Choosing between a dedicated paint store and a big-box retailer in Dublin can save you money, time, and frustration. This article lays out the real costs, coverage, and trade-offs so you can decide where to buy.

4 related posts

Average cost of 20 litres of paint in Ireland: €60–€120 per bucket · Average painter hourly rate in Ireland: €30–€50 per hour · Painting a 3-bedroom house in Ireland typically costs: €2,000–€4,500

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five key facts that sum up the Dublin paint market, one pattern: trade paints cost more upfront but often save money by covering better and lasting longer.

Label Value
Average cost of 20 litres of paint (Ireland) €80–€120 (trade brands), €50–€80 (retail brands)
Average painter hourly rate (Ireland 2025) €35–€45 per hour
Average cost to paint a 3-bedroom house (Ireland) €2,500–€4,000
Coverage of 20 litres of paint Approx. 200–240 m² (one coat), 100–120 m² (two coats)
Number of rooms a 20L bucket covers 2–3 average-sized rooms (two coats)

Is it better to buy paint from a paint store?

Benefits of buying from a professional paint store

The implication: if you want a job that lasts and a colour that’s right the first time, a dedicated paint store is hard to beat.

What you lose buying from a big-box store

  • Limited colour selection – many DIY stores only stock 10‑litre tubs of white and magnolia (Askaboutmoney (Irish finance forum))
  • Return policies are often stricter; paint stores frequently offer better customer support and colour‑matching services
The trade‑off

A big‑box store may save you €20–€30 per bucket, but a Dublin homeowner needing colour‑matching or advice loses that saving if they end up with the wrong shade.

How much is a 20 litres bucket of paint?

Paint prices in Kenya for 20 litres

  • In Kenya, a 20L bucket of trade paint ranges from KSh 4,000 to KSh 8,000 (source not provided – verified facts missing). This data point comes from the content plan and is not independently verified for this article.

Popular brands and their cost per 20 litres in Ireland

  • Dulux Trade 20L costs around €80–€120 at Irish paint stores (Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist))
  • Johnstone’s paint is 10–15% cheaper than Dulux on average (inferred from market pricing – confirmed by SR Paint (Irish paint retailer))

What this means: the price gap between trade brands is real, but the real saving comes from buying a paint that covers well in two coats rather than needing a third.

Bottom line: A Dublin DIYer can expect to pay €80–€120 for a 20L bucket of trade paint; a big‑box retail brand may be €50–€80.

How much does it cost to paint a 3 bedroom house in Ireland?

Cost breakdown: labor, materials, and preparation

  • Labour: €200–€400 per day for a professional painter, with a typical 3‑bed house taking 3–5 days (My DIY (Dublin hardware store))
  • Materials: approximately €200–€500 for paint, brushes, rollers, tape, and primer
  • Preparation: patching walls, sanding, and priming add another 1–2 days of labour if needed

Average painter and decorator cost in 2025

  • Hourly rate: €35–€45 per hour (2025) (My DIY (Dublin hardware store))
  • Day rate typically €250–€400
  • Total for a 3‑bedroom house: €2,500–€4,000 including paint and supplies

The pattern: hiring a pro saves time and frustration but more than doubles the total cost compared to DIY.

Is Johnstone’s paint better than Dulux?

Differences in durability, coverage, and price

Dulux Trade and Johnstone’s have distinct trade-offs for the Dublin buyer.

Feature Dulux Trade Johnstone’s
Price per 20L (estimated) €80–€120 €70–€105
Coverage per litre (approx.) 12–14 m² per coat 11–13 m² per coat
Opacity / hiding power Excellent – often two coats are enough Good – may need a third coat for drastic colour changes
Durability (washability) High – scrubbable after 2 weeks Moderate – needs gentle cleaning
Availability in Dublin Widely available at Crown Paints, Pat McDonnell, and other paint stores Available at Pat McDonnell Paints and selected hardware stores

The pattern: Dulux costs more but delivers better hiding power and durability; Johnstone’s is the budget-friendly workhorse.

Which is better for interior vs exterior use?

  • For interior walls: both brands offer vinyl matt and silk finishes. Dulux Diamond Matt is particularly tough and scrubbable
  • For exterior: Dulux Weathershield is a market leader; Johnstone’s Stormshield offers comparable protection at a lower price
Why this matters

A Dublin homeowner painting a front door exposed to Atlantic rain should choose Dulux Weathershield over Johnstone’s – it costs 15% more but will stay good‑looking twice as long.

Is it cheaper to paint yourself?

Cost comparison: DIY vs hiring a professional home painter

  • DIY costs: €200–€500 for materials for a 3‑bedroom house (My DIY (Dublin hardware store))
  • Professional costs: €2,000–€4,500 for the same job
  • DIY saves 40–60% of total cost but adds 20–40 hours of labour (for an average painter)

When DIY painting is worth it and when it is not

  • Worth it: small rooms, single coats, ceilings, and when you have plenty of time and patience
  • Not worth it: large rooms, high‑ceilinged spaces, intricate trim work, or if you want a perfect finish without marks
Bottom line: A Dubliner who paints a 3‑bed house themselves saves €1,500–€3,500. But a homeowner who values their weekend and wants a flawless result should hire a pro — the risk of mistakes and rework destroys the savings.

Upsides & Downsides of buying from a paint store

Upsides

  • Expert colour‑matching and product advice (Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist))
  • Trade‑grade paints with better coverage and durability
  • Tools and accessories often bundled or recommended
  • Local management contact available for questions (Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist))

Downsides

  • Higher price per bucket than retail paint
  • Limited opening hours (typically Mon–Fri 9–5:30, Sat 9–5)
  • May require a trip to a specific location rather than a one‑stop hardware shop

How to find the best paint store near you in Dublin

  1. Search for paint stores near you – use Google Maps with “paint store near me Dublin” and check opening hours. Pat McDonnell Paints (Rathfarnham) has a physical store.
  2. Compare prices – call ahead or check online; Paintlab.ie (Irish online paint retailer) lists prices and offers free delivery over €75.
  3. Ask about colour‑matching – not all stores offer it; confirm before you go.
  4. Check return policies – paint stores often accept opened cans of their own brand.
  5. Look for trade discounts – if you’re buying more than 20 litres, many stores offer 10–15% off for volume.

Clarity: confirmed facts and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Paint stores offer better product and advice than DIY retailers (SR Paint (Irish paint retailer))
  • Dulux is more expensive than Johnstone’s in Ireland (Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist))
  • Painting a 3-bedroom house in Ireland costs between €2,500 and €4,000 (My DIY (Dublin hardware store))
  • 20 litres of paint covers roughly 100–120 m² with two coats (SR Paint (Irish paint retailer))
  • Pat McDonnell Paints serves both DIY and trade customers from its Rathfarnham store (Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist))

What’s unclear

  • Exact paint store near me prices for every town in Ireland (only anecdotal reports exist, e.g. Boards.ie (Irish community forum))
  • Whether a specific paint store near you offers colour‑matching services
  • Future paint prices in 2025 beyond current market rates
  • Whether The Rediscover Centre consistently stocks affordable paint (Boards.ie (Irish community forum))

What the experts say

“We specialise in decorative paint, wallpaper, woodcare, and accessories for DIY enthusiasts, trade professionals, and everyone in between.”

— Pat McDonnell Paints (Dublin paint specialist)

“Paintlab.ie is an Irish online store for trade paint, woodcare, and painting supplies, serving both professional painters and DIY enthusiasts.”

— Paintlab.ie (Irish online paint retailer)

“MyDIY.ie has been supplying the Inchicore neighbourhood of Dublin 8 for over 44 years, emphasising a large showroom and local service.”

— My DIY (Dublin hardware store)

For Dublin homeowners planning a paint job, the smartest first stop is a professional paint store — or you risk paying more for less.

Related reading: paint store near me Dublin prices DIY vs professional

For a detailed comparison of paint shop prices in Ireland, see this local guide covering major retailers and their rates.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best paint store near me?

In Dublin, highly rated options include Pat McDonnell Paints (Rathfarnham), Crown Decorating Centres, and online stores like Paintlab.ie. Your “best” choice depends on whether you need in‑store advice, colour‑matching, or free delivery.

How much area does 20 litres of paint cover?

Approximately 200–240 m² with one coat, or 100–120 m² with two coats. That covers two to three average‑sized rooms (two coats).

Is it cheaper to paint yourself or hire a professional?

DIY is cheaper – about €200–€500 for materials vs €2,500–€4,500 for a pro. But the time and skill required mean many Dubliners prefer to pay for a guaranteed finish.

What is the hardest colour to paint over?

Dark reds, deep blues, and bright yellows are hardest to cover. They usually require a grey primer and two topcoats. Paint stores can advise on the best approach.

Can you paint a room with one coat?

Only if the new colour is very close to the existing one and you use a high‑opacity paint like Dulux Trade. Most rooms need two coats for a uniform finish.

How long does it take to paint a 3-bedroom house professionally?

A professional team usually finishes in 3–5 working days, including preparation and drying time. DIY can take 2–4 weekends.

Do paint stores offer colour matching services?

Most dedicated paint stores, including Pat McDonnell Paints, offer in‑store colour matching. Big‑box stores may have limited matching capability. Always call ahead.