Brewers Decorator Centres - Colchester (PaintWell) Reviews 

Ordered on line , ready when I arrived

I ordered the item on line already knowing the item i required. Easy payment then went to store to collect. It was already at the counter awaiting collection. Staff polite

I’m very disappointed with both the Polyvine Satin varnish and the way this situation was handled in store.
I went back to the store with the product and receipt. The staff member told me straight away that it could not be refunded and that I would need to provide photos instead. I sent an email on the spot, was told I would receive a reply, left the product in the store, and came home.
The only reply I received was a short message quoting the manufacturer, saying that the finish can look different depending on the light. That was all — no real assessment of the issue.
I replied again with clear photos taken in natural light, showing my table finished with Polyvine Satin next to a Ronseal satin-varnished shelf. The difference was obvious — the Polyvine finish was very glossy, not satin. After sending those photos, I received no further response.
This varnish also had a very strong smell for a water-based product, and despite following the instructions exactly and applying only two coats, the finish was nowhere near satin.
Before buying, I had asked in store for a durable, satin (not glossy) finish. I was shown Polyvine and told how good it was, which is why I purchased it. Unfortunately, it was completely unsuitable.
I later contacted Tikkurila which i should have done first time, explained what I needed, and they advised a product for my project — a semi-matt finish, which is exactly what I was looking for. I’m very happy with the result, which proves the issue was not lighting or application, but the product itself.
In the end, I paid nearly £27 plus vat for a product I couldn’t use, and the lack of care or accountability was very disappointing. I used to come here specifically for Tikkurila products, but after this experience I’ll be buying them online instead — cheaper, free delivery, and far better support. Definitely they lost my as a customer.
Shame that I cannot post pictures here.

Great staff, always really helpful. I use this store all the time for everything I need as a decorator