Your Complete Guide to Paint Products in Kenya: Brands, Types & Prices
Comparison at a Glance between Brand, types, and prices of paint products
Feature / Metric | What to Look For | Typical Range / Example in Kenya |
Brand & Reputation | Known local + international brands, warranties | |
Type / Use Case | Interior, exterior, metal, wood, waterproofing, decorative | Emulsion, gloss, textured, primers, sealers, etc. |
Finish / Sheen | Matte, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss | Gloss tends to cost more; durability differs |
Coverage / Yield | How many square meters per litre | Depends on surface, porosity, and paint formulation |
Durability / Weather Resistance | UV resistance, water resistance, mold/fungus resistance | For exterior paints, premium brands advertise UV & waterproof properties |
Price per 4 L | For a benchmark quantity |
Leading Paint Brands in Kenya: Who’s Reliable
In Kenya, both domestic and international paint brands serve the market. Choosing a trusted brand helps with durability, warranty, and after-sales support.
- Crown Paints Kenya is among the most recognized local names, offering decorative, industrial, automotive, and textured products.
- Basco / Duracoat is a manufacturer with a wide catalog, including interior, exterior, waterproofing, primers, and coatings.
- Solai Paints (Smart Colours) has decades of presence and offers interior, exterior, varnishes, and thinner products.
- Caparol Kenya, leveraging German technology, enters the market offering higher-end emulsions, exterior coatings, and insulation solutions.
- Glory Paints is another player focusing on quality yet affordable formulations in Kenya.
When evaluating brands, ask:
- Are there local service centers or branches?
- What guarantees or warranties are offered?
- Are the raw materials or pigment quality certified?
A strong brand often means better quality control, color consistency, and support.
Understanding Different Paint Types & Their Best Use
To choose wisely, you need clarity on paint types and their proper application. Here are common categories:
a) Interior Emulsion / Wall Paints
These are water-based, low-odor, and fast-drying. Best for interior walls and ceilings. Use washable or scrubbable variants in high-traffic spaces (kitchens, hallways).
b) Exterior / Weatherproof Paints
Formulated to resist UV, rain, mildew, and temperature shifts. Often contain additives for protection. Use on external walls, facades, and parapets.
c) Gloss / Enamel Paints
Used for metal, wood, trims, doors, and windows. Provide smooth, hard, washable surfaces. Higher maintenance in prep (sanding, priming).
d) Primers & Undercoats
Essential base layers that improve adhesion, block stains, level porosity, and enhance finish quality. Always use a primer suited to the substrate (wood, metal, masonry).
e) Special Finishes & Decorative / Texture Paints
These include textured surfaces, metallic effect, stone-look, faux finishes, etc. They hide minor surface defects but cost more and require skilled application.
f) Protective / Industrial Coatings
For floors, roofs, bridges, and tanks: epoxy, polyurethane, anti-corrosive, and waterproof coatings. More technical and premium.
By matching type to your surface & exposure, you reduce repainting costs and issues like peeling or blistering.
Finishes, Additives & Special Properties: What Adds Value
Not all paint is “just color.” Here are features that boost value (and cost):
- Low-VOC / Eco-friendly: Safer for interiors, better for health and environment.
- UV Stabilizers & Blockers: Extend life in harsh sun.
- Mold / Mildew Resistance: Important in humid or rainy zones.
- Waterproofing / Water Repellence: For exterior walls in heavy rains.
- Anti-Stain / Washable Coatings: For areas needing frequent cleaning.
- Self-Priming / Two-in-One Paints: Primer + paint in one, saves labor (though premium).
- Color-Retention / Fade Resistance: Especially for bright or pastel hues.
When you see claims like “10-year durability,” always check if it's backed by lab results or warranties.
To browse a curated catalog of paint products and see what is currently available in Kenya, visit Paint Products in Kenya on our site.
Price Benchmarks & What Drives Cost
Understanding cost structure helps you make smarter choices and spot overpriced offers.
Price Ranges (for 4 Litre Paints)
- Economy / Entry-level: ~ KSh 1,500 – KSh 3,000
- Mid-range: ~ KSh 2,000 – KSh 4,000
- Premium / Special / High-end: up to KSh 10,000+
In practice, many reputable brands price 4 L emulsions between KSh 1,800 to KSh 3,600, depending on sheen, additives, and brand.
What Increases Cost
- Higher pigment / solid content: richer color, more coverage
- Premium additives: UV, anti-fade, elastomeric binders
- Brand premium: paying for reputation, warranty, support
- Import / logistic costs: especially for imported pigments or coatings
- Smaller batches or special colors/custom tints
How to Save Smartly
- Buy in bulk for discounts
- Choose a slightly lower sheen if durability is sufficient
- Use standard shades (avoid special custom mixes)
- Ask for official price lists to compare
Include labour & consumables (rollers, brushes, masking, etc.) in the budget
How to Choose the Right Paint & Avoid Pitfalls
Here’s a step-by-step decision checklist to guide buyers and users:
- Define the surface & exposure (interior wall, exterior wall, metal door, roof, floor).
- Select trusted brands with local presence & warranty.
- Decide performance features (waterproofing, mold resistance, UV stability).
- Choose the right finish/sheen (matte, satin, gloss) based on use.
- Check coverage/yield data (e.g., 10–12 m² per litre).
- Get sample quantities to test adhesion & appearance before full purchase.
- Ensure proper surface preparation & priming (dirty surfaces or old paint cause failure).
- Watch recoat timings & curing conditions (temperature, humidity).
- Check warranty/guarantee & after-sales support.
- Buy from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeits.
If you follow this method, you’ll avoid common issues like peeling, flaking, color mismatch, poor adhesion, or early fading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much paint do I need for my wall?
Estimate by measuring wall area (height × width). Subtract windows/doors. Divide by the paint’s coverage (e.g., 10 m²/L). Add ~10% extra for wastage, touch-ups, and absorption.
Is it safe to use interior paint outside?
No. Interior paints lack UV stabilizers, waterproofing, and weather resistance required outdoors. Use paints specifically formulated for exterior use for durability.
How long before I can wash or clean freshly painted walls?
Wait at least 7 to 14 days (check manufacturer’s instructions). Washing too early can damage the film before full cure.