Where can I buy paint from during the coronavirus lockdown?
A CLEVER mum has transformed her son’s bedroom into a paint-filled paradise – and she’s not the only one turning to DIY during the UK’s lockdown.
Whether it’s to beat boredom, or spruce up a tired looking room, it appears that many of us have turned to brushes and cans of paint to add a dash of colour to our living spaces.
Where can I buy paint from in the UK during lockdown?
Gemma Corcoran, 32, overhauled her son Evann’s bedroom into a rainbow filled room.
The mum-of-two from Quedgeley, Gloucs, was able to transform the room in less than one day for just £175 as a surprise.
Gemma initially painted the walls white and then added in the unique rainbow style brick finish.
And according to T3.com, while there’s no shortage of paint, trying to obtain it during the coronavirus lockdown isn’t an easy task.
People are apparently so keen to use their time at home productively, that there has been a “700 per cent” surge in online searches for paint deals ahead of this weekend alone.
Its research shows that all those selling paint are well stocked, including Farrow&Ball, and DIY stores such as B&Q, Wickes and Homebase.
T3 points out that Wilko is another great option to buy paint.
The chain’s website says: “We will be able to keep most of our doors open. Not all though – there are some that we will be shutting immediately because we can’t safely keep them open.”
DIY stores including B&Q have been deemed “essential retailers” during the coronavirus crisis.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all “non-essential” shops to shut while urging Brits to stay at home to stop the spread of Covid-19.
It’s best to check online to see if your favourite stores are open, and to see what stock is available.
Is Wickes open?
Wickes stores are currently closed but the retailer says customers will still be able to buy from its website.
This means customers can choose either home delivery or click and collect to receive their items.
Wickes temporarily suspended all click and collect options yesterday, but it’s confirmed this option is now available again as of today, March 27.
However, click and collect orders can only be placed from 6am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, not on Sundays, and for a more limited range.
Wickes hasn’t said when it expects shops to reopen.
Before the coronavirus measures were introduced, Wickes stores typically opened between 6am and 9am, and closed at 8pm, depending on where you live.
Shoppers can use the online store finder to find out more information about their nearest Wickes.
Is B&Q open?
B&Q stores are closed today but are offering customers click and collect as well as home delivery.
The DIY giant had been closed to the public but from Thursday, March 26, has been offering online service only.
Those opting for click and collect will be notified when their order is ready and will be able to pick up their items from a store car park contact-free.
The company is now accepting new orders on its website after temporarily stopping sales.
B&Q said: “Over the last 48 hours we have been working hard to create a service that focuses on providing essential products for repair and maintenance of the home.
“This means we can keep supplies open and give our customers the best possible service to ensure their homes are safe, warm and in working order.”
Use the online finder tool to locate your nearest shop and see their opening times.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, B&Q stores were typically open 7am until 9pm.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Is Homebase open?
Homebase stores are now closed but its website remains open for new orders.
Its standalone Bathstores and Decorate by Homebase shops are also closed.
Customers can still make home delivery orders online but its store collection service has been temporarily suspended.
Homebase hasn’t said when it expects to start click and collect options again.
Its home design consultations are also temporarily unavailable.
You can have a phone consultation instead, although customer services lines are currently down.
Customers can use Homebase’s online finder to see where their nearest branch is and check its contact details.
Before announcing the store closures, shops were typically open 9am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am until 5pm on Sundays.