Dulux Rock Salt vs White Mist: Which paint is better for your home?

Do you find the perfect white paint boring and overused? Would you like to temper the light’s effect on your space to make the room feel cosier, more charming, and less yellow? If so, this Dulux Rock Salt vs White Mist comparison guide is for you.

This primer breaks down everything you must know about these two popular paint shades. Do they have the same colour? Which works better in your painting projects? And is one more environmentally friendly than the other? Get all the answers you need below!

What colour is Dulux Rock Salt?

Tonal colour is mixed with black or white to create a range of shades within the same family. In this case, Dulux Rock Salt is an off-white paint with a hint of grey undertones. It is also both a cool and neutral shade. As such, it pairs well with bolder colours and evokes the same calmness and relaxation as green, blue, and purple shades.

What colour is Dulux White Mist?

Dulux White Mist is a shade of white with a light and unobtrusive undertone, making it appear slightly hazy. It is a cool-toned colour that complements greens and greys. It also leans towards warmer colours, such as orange and yellow.

Dulux White Mist vs Rock Salt: Which is better for your needs?

Painting a home requires a lot of effort, time, and money. Knowing the suitable colour scheme for your space prevents costly mistakes that siphon your budget. But between Dulux Rock Salt and White Mist, which is better for a room when they look and sound alike?

Compare them based on several factors below.

In terms of cost

The prices of Dulux White Mist and Rock Salt widely vary. Rock Salt has an average cost of £16 compared to £14 for White Mist per 2.5-litre can. However, the former covers around 17 square metres per litre, while the latter is good for 13 square metres for the same amount.

Additionally, Rock Salt is usually creamier and thicker than White Mist. Adding water thins it, extends its coverage, and increases its amount.

It also matters where you plan to use the paint. Exterior painting usually costs more than interior painting. For instance, the Dulux Mixing Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint is about £50, covering up to 15 square metres per litre on a smooth surface. Meanwhile, the Dulux Paint Mixing Easycare Kitchen Matt is less than £25, covering 14 square metres per litre.

Lastly, the surface and finish you want dictate the paint price. Suppose you want either a Dulux White Mist or Rock Salt for a bedroom. An eggshell finish that covers up to 16 square metres per litre costs £20 for 500ml.

To save money, work with a professional painter or designer to accurately measure the space and calculate the number of cans you need. Another option is to buy testers, get the paint in bulk, or use them as accents in furniture or skirting boards instead of coating entire walls and ceilings.

In terms of appearance

Both Rock Salt and White Mist belong to the neutral colour scheme. At first glance, they appear dull or plain but have hints of other shades underneath (undertones). This is where they slightly differ.

As mentioned, Rock Salt has a pale grey undertone. It is also a cool colour. It is best combined with equally calming options, such as a wide range of blues. Think of a dark shade, such as Lost Lake, or something light, like Blissful Blue.

If you want to keep up with the neutral theme, combine Rock Salt with Feather Flock or Denim Drift. On the other hand, use it with bright-yellow Honey Mustard and peachy Apricot Crush for contrast.

White Mist is a more off-white, barely-there shade. In a way, it feels ‘warmer’ than Rock Salt, especially with its orange undertone. Because of this, it perfectly complements bolder colours, such as Pretty Pink, Citrus Zing, Buttermilk, and the purplish Heather Climb. For the best neutral combo, apply it with the slightly dark grey Pebble Shore or the yellow Calming Meadow.

The finish also affects their appearance. Matte is the dullest-looking, ideal for hiding imperfections or painting ceilings and walls. Eggshell, somewhere between flat finish and glossy, improves dated skirting boards. A glossy paint is the most reflective and best reserved for painting accent walls.

Now, how do these two paint colours influence light? As neutrals, they tone down the impact of excessive sunlight that passes through windows. The room, for example, becomes less ‘yellow’ during golden hours, so playing around with the ambient mood is easier.

In terms of versatility

Both are great for south-facing rooms, which receive excessive sunlight the whole day. They neutralise the over-vintage or yellow feel, especially at dusk. Either is also a versatile shade, albeit in various ways.

