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G’day legends! So you’re ready to give your place a fresh lick of paint, but can’t decide between the big guns: Dulux, Taubmans, or Wattyl? Fair enough. There’s a lot of hype, a lot of opinions, and even more options on the shelves at Bunnings, Mitre 10, or your local paint shop.
Which paint really stands up to our tough Aussie weather? Which one’s going to make your bedroom pop, survive the kids’ fingerprints, or outlast the next summer heatwave? I’ve slung a brush for years, had a yarn with plenty of tradies, and heard all the stories from DIY warriors. So, let’s get stuck into a genuine, no-nonsense comparison: Wattyl vs Taubmans vs Dulux. By the end, you’ll know exactly which tin to grab.
A Quick Yarn About Each Brand
Dulux: The Big Dog
Let’s be honest—Dulux is pretty much a household name. You’ve seen the Old English Sheepdog in their ads, right? Dulux has been splashing Aussie homes in colour for nearly a century, and there’s a reason tradies and designers often swear by it. Born in the UK, but Dulux Australia has been running strong since the 1930s.
Taubmans: The Quiet Achiever
Not as loud with the ads as Dulux, but don’t let that fool you. Taubmans is another old-school favourite, kicking off in Australia back in 1899. Owned by PPG Industries now, but the local focus is still strong. You’ll see a lot of pros picking Taubmans for both big jobs and home renos.
Wattyl: The Tradie’s Mate
Wattyl started out in Sydney in 1915, and plenty of painters grew up on Wattyl Solagard (for exteriors) or Wattyl ID (for indoors). It’s owned by Hempel now, but still got that ‘local legend’ status—especially among painters who’ve been in the game a while.
Product Range: Interior, Exterior & More
Alright, let’s talk options. Each brand reckons they’ve got the answer for every surface and situation. Here’s a quick breakdown, so you’re not standing lost in the paint aisle for hours.
Dulux’s Lineup
Interior: Dulux Wash&Wear (super popular), Dulux Design Effects, Dulux Professional
Exterior: Dulux Weathershield (the go-to for weather protection), Dulux Professional Exterior
Specialty/Eco: Dulux envirO2 (low VOC), metal, roof paint, and paving paints, textures, you name it
Taubmans’ Offerings
Interior: Taubmans Endure (hard-wearing), Taubmans Easycoat (easy for DIYers), Taubmans Pure Performance (eco-friendly, low odour)
Exterior: Taubmans All Weather (pretty tough), Taubmans Sunproof
Specialty: Taubmans 3-in-1, wood care, primers, ceiling paints
Durability, Finish & Ease of Use: What’s It Like to Paint With?
Here’s where the Wattyl vs Taubmans vs Dulux showdown gets real. Paint is only as good as its coverage, finish, and staying power.
Dulux Paint Review
- Durability: Top notch, especially Weathershield outdoors. We’ve painted fibro shacks, brick homes, and timber cottages. The stuff just lasts, even copping full sun in January.
- Finish: Wash&Wear is hard to beat for that smooth, easy-to-clean finish inside. No wonder you see it in schools and hospitals.
- Ease of Use: Goes on smooth, rarely splatters if you know your brushwork. Rolls out well, cuts in nice and sharp. A bit thicker than others, so you need decent rollers.
Anecdote: We once had a job fixing up a house after some rookie used budget paint, they’d saved $10 a tin, but the walls looked like a patchy Bondi Beach after six months. Rolled over it with Wash&Wear, two coats, done for years.
Taubmans Paint Review
- Durability: Taubmans Endure is as tough as they come for interior walls. We’ve done rentals with it and come back years later—still looks fresh after a million grubby hands.
- Finish: Less shiny than Dulux, a bit more of a ‘soft’ matte look, which some folks love. Taubmans All Weather outdoors is proper hard-wearing too.
- Ease of Use: Flows nicely, not too thick, so perfect for new DIYers. Dries a tad quicker, which can be handy if you’re dodging rainclouds.
Anecdote: Painted my nephew’s place with Taubmans Easycoat. He was useless with a roller, but it still looked half-decent. Bonus: not as stinky as some others.
Wattyl Paint Review
- Durability: Solagard is the go for exteriors, legendary among older painters. Handles rain, sun, and salt spray near the coast. The ID Advanced interior holds up well, especially against scuffs.
- Finish: Beautiful coverage on plasterboard, especially with a quality undercoat. Not quite as many fancy finishes as Dulux, but the classics are spot-on.
- Ease of Use: Bit runnier than Dulux or Taubmans, so go easy on the load. Rolls out smooth, and easy to touch up if needed. Tradies love it for its predictability.
Anecdote: Painted a block of units in Cronulla with Wattyl Solagard, six years later, the colour barely faded, even with salty winds. That’s a win.
Price & Value For Money: Does It Hurt the Wallet?
Alright, no one wants to shell out more than they have to, but paint is one of those things where cheaping out usually bites you later.
Pro Tip: Always ask at the counter if there’s a trade price, or if they’ve got a promo running. You’ll be surprised how often you score a deal just for asking.
Colour Selection & Trends: What’s Hot in 2025?
Let’s be honest, most folks just want white, grey, or “that one off Instagram.” But all three brands have proper colour ranges.
Dulux Colours
Hands-down winner for variety. Their colour cards at Bunnings take up a full wall. Fancy colour-matching tech, trending palettes every year, and designer partnerships. If you want the “Colour of the Year,” it’s probably Dulux.
Taubmans
Solid selection, not quite as many wild options as Dulux, but enough for most jobs. Their Colour Visualiser is handy online. Taubmans leans into modern neutrals and classic Aussie home shades.
Wattyl
Not as flashy, but still plenty of options—especially for outdoor and heritage tones. Wattyl’s big on the natural look, earthy colours, and finishes that don’t date.
Anecdote: Had a customer last year with a 1970s brick home, she wanted “that modern Hamptons vibe.” Matched Dulux Lexicon Quarter for the main walls, Taubmans Crisp White on the trims, and Wattyl’s Deep Ocean for the fence. Nailed it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match brands, just check your sheens!
Common Issues & Pro Tips for Each Brand
Dulux
Issue: Some find Wash&Wear a bit thick, don’t overload the roller. Their colour matching is usually spot on, but test a pot first, especially with bold colours.
Pro Tip: Wash walls with sugar soap first, and always use the right undercoat. Dulux loves a clean base.
Taubmans
Issue: Dries fast in summer, watch your lap marks if you’re painting outside in 30° heat. Some finishes are softer, so scuff marks can show up in kids’ rooms.
Pro Tip: If you want low odour and fewer nasties, go for Pure Performance. And don’t rush your cut-in, keep a wet edge.
Wattyl
Issue: Less stocked at big-box stores, so plan ahead. Some find it a bit runny, but that just means easier coverage if you’re patient.
Pro Tip: For Wattyl Solagard, follow the instructions for sun exposure, morning or late arvo painting is best.
Real Talk: Which Paint Should You Choose?
Alright, after all the chat, which one would I pick? Here’s the honest answer:
There’s no one-size-fits-all winner in the battle of Wattyl vs Taubmans vs Dulux.
But here’s how I’d break it down, mate:
- If you want premium finish, huge colour range, and aren’t fussed about the price: Go Dulux.
- If you want great value, solid quality, and a friendly price: Go Taubmans.
- If you’re painting outdoors and want legendary durability (especially coastal or harsh sun): Wattyl Solagard is hard to beat.
For first-time DIYers: Try Taubmans Easycoat or Dulux Wash&Wear, they’re forgiving and go on smooth.
For tradies or big jobs: Ask at the trade centre, get a deal, and don’t be afraid to ask for the “tradie recommendation” for your suburb, they know which paint suits your local weather.
In the end, the best paint is the one that suits your project, your budget, and your style. Don’t stress too much. Test a small patch if you’re unsure, and always prep your surfaces, no paint can hide a dodgy sanding job.
Dulux vs Taubmans vs Wattyl: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature / Brand | Dulux | Taubmans | Wattyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation & Background | Aussie market leader, trusted, premium feel | Long Aussie history, solid reputation | Strong tradie favourite, “local legend” vibe |
| Popular Interior Product | Wash&Wear, envirO2 | Endure, Easycoat, Pure Performance | ID Advanced, ID Classic |
| Popular Exterior Product | Weathershield | All Weather, Sunproof | Solagard |
| Specialty/Eco Options | envirO2 (low VOC), Design Effects, Textures | Pure Performance (eco), 3-in-1, Ceiling Paint | ID Advanced Eco, woodcare, concrete sealers |
| Durability | Excellent (esp. Weathershield) | Very good (esp. Endure, All Weather) | Excellent outdoors (Solagard), good indoors |
| Finish & Look | Smooth, premium, huge range of finishes | Soft matte to mid-sheen, modern neutrals | Classic finishes, natural/earthy tones |
| Ease of Use | Thicker, professional finish, forgiving for pros | Flows nicely, quick drying, DIY-friendly | Slightly runny, smooth, easy touch-ups |
| Coverage | High, often needs fewer coats | Good, may need extra coat in bold colours | Good, consistent coverage |
| Colour Selection | Huge, trendy, designer collabs | Wide, practical, handy colour tools | Good, focus on Aussie classics & exteriors |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes (envirO2) | Yes (Pure Performance) | Yes (ID Advanced Eco) |
| Price/Value | $$$ (premium), but often worth it | $$ (good value, regular promos) | $$-$$$ (mid-range, tradie deals available) |
| Where to Buy | Bunnings, Mitre 10, Dulux Trade Centres, online | Mitre 10, selected Bunnings, Taubmans Paint Centres | Mitre 10, paint shops, trade centres |
| Support/Advice | Excellent online tools, hotline, trade reps | Good online, paint centres, helpful staff | Strong trade support, helpful reps |
| Typical Issues | Can be thick, pricey, rare mismatches in colour | Dries fast in heat, some softer finishes | Not as widely stocked, can be runny |
| Tradie Pro Tip | Prep with sugar soap, use matching undercoat | Watch for lap marks, try Pure Performance for DIY | Paint outside of peak sun, trade centres for deals |
FAQ about Wattyl, Dulux, and Taubmans
Final Word
Hope this helped you get your head around the great Wattyl vs Taubmans vs Dulux debate.
Still stuck? Flick us a message or check out our Painters Directory to find a top local painter who’ll steer you right. At the end of the day, a bit of honest prep and the right paint will have your place looking a million bucks.
Happy painting, and don’t forget:
measure twice, paint once, and never argue with your partner about colour in the aisle, it’ll only end in tears or fifty sample pots!
