– Choose Nippon for interior walls, zero-VOC safety, and Singapore Green Building-certified options
– Choose Dulux for exterior fences and budget-friendly bulk outdoor applications.
When it comes to choosing the right paint for your home it’s important to opt for quality. Ideally, you want a paint that’s stain resistant, easy to maintain and of course durable enough to last. Nippon Paint and Dulux Paint are the top two choices used by professional painters across Singapore.
As high-quality paints, both options are often used by professional painters in their condo or HDB renovation jobs. This post takes a look at the key differences worth knowing when you’re considering a decision between Nippon vs Dulux. Keep reading to see how these brands stack up.
Our professional team at PaintingGuy.sg recommends Nippon for over 80% of projects involving indoor repaints, due to its odour-less finish and mould resistance.
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Singapore’s tropical humidity accelerates wall mould and surface peeling. Choosing a paint suitable for HDB flats, condos, or landed homes helps ensure long-term wall protection. The most significant of these are discussed below.
- Colour options and vibrancy: For starters, you will want a brand that offers you a wide range of paint colour options. Having many colours to choose from will make it easy to find paint that can create the right mood and also blend in with your furniture and décor. You will also need to establish if you need a semi-gloss, smooth finish or even a matte paint.
- Longevity and durability: These are two features that are important when you’re selecting paint for high-traffic areas. The paint you choose shouldn’t peel and should look good years after being applied.
- VOC levels and environmental impact: Nippon Paint offers options with 0–5 g/L VOC, while Dulux has up to 50 g/L. Singapore’s BCA recommends using low VOC materials for indoor air quality. One of the easiest ways to do this, is by opting for paint that with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This means that your paint won’t contribute to air pollution and harm the ozone layer.
- Easy to apply and maintain: Next on your list of features to look out for is how easy the paint is to apply and maintain afterwards. Keep in mind that for areas such as kitchens and hallways, you’ll need paint that can withstand frequent cleaning. You’ll want a paint brand that’s up to the challenge.
Nippon Paint Overview
This product range comes from a Japanese paint brand, and Nippon is regarded as the fourth largest paint manufacturer globally. Well-known as a quality paint, popular options include Vinilex 5000 for interior walls and Weatherbond for exterior surfaces. Not only does this paint offer excellent coverage but it’s also fungus resistant.
Key Features
- Extensive range of colour options.
- Boasts a low VOC making it environmentally friendly.
- Highly resistant to environmental factors.
Advantages
- Reduces indoor temperatures using heat-reflective pigments, making it excellent for tropical climates.
- Cost-effective makes it ideal for big and small projects.
- Large range of textures and finishes.
Limitations
- Nippon isn’t as widely available in the global markets as Dulux. But this is not the case for Singapore.
Dulux Paint Overview
Dulux paint has a reputation for being a sustainable and eco-friendly paint option, especially for outdoor spaces. Not only does it have fast drying times, but it also boasts anti-mould properties. Globally, Dulux painting variations are among the more popular brands to consider. (This may also be because Nippon isn’t available in all areas).
Key Features
- A wide colour range offers a much greater aesthetic appeal.
- Features durability and ease of application for exterior surfaces.
- Has low VOC and odour levels.
Advantages
- Performs well on exterior walls under sun and rain.
- Cost-effectiveness for bulk purchases and small budgets.
- Antibacterial properties and ease of cleaning.
Cons
- Limited colour options compared to Nippon.
- Doesn’t perform that well in tropical climates.
Comparative Analysis
Performance in Different Environments
- Indoor vs. outdoor application: Dulux has an external paint that can weather very harsh climates, making it a firm favourite among professional painters.
- Suitability for different climates: Despite its resistance to harsh climates, Dulux paint isn’t suitable for tropical climates. In these instances, Nippon may be a better option.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Long-term cost implications: Since Dulux is often cheaper than Nippon it may be a more cost-effective option initially. In the long term, it may be more effective to opt for Nippon. This has to do with Nippon’s range of easy-wash paints that makes maintenance easy.
- Value for money in different types of projects: Unlike many other brands, Nippon is a top choice for a wide range of projects. This includes everything from exteriors to high-traffic areas such as living rooms and children’s rooms.
Environmental Impact and Safety
VOC Content and Health Implications
- Comparison of VOC levels in Nippon and Dulux: Nippon features zero or low VOCs while Dulux has 50 grams of VOC per litre per paint.
- Impact on indoor air quality: A paint with low VOC is healthier for your indoor air quality and makes it a better choice for homes where little children live.
Sustainability Practices
- Environmental certifications and standards:
Both brands formulate, certify, and distribute paints that comply with sustainable building regulations. Dulux has a Global Green Tag as well as a Declare Red List Free certification. Nippon Paints, on the other hand, boasts a Singapore Green Building Product Certification Scheme. Despite both having certifications, Nippon has the zero VOC paint that gives them the edge.
- Company policies on environmental sustainability: Nippon Paints is very dedicated to driving a more sustainable business for the long term. It’s a fact they even disclose on their website. Dulux, in its own right, is also committed to reducing the environmental impact its products have on the environment.
Professional Opinions
- Insights from industry experts and painters: Since Nippon is made from durable materials, certified painters, such as the team at the PaintingGuy, use Nippon for all their projects.
- Recommendations based on different use-cases: You should speak to a certified paint expert to select the most effective product for your needs.
Conclusion on Nippon & Dulux Paint
Nippon outperforms Dulux in VOC safety, tropical durability, and long-term finish retention. In addition to its superior quality, affordability and zero to low VOC, it’s easy to see why it’s highly recommended.
Keep in mind that the paint you choose may be best determined by your specific needs. For instance, Dulux may be better for exterior fences and walls while Nippon is an excellent for enhancing your interior design. That means making the right choice will depend on what you need done at the moment.
And lastly do contact us if you want painting services for your home.
Which brand lasts longer in HDB flats?
Nippon Paint offers longer-lasting performance in HDB flats due to its formulations designed for Singapore’s humid climate and high foot traffic conditions. Paints like Vinilex 5000 and Weatherbond feature anti-mould additives, high washability, and a durability span of 5 to 7 years with minimal fading or peeling in well-ventilated flats.
Dulux paints, while durable, typically last 3 to 5 years in similar environments before requiring touch-ups, especially in areas exposed to moisture like kitchens and toilets.
Which paint dries faster in humid weather?
Nippon Paint’s Odour-less All-in-1 dries faster under Singapore’s humid conditions, making it more efficient for time-sensitive indoor painting. Based on manufacturer specifications, it achieves:
- Surface dry in approximately 30 minutes at 30°C
- Hard dry in 2 hours at 30°C.
This is faster than many Dulux interior paints, which typically require 1.5 to 2 hours just to surface dry and even longer for full curing in similar humidity levels.
Because Singapore’s climate regularly exceeds 80% humidity, faster surface drying helps prevent dust sticking, dripping, or uneven texture, especially in enclosed HDB flats or air-conditioned rooms.
Which brand is safer for children’s rooms?
Nippon Paint is safer for children’s rooms due to its ultra-low VOC formulation, anti-bacterial properties, and certifications under Singapore Green Label standards. Products like Nippon Odour-less All-in-1 and Nippon MozzieGuard are designed for enclosed indoor environments and emit less than 5g/L of VOCs, compared to traditional paints that may emit 30–50g/L.
2025_0717-01:
hi, Greetings.
Delivery location: Kulim. Hi-tech
Looking for: Nippon paint, Dulux Pure Air
+ with Primer
Questions:
1. Your Color ranges or options?
2. Packing Size. ? liter per Pail with Pricing: RM?
3. Your material coverage?
(A) 3000 sq. meter
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