How to Send Paint by Courier in the UK — A Complete Guide

Sending paint by courier is something thousands of UK businesses and individuals need to do — but it's also one of the most misunderstood areas of parcel shipping. Get it wrong and your courier may refuse the parcel, return it to you, or worse — a tin of paint could leak in transit, damaging other parcels and potentially landing you with a liability claim.

Get it right, and sending paint by courier is a straightforward, reliable process. This guide covers everything you need to know — from identifying whether your paint is hazardous, to choosing the right packaging, selecting a courier, and staying on the right side of UK dangerous goods regulations.

Step 1 — Is Your Paint Water-Based or Solvent-Based?

The single most important question when sending paint by courier is whether it is water-based or solvent-based. This determines whether your paint is classified as a dangerous good under UK transport regulations — and therefore which couriers will accept it and what packaging you need.

Water-based paints

Water-based paints — including emulsion, latex, acrylic, chalk, and vinyl paints — are generally not classified as dangerous goods for transport purposes. They are accepted by most UK couriers for domestic shipments, provided they are correctly packaged. Look for words like Latex, Vinyl, Acrylic, Emulsion, Chalk, or Water-based on the tin to confirm.

Solvent-based paints

Solvent-based paints — including oil-based paints, alkyd paints, primers, varnishes, wood stains, thinners, and lacquers — are classified as flammable liquids under UN1263 dangerous goods regulations. They require specialist packaging, correct labelling, and a courier that accepts dangerous goods. Not all couriers will carry them. Look for words like Oil-based, Alkyd, Urethane, Epoxy, Varnish, or Polyurethane on the tin.

If you're unsure whether your paint is classified as a dangