Warning over paint switching

Brand switching affects approximately 10% of UK trade paint specifications without specifiers even knowing it has occured, warned Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings last week.

This warning comes in the wake of a research study commissioned by Akzo Nobel and undertaken by building consultants Lychgate. The study reveals that brand switching is more common than expected, particularly for maintenance projects.

Involving interviews with nearly 500 specifiers, building contractors, and painters/decorators, the study assessed interviewees' opinions of paint specification and linked criteria, sources of information, brand switching and general use of paints and stains. Contracts were also tracked to establish processes.

The study revealed that brand switching affects around 10% of all paint used, with paint for internal use more likely to be switched. Half of all brand switching is done to achieve a better price, with the other half switched for reasons of better brand quality or product availability, the study claims.

Worryingly, the research indicates that the message about brand switching does not always reach the specifier, often the original source of the specification. Despite nine out of ten painters confirming that changes are agreed upon with specifiers, the research suggests otherwise, quoting one in four of all brand changes not being notified.

With half of all brand changes made for pricing reasons, Akzo Nobel is concerned that it is the finished job which will suffer in the long run.