Dulux White Mist makes a perfect paint base because it is much closer to pure white. Additionally, it is well-suited for the following rooms:

• Bedroom: White Mist creates a soft, relaxing atmosphere perfect for bedrooms. Its warm undertone is calming, and a matte finish won’t glare in the morning light.

• Living room: It has a natural, organic look that works well in living spaces for lounging and entertaining.

• Dining room: White Mist provides an elegant but not stark backdrop in dining rooms. Its soft tone encourages conversation, and a matte or eggshell sheen won’t compete with tableware and decor.

• Hallway and staircase: With its excellent coverage and minimised glare, White Mist is ideal for painting hallways and stairwells.

• Children’s room: The warm undertones give White Mist a gentle, comforting quality that is wonderful for nurseries.

• Office: White Mist offers brightness that is helpful for tasks but doesn’t feel clinical.

As one of the neutral Dulux colours, Rock Salt helps create a contrast that does not overpower any space. In fact, when combined well with relevant colours, they build a cohesive theme. For example, a colour scheme featuring Blissful Blue and Lost Lake makes a beach-inspired space.

The following rooms can also benefit from Rock Salt’s colour:

• Kitchen: Rock Salt creates a bright and airy kitchen with a contemporary twist.

• Bathroom: With a slight sheen, Rock Salt reflects light well in bathrooms. It feels crisp and modern against tiles and fixtures.

• Laundry room: Rock Salt has a clean, hygienic feel that works nicely in laundry rooms. It makes the space look freshly washed.

• Accent and feature wall: With its hint of cool blue, Rock Salt makes a bold, vibrant, fresh feature wall to contrast warmer neutrals. It also fares well in cushions or small accents to furniture.

In terms of durability/longevity

Dulux is well-known for durable types of paint, so either Rock Salt or White Mist is a perfect economical and long-lasting colour.

For instance, Easycare Washable & Tough product repels both stains and liquid spills, turning them into beads so they are easy to wash. It is also over 15 times tougher than the regular matte finish, making this ideal for painting interiors with high traffic and kids.

Meanwhile, the Colour Mixing Gloss Paint works with various materials, including wood and metal. It is more resistant to mildew, making it great for painting walls in places with high moisture, such as kitchens. The Weathershield Quick Dry exterior paint provides sheen and weather protection for around six years.

Did you buy more paint than needed? You can store it for two years.

In terms of eco-friendliness

As Dulux products, both Rock Salt and White Mist are more eco-friendly than other types of paint. The company implements many sustainable solutions:

• Buy product testers to help you find the right colour that suits your style or preference

• Take back unused product testers

• Redistribute leftover paint to communities

• Redesign the packaging to have 50% recycled content by 2025

• Produce paint that releases low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as its Quick Dry line

As colours, Rock Salt and White Mist are neutrals and directly affect exterior and interior temperatures. Unlike darker colours, the lighter shades reflect light away from the building and reduce heat gain.

They absorb less heat when used on inside walls, making them perfect for UK places with scorching summers. They are best combined with darker materials and colours to invite warmth to your space during winter. However, White Mist is less heat-absorbent than Rock Salt because it is whiter.

Paint your home interiors with Airtasker

Choosing whether to do it yourself or hire a professional is equally challenging when painting a home. Each has pros and cons, but pick the latter for maximum safety and comfort during remodelling or construction.

Experts have the right tools and equipment even to paint high walls. They work with designers, architects, and remodellers to ensure they can recommend and use the best colour the space calls for.

Airtasker connects you with painters and designers in the UK in only three steps:

1. Create a free account.

2. Post a task. Include essential details, such as the project type, budget, preferred colours and finishes, and timeline.

3. Wait for proposals or reach out directly to qualified professionals in the network.

Are you looking for the best neutral paint colours in the UK? You can never go wrong with Dulux White Mist and Rock Salt. Available in various finishes, they are highly versatile choices that elevate the style or mood of any space. But you will only see the difference they make when you hire a professional painter or designer. Use Airtasker to connect with local traders who can do the job at your preferred budget, timeline, and look. Sign up today!