupting our operations, blocking a business access is a safety risk.

I expect a prompt investigation, a written apology, and assurance that drivers are instructed not to obstruct premises. I’m happy to provide CCTV/photographs and witness details on request. Until I see concrete steps to address this, it’s one star.

Bought some brushes to do some Glossing and the black die was coming out of the bristles, that’s without the bristles falling out,absolutely shocking brush to use.

Just used Johnstone's matt Emerald Green on a room, two coats and it's streaky and patchy still. Admittedly, painting over silk but this has never caused a problem before, nor has any other Johnstone's paint. What has happened to the quality of this product?

ZERO RATING!!! I have worked as a professional decorator for almost 20 years. My first time using perfect matt in a tinted colour. First coat went on okay. I used a brush and mini roller to cut in to eliminate brush marks. Returned the next day. The first coat had picture framed and was very patchy. Gave it a second coat - still framing and patchy. 3rd coat and still picture framing. This paint is utter garbage - can only describe it as poor quality retail paint yet costs a fortune. Does not do what it says on the tin - avoid this paint!!!
Also, first time using aqua guard durable matt - AVOID this paint!!! This paint is like milk. Has poor opacity and coverage - 4 coats and it is still patchy and certainly NOT durable!!! Piss poor retail quality at yet again a ridiculous Jonstones price!!! I'm now going to cease using Jonstones trade paint with my business going forward !!!12

Letters of complaint get ignored. I,had sent two letters of complaint regarding they paint and not received a reply to either

Just hired a local painter to paint my kitchen. Walls, surrounds and ceiling. He texted me regarding the colour for the walls. Said I should try Johnstone's for different colour charts. Mentioned 4 different colour charts to me.
So, off I went. Never even heard of Johnstone's previously. Walked into my local branch I care not to mention. Only 1 person serving. 1 person in the entire store it seems. I waited on the previous customer. Apparently his (other customer) face must have fitted as there was some banter and laughs between the two. But not me...
When it was finally my turn I approached the 1 employee and asked
me: "do you have any of these colour charts?"
sole employee: "yes. I have all of those charts"
sole employee: "I can mix any paint you want from them"
me: "you don't physically have any of the charts I can take away with me?"
sole employee: "no"
me: "well, if you have them, can I perhaps take a few photos with my phone of them?"
sole employee: "no. like I said. I have all of those colour charts and I can mix any paints you want from them"
me: "umm. well, I really need to SEE them first so I can make up my mind and choose a colour"
sole employee: *blank expression*
me: oh. ok then. erm. thanks.
exits store.
I've passed on my review of this store and company in general to my painter. Thanking him for the tip.
I ended up going from here to B&Q where I had two people very helpful and willing to assist me. Located and handed me whatever colour charts they had in stock and let me take photos with my phone of all the charts I'd asked for which they had only one copy of behind the counter. Perfect!
Recap: Johnstone's = 0/5, B&Q = 5/5 stars.
Needless to say. I won't be back. Ever.

What a waste of time and money. Usually a Dulux or Wickes user but Johnstones had what looked like a perfect colour match. Manhattan Grey Matt wall and ceiling to cover pale green wall. Three coats later still see green paint . Absolutely awful. Just been out to buy can of Dulux to save my marriage. Should have read reviews…….,,

They dont stock it anywhere, Johnstones stock it for literally double the retail price, seriously regretting using Johnstones, cost me more driving around and eventualy paying through the nose when I could have had Dulux for cheaper in the long run. AVOID

5 litres of ceiling paint, about 5 coats but still see old paint underneath, watered down crap, you know it's watered down because it has absolutely no odour whatsoever, like nothing... just pay for good quality paint to save yourself a headache, doesn't even deserve 1 star

Agree with most of the reviews on here, its the worst paint I have ever used ! From colour issues, blistering, paint comes off when rolling and brushing, leaves brush marks, and requires numerous coats of emulsion.
This paint is not fit for purpose.

Gutted. Wish I’d read the reviews before purchasing. Patchy uneven coating despite really shaking and stirring the tins. Looks absolutely awful. We have done four coats now and it’s just gets worse. Just adds another layer of patchiness as the paint drys unevenly. I’m going to ask for a refund as we now have to buy something different to cover up the mess. Totally waste of time and money.

I have had several of these water based paints and they are not good at all. You need many many coats of paint covering to do at least something good but always looks patchy and you can see brush strokes. I painted the radiators and they look awful after 4 coats! You can still see patches of the old paint, the paint is far too watery and thin. buy another paint brand instead, avoid these.

Bought toasted beige today for £15. It has come out medium grey. Not a bit of beige insight. Looks awful. Great if you like cold looking grey.Absolutely gutted as I spent my last £15 on paint from my decorating fund.

Hi. All my entire live I using Dulux and they never dissaponint me. Once I decide to buy Johnstone's Forest Stroll. I bought 2 cans of this colour. I painted walls twice from one can and all corners twice from another can. Do you know what? There is different colour between corners and walls. This is absolutely unacceptable. I will never ever buy Johnstone's paint again !!!