Partners in design: meet the paint experts dedicated to supporting specifiers from concept to completion

Renowned for their collection of high-quality paints and interior wall finishes, Porter’s Paints are intimately familiar with the fast-paced world of architecture and design. Understanding specifier’s needs for tailored expertise throughout the design process, Porter’s Paints has established itself as a partner in design. ArchiPro caught up with Chris McGinley, Porter’s Paints Business Development Manager, to learn about their design support offering, colour consultants, and more.

ArchiPro: What support does Porter’s Paints offer specifiers throughout the design process? 

Chris McGinley: Porter’s Paints offers specifiers a range of support services throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Some of these services include:

• Providing product information, technical specifications, colour brush outs, colour sample pots, as well as colour and speciality fan decks. These are all helpful tools for specifiers to choose the right colours and finishes for their projects.
• Undertaking colour matching and custom tinting services to create bespoke colours and finishes that suit the specifiers’ needs and preferences, as well as offering free in-showroom colour consultations by an experienced colour consultant, who can provide expert advice, guidance, and inspiration for specifiers’ projects.
• Providing on-site support with sampling and training for specifiers and their contractors, to ensure the proper application and handling of our products, and after-sales service by way of product warranties for specifiers and their clients, to ensure the quality and durability of our products.

By offering these support services, Porter’s Paints aims to assist specifiers in creating outstanding and distinctive projects that showcase their creativity and professionalism. We value our relationship with specifiers and strive to provide them with the best products and services.

AP: What is involved in a colour consultation?

CM: A colour consultation is a service that Porter’s Paints can offer to specifiers who need assistance with selecting the best colours and finishes for their projects.

Our colour consultants are trained professionals with extensive knowledge of the Porter’s Paints product range, colour theory, and current trends. They can provide expert advice on creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing colour scheme that suits the space's style, mood, and function. A colour consultation can be done in person or online, depending on the needs and preferences of the specifier.

The colour consultant will work closely with the specifier to understand their vision, requirements, and budget, and then present them with a personalised colour palette and recommendations for the products and application techniques that will achieve the desired result.

Colour consultations are a valuable service that can save time, money, and colour decision stress for specifiers who want to ensure that their projects look cohesive and are finished to the highest standards.

We can also provide a detailed specification document that outlines the chosen colours, products, and application instructions for each area of the project and contractors and applicators can then use this document as a reference for ordering, quoting, and applying the Porter’s Paints products. 

AP: What does a Porter’s Guild Accreditation include and why is it important to work with these applicators? 

CM: Becoming an accredited member of the Porter’s Paints Applicator’s Guild sets these applicators and their businesses apart. The Guild is an association of professional painters who possess the skill, knowledge and confidence in the application of Porter’s Paints products. This gives the client confidence that the vision and finishes for the project pitched to them by the architect or designer can be achieved to the highest standards.

To become a Porter’s Paints Applicator’s Guild member, applicators must be invited to join the programme. Several steps must be completed including the Porter’s Professional Skills training course, which covers the Porter’s Paints product range, application techniques, surface preparation, and troubleshooting tips. Candidates must then submit a series of projects where their work is assessed and the quality of their workmanship is inspected to show their competency and ensure the standards expected of a Guild Member are met.

Finally, proof of a current Public Liability Insurance policy must be provided, and the applicator must accept and sign up to the Porter’s Paints Applicator’s Guild Charter of Values, which outlines the standards of professionalism, quality, and customer service expected from Guild members. This also provides peace of mind to clients that the contractors they are engaging with are not only competent in the application of Porter’s products, but they show a degree of business acumen and professional standards.

AP: What do you enjoy about working with specifiers on their projects?

CM: One of the things I enjoy most about working with specifiers on their projects is seeing how they use Porter’s Paints products to create beautiful and unique spaces that reflect their personality and style. I love being part of their creative journey and helping them achieve their vision with our high-quality paints and finishes. I also enjoy learning from them and discovering new ways of applying colour and texture to different surfaces and settings. Working with specifiers is always a rewarding and inspiring experience for me.

AP: Can you tell me about some recent projects you’ve worked on with specifiers?

CM: We have collaborated closely with specifiers for several projects recently across the residential, commercial and hospitality spaces which have used a combination of products and finishes in our range. This shows our ability to work with architects and designers across various project scopes and sizes. 

A designer engaged us to assist them with colours and finishes for the extensive renovation of a batch in the Central Lakes region. The brief was to create a bach-like feel with casual cosy spaces that celebrated the existing dwelling, without being 'fussy' or losing the home's soul. Our Auckland Showroom Manager, who has a design background worked with the interior designer to create a colour palette that ticked all the boxes and recommended some beautiful soft subtle finishes from our standard acrylic range such as Aqua Satin Enamel for the joinery and cabinetry and Eggshell for the broad wall areas. We have now embarked on the next exciting project with this designer.

Another recently completed project saw us again working closely with an interior designer for a new wine bar and restaurant in Queenstown, as well as undertaking training with painters on the path to becoming recognised Porter’s applicators. This project had a mix of our standard acrylic finishes such as Aqua Satin Enamel for the bathrooms, hallway and stairwell areas because of its durability, one of our specialty finishes French Wash for the main restaurant area and Stone Paint Fine for the private dining area.

Again, we worked with the designer to create a colour palette to meet their brief and finishes that were both practical where required, but also offered a little something else to the space. The use of the French Wash created the look of a delicate broken colour and a subtle marble-like finish and the Stone Fine in the colour Sediment gave the private dining area an intimate, dark and moody feel with soft textural movement.

We were engaged right at the concept stage for this project which was the ideal scenario for us as we could work with the design team to help and guide them on colour selections and products that worked in harmony with the other finishes, and what they were trying to achieve for their client.

Once this project tender was awarded to a main contractor, we worked with the project management team to recommend suitable applicators, provide the finishes and samples for sign-off, and ensure the availability of products and required quantities. 

AP: Do specifiers need to visit in person or can you assist remotely?

CM: We can assist specifiers remotely and in person, depending on their preferences and project needs. We have several online tools and resources to help specifiers explore our products, colours and finishes, such as our sample ordering service and specification and technical data sheets. We can also offer phone and email consultations with our experienced colour consultants and technical experts, who can provide tailored advice and recommendations for any project.

AP: How does Porter’s Paints go above and beyond to help specifiers?

CM: Porter's Paints is more than just your ordinary paint supplier, we are a partner in design. We work closely with specifiers to understand their vision, challenges and goals. We deliver expert guidance, custom solutions and creative inspiration to help them achieve stunning results. Whether it's matching a colour, creating a special effect, or providing technical support, we work alongside specifiers to ensure their clients realise their vision — offering numerous products, colours and finishes to suit any project, from heritage to contemporary, residential to commercial.

AP: If you could give one piece of advice to specifiers, what would it be?

CM: Talk to us and involve us in your projects early, it’s as simple as that! Too often we are involved a little too late in the process, once specifiers and their clients see what is possible with Porter's Paints they are surprised to discover the options available and how they can realise their vision.

If we are involved early on we can assist with making sure everything is as it should be, we can help with colour and product selection, recommend applicators that are capable of delivering a high standard of work, and make sure the products specified are readily available.

AP: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

CM: We are passionate about providing the best solutions for your painting needs.

We have a range of high-quality products suitable for different surfaces, environments and budgets. We also have a network of trusted and experienced applicators who can deliver professional results. Whether you need advice on colour selection, technical specifications, health and safety requirements or environmental sustainability, we are here to help. We want to ensure that your project is completed on time, on budget and to your satisfaction.

We encourage you to explore the full range of options that Porter's Paints can offer, from our unique and bespoke colours and finishes to our high-quality and environmentally friendly products. We have paint for every surface and every style, and we can help you create stunning effects that will impress your clients and enhance your reputation. Whether you are looking for a classic or contemporary look, a subtle or dramatic statement, or a durable and easy-to-maintain solution, we have something to suit your needs and vision. Don't settle for the ordinary when you can achieve extraordinary with Porter's Paints.

Learn more about Porter’s Paints.