It’s important that you are well prepared for your painting and decorating project, big or small. So whether you’re doing your entire house or simply a cosy corner in your office we’re here to help with our favourite tips and tricks and with great sources of inspiration.
Calling all professional painter-decorators! Pat McDonnell Paints Trade Days 2025 are just around the corner, bringing you an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest industry innovations, take advantage of exclusive in-store offers, and connect with some of the biggest brands in the business.
Pat McDonnell Paints is thrilled to announce the donation of €8,760 to Parkinson’s Ireland. Family members and staff gathered at our Centre Park Road store in Cork for the grand presentation of the cheque to Ruth from Parkinson’s Ireland.
Pat McDonnell Paints is thrilled to introduce Prestonett Multi-Light Filler - now available for purchase both online and in all ten of our stores nationwide. Read on to find out more about this ground-breaking new product.
Pat McDonnell Paints were thrilled to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode Six.
Pat McDonnell Paints were thrilled to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode Five.
Pat McDonnell Paints were thrilled to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode Four.
Pat McDonnell Paints were thrilled to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode Three.
Pat McDonnell Paints were delighted to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode Two.
Pat McDonnell Paints is thrilled to introduce Zinsser B-I-N Aqua - now available for purchase both online and in all ten of our stores nationwide. Read on to find out more about this ground-breaking new product.
Introducing The Salvage Squad – A Home Makeover Show with a Difference! Pat McDonnell Paints were delighted to supply paints and painting accessories to team Salvage Squad. Read on to learn more about the colours and paints used in Episode One.
Discover more about the 2024 Dulux Colour of the Year - Sweet Embrace. Read on to explore tips and advice on how to use this colour in your home.
Pat McDonnell Paints are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Jim McNaughton Perpetual Award for Best Commissioning Practice as part of the Business to Arts Awards 2023 for our partnership with the Ardú street art project in Cork.
This Autumn, Farrow & Ball has launched Carte Blanche - a colourful capsule collaboration with the lauded fashion designer, Christopher John Rogers. Read on to explore this beautiful, brand-new range of paints and wallpapers now available at Pat McDonnell Paints.
Rachel Wallace of Hollyhill, Cork wins gold at Taekwon-Do 2023 European Championships in Romania
Pat McDonnell Paints are delighted to announce the launch of Dead Flat – an all-new paint finish from Farrow & Ball. Multi-surface, impressively durable and ultra matt, Dead Flat is an exciting addition to the Farrow & Ball paint collection.
Choosing a colour for one room is tricky enough but selecting colours for your whole house can be downright daunting! So, what can you do to find colours that work throughout the entire house? Our friends at Dulux Heritage have created a handy process that takes the stress out of the colour selection process. Their five-colour palette will provide you with a complete blueprint so you can make decorating decisions more easily. Read on to learn more.
Pat McDonnell Paints are delighted to support "The Interior Collection" - an exhibition of works by Cork-based artist Geraldine O’Riordan. The exhibition is running at the City Assembly House in Dublin from 11th November until 3rd December. Be sure to catch it while you still can!
Read our guide to discover stylish ideas and inspiration on how to use an autumn colour palette in your home.
Pat McDonnell Paints to open our third Cork Store on Commons Road, Blackpool in November 2022.
Pat McDonnell Paints is thrilled to support the 2022 edition of the Ardú Street Art project.
This Autumn, Farrow & Ball added eleven beautiful new colours to their core palette. The first additions to their 132-colour palette in four years, this is an exciting announcement for colour connoisseurs all over the world.
Discover more about the 2023 Dulux Colour of the Year - Wild Wonder. Read on for tips and advice on how to use this colour in your home.
Customer Question: We recently moved into our newly built house and it’s now ready to be painted and decorated. We’d like to paint the outside walls first as the weather is perfect for such a job. We would really appreciate your help! – James & Patrick, Dublin
By Tony Griffin, Manager Pat McDonnell Paints Tralee
Given our climate in Ireland, decking requires regular maintenance. We get a lot of queries at Pat McDonnell Paints this time of year about how to breathe new life into old decking. Once you have decided it is time to spruce up your deck, below are the steps that are involved.
Pat McDonnell Paints are proud to sponsor a number of builds in the third series of RTE One's DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland.
Did you know we not only stock a wide range of Wallpapers but now have our very own Pat McDonnell Paints branded range of wallpapers!?
When Pat McDonnell Paints first opened our doors, we were one of, if not the only, privately-run shop in Ireland which specialised exclusively in the sale of paint and run by a colour consultant & paint specialist. The man behind the business was Pat McDonnell, a Cork native from Grenagh.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with The Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, for their major new exhibition, SATURATION: the everyday transformed.
Artist Deirdre Breen recently installed this mural, entitled ‘Threshold’, in the foyer of the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh.
For the best results when painting on wood, metal, aluminium, plastic, stone, indoors or outdoors, a high-quality primer or undercoat is indispensable.
Royal Van Wijhe Verf, the Dutch manufacturer of the Ralston products, has joined forces with the world-first sustainable cargo initiative GoodShipping to decarbonise the company’s ocean freight of all incoming raw materials through the application of sustainable marine biofuel.
Pat McDonnell Paints recognise the importance of supporting the communities within which it trades and are honoured to have been asked to support this initiative through the sponsorship of the paint used to create these beautiful works of art on the streets of Cork city.
Pat McDonnell Paints recognise the importance of supporting the communities within which it trades and are honoured to have been asked to support this initiative through the sponsorship of the paint used to create these beautiful works of art on the streets of Cork city.
Pat McDonnell Paints recognise the importance of supporting the communities within which it trades and are honoured to have been asked to support this initiative through the sponsorship of the paint used to create these beautiful works of art on the streets of Cork city.
Pat McDonnell Paints recognise the importance of supporting the communities within which it trades and are honoured to have been asked to support this initiative through the sponsorship of the paint used to create these beautiful works of art on the streets of Cork city.
Farrow & Ball’s California Collection by Kelly Wearstler is now available for purchase through Pat McDonnell Paints stores nationwide.
Pat McDonnell Paints are delighted to support Design Pop's PANEL DISCUSSION - In conversation with Ardú and MASER, 28th of August from 5:20 pm to 6:00 pm
Pat McDonnell Paints are proud to support Design Pop 2021
Seven pavilions featuring collaborators Maser, Currabinny Foods, CCAE, Ballymaloe, PlayNice Studio, The River Lee + many more, PLUS over 15 outdoor events at Wandesford Quay
Pat McDonnell Paints are proud to support the work of The TEST SITE Project.
Pat McDonnell Paints has added a new floor paint to our product range, Armstead Trade Anti-slip Floor Paint.
Pat McDonnell Paints are proud to support the work of Jigsaw Cork.
Colour Matters Paint Trends 2021
Decorating your home can become overwhelming at times. Here at Pat McDonnell Paints we’re here to help! We have 17 qualified Colour Consultants across our 8 stores to assist you with your interior design goals and help choose the best colours for the space you are working with. One of our Colour Consultants, Fiona Finnegan, has some colour tips to share exclusively with you.
Pat McDonnell Paints were delighted to support the Trigon Hotels, the Cope Foundation and its Ability@Work programme to launch the “Hands of Hope” initiative in June 2021.
We are delighted to be supporters of the Ardú Contemporary Street Art Project in Cork.
We are delighted to announce the arrival of a NEW Ralston product in Pat McDonnell Paints stores Nationwide. Introducing Ralston’s Aqua 3-in-1 Satin, a 1-pot wonder for your outdoor projects. Available in any colour, it is the perfect product to brighten up your new, or not so new, shed or log cabin!
When it comes to wallpapering, preparation is key. Before you even consider wallpapering, you need to factor in a lot of elements. Our short guide below will walk you through how to best prepare your wall before wallpapering.
When painting your ceiling(s) remember to choose a paint finish based on the function of the room you’re painting.
Choosing the right size and shape of brush from the start can save you a lot of time later. Deciding which brush width will work best depends on the amount of open or flat area that needs to be painted.
We've been asked by a number of customers recently how they can choose colours online or if we can colour match based on a digital image. We completely understand the need and desire to choose colour online or remotely at the moment. However, colour matching across digital platforms poses a particularly unique challenge.
So you've bought your wallpaper but what do you do next? It can be daunting knowing where to start but we have an easy step by step guide for you!!
Customer Enquiry:
I have old rusty exterior gates and railings that need painting. I painted them with gloss paint two years ago but as said they are already up for painting again. Can you please advise how to prep the surface and can you recommend a durable product etc. ?
Anne, one of our incredible Colour Consultants, based in our Galway store, has put together this colour inspiration just for you.
We are delighted to support the work of Visual artist, Deirdre Breen, on this beautiful new mural at Cork Printmakers, Wandesford Quay, Cork.
Following from our recent announcement of the price reduction of Base Transparent Colours (Deep colours) in Ralston emulsions, we now wish to inform you of another change that will occur in the range.
Each Month Colourtrend select a #ColourtrendoftheMonth. This October the colour they chose is Burrowing, from their Contemporary Collection. Burrowing is a Rich, warm, earthy, comforting, and cosy colour.
Allow your imagination to create the perfect setting for you and your family. Explore a new world of colour with the 'your style' collection from Ralston. Add colour to future generations with our bio-based wall paints. BIOseries NEXT-GEN. Powered by Nature.
Colourtrend 2020 Contemporary Collection Available in stores nationwide now!!
Customer Enquiry:
Could you recommend a paint to apply to the steps of a house of an elderly person to create a yellow strip on the edge of each step to make them more visible?
Need advice on cleaning your paint brushes? After any DIY project you undertake, correctly cleaning and storing your paint brushes may be the last thing you want to do. However if you want to ensure your paint brushes have a long life, the cleaning process is essential. We have created this step by step guide to help you correctly clean and store your paint brushes.
We are delighted to support our friends at Dogs for the Disabled to help name one of their newest Puppies!! But we can't do it alone. We need your help!!
Anne, one of our incredible Colour Consultants, based in our Galway store, has put together this colour inspiration just for you.
Lights on. Perfect walls and ceilings. The new Festool PLANEX LHS 2 long-reach sander.
Each Month Colourtrend select a #ColourtrendoftheMonth. This September the colour they chose is Raglan Road, "a rich blackberry shade inspired by the bursting hedgerows at this time of year."
Question:
I am looking to paint a Horsebox silver and black (satin finish or gloss) can you recommend the correct paint for this please. The horsebox was previously painted (10plus years ago).
Please wear a Face Mask In-store. Stay safe. Protect each other. Thank you for your Cooperation.
#WeCareMore
I have a table I would like to paint white or white wash to match our kitchen. What would you recommend to offer the best results?
I recently purchased a wooden cabin - made of Norway Spruce - and I am enquiring what would be my most eco-friendly options to protect the wood - internally and externally. I would like if possible to maintain the wooden look but protect it well.
We want to save you time and avoid you queuing in-store. "Call & Collect" for a faster service.
I have a timber fence which is 30 yards long. This is its third season but it's never been painted with anything and it has gone white from weather and sun. I would like to use an oil to bring it back to the natural timber look. Could you tell me what I need to do and what product I could use.
Customer Enquiry:
"I’m looking for advice on how to clean the walls from the mould before painting and then what paint or paint additive to use to prevent the mould occurrence."
We know that decorating your home or business can become overwhelming at times and with so many choices in colours, brands and finishes, it can be daunting! Here at Pat McDonnell Paints we’re here to help! Set up an appointment with an in store colour consultant at any of our eight stores – Our colour consultancy service is free although a fully-refundable deposit applies.
Whether you are decorating your home or your workplace choosing the right colours can be difficult. With so many brands, finishes and tones to choose from it’s hard to know where to start. At Pat McDonnell Paints we are here to help make the process easier for you. We have 17 qualified Colour Consultants across our 8 stores to assist you with your interior design goals and help choose the best colours for the space you are working with.
Pat McDonnell Paints connection to Ireland’s iconic, green Post Boxes began decades ago with the supply of green paint for the revamp of the GPO in Dublin back in the 90s.
A customer recently told us they were in the process of painting a coffee table and would like to apply a protective finish to prevent marking. They asked what we would suggest.
Colour is a magical tool that enhances mood and reflects character. At our colour consultations, our colour consultants can help you create your perfect living space. Every interior and building has a different story. In order to establish the best colour scheme for your space, visuals of the project are vital.
Selecting colours for a baby’s room can be tricky, especially when you don’t know if it is to be a boy, a girl or even twins! With the rollercoaster of pregnancy coming to an end, your thoughts will naturally turn to creating a pleasant environment for your new arrival.
When it comes to picking the right outdoor shade for your home, there is a lot to consider. We have created an informative guide on outdoor paint shades which you can view here.
Have you had enough of your tiles? You’re not the only one! After asking our Facebook followers what how-to guide they would like next, the overwhelming majority wanted to know how to paint over tile.
Follow the below steps to ensure a perfect finish on your skirting boards.
Follow the steps in this blog post to learn how to get the perfect finish on your door.
The quality of these paints is like nothing we have ever seen before.
We recently bought a house and we don’t like the exterior dark brown PVC windows, is it possible to paint them white?
With the nice weather upon us, what's the best way to prepare and paint my garden decking?
An elite product made from highest grade of dewaxed shellac. A primer, sealer, stain killer. Ideal for interior use and as a spot priming exterior substrate.
We are delighted to announce the exciting arrival of the superior paints from Dutch company Ralston Colour & Coatings exclusive to Pat McDonnell Paints.
Van Wijhe Verf the Dutch producer of Ralston Paint & Coatings, which is exclusively available in Ireland through Pat McDonnell Paints stores, has been awarded the prestigious title “Best for The World” for the third year in a row by “B Lab”, for its high environmental standards and commitment to sustainability.
Want to know the best way to paint your masonry walls? We have some simple steps outlined below!
Customer Question:
“I need advice on varnishing new raw teak wooden gates on the exterior of my home. I would like to keep them as natural a finish as possible please.” – Ann, Tralee
