Dulux Trade Paints: Low VOC, High Impact

  • Product: Dulux
  • Client: Knight Harwood
  • Services: Commercial Decorating
  • Sector: Mixed-use scheme
  • Result: Dulux helped The Whittington Building achieve its BREEAM “Excellent” eating and EPC A-rating.

Project Brief

Sentinel Contracting was engaged by Knight Harwood to provide specialist decorating services for The Whittington Building, a new five-storey development replacing two older structures owned by the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Designed with sustainability in mind, the project achieved an “Excellent” rating on the BREEAM code and an EPC A-rating, demonstrating its commitment to energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

To complement the building’s eco-friendly credentials, we selected Dulux Trade paints for both interior walls and high-traffic areas. These premium products aligned perfectly with the project’s focus on sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, while helping to achieve compliance with
strict environmental regulations.

Product Overview

We used two key Dulux Trade products at The Whittington Building:

  • Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt

This high-opacity emulsion paint is ideal for interior walls and ceilings, offering excellent coverage and a smooth, professional finish. Its 99.9%
VOC-free formula contributes to healthier indoor air quality, meeting stringent emissions standards for formaldehyde, TVOC, TSVOC, and other harmful substances.

The unique AkzoNobel technology behind Vinyl Matt ensures easy application with a consistent, high-quality finish. This made it an excellent choice for the large wall and ceiling surfaces throughout the development.

  • Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood

    Designed for high-traffic areas such as corridors, stairways, and access areas, Diamond Satinwood offers a tough and durable satin finish that resists scratches, stains, and grease. Its water-based, non-yellowing formula
    ensures a long-lasting, professional appearance, even in heavily used spaces.

    The quick-drying, low-odour properties of Diamond Satinwood allowed the decorating team to complete the decorating work efficiently, minimising disruption on-site and contributing to a cleaner
    working environment.

    By choosing these Dulux products, were were able to deliver exceptional decorating results that aligned with the project’s sustainability and performance goals.

    Challenges / Solution

    The primary challenge of The Whittington Building project was achieving a balance between durability, aesthetics, and environmental performance. As a building designed to meet high sustainability standards, it was essential to select paints that would contribute to the project’s eco-friendly goals without compromising on quality or longevity.


    Traditional solvent-based paints can emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which negatively impact air quality and the environment. To meet the building’s BREEAM requirements, we needed to use products with minimal environmental impact while still providing excellent coverage and durability.


    Another challenge was ensuring that the paint finishes would withstand the wear and tear associated with high-traffic areas. Corridors, stairways, and communal spaces required a solution that could resist scratches,
    stains, and grease, maintaining a professional appearance over time.


    The decorating division addressed these challenges by selecting Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt and Diamond Satinwood. Both products offered superior performance, with low environmental impact and long-lasting finishes suitable for high-use spaces.

    The Result

    The use of Dulux at The Whittington Building delivered outstanding results, contributing to the project’s overall success and sustainability credentials.

    Key Outcomes:

    • Sustainability: Both products helped The Whittington Building achieve its BREEAM “Excellent” rating and EPC A-rating by contributing to improved indoor air quality and reduced carbon emissions.
    • Durability: The tough, scratch-resistant finish of Diamond Satinwood ensured that high-traffic areas remained pristine, even with frequent use. This reduced the need for maintenance and repainting, further contributing to the project’s sustainability goals.
    • Aesthetic Appeal: The smooth, professional finish provided by Vinyl Matt enhanced the building’s interiors, creating an inviting and modern environment for occupants.
    • Efficiency: The quick-drying properties of both paints allowed us to complete the decorating work on schedule, minimising disruption to other trades and reducing overall project timelines.

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