When it comes to selecting paint colours, particularly whites, there are two that consistently top client wish lists and yet, they’re the very ones I strongly advise against.

Those colours are Dulux Vivid White and Taubmans Brilliant White.

Yes — the “purest whites.”
Yes — the ones people say “go with everything.”

And technically, they do.

But here’s what most people aren’t told.

The Real Issue: Coverage (Or Lack Of It)

Both of these whites are untinted, meaning they contain no added pigment.

That might sound ideal in theory, but in practice, it creates a significant issue: low opacity.

Opacity is what gives paint its ability to cover a surface effectively. Without it, you’re left layering coat after coat just to achieve a consistent finish.

Where most colours require two coats, these pure whites often demand four coats or more, and even then, the result can still appear slightly sheer.

We’ve seen it time and time again on site.

And here’s the reality:
Even investing in premium paint systems doesn’t guarantee better coverage. In fact, many still require additional coats just to perform to standard.

So what does that mean for you?

It means higher costs, not just in materials, but in labour, for a result that still may not meet expectations.

Put simply:
You’re paying more, for less certainty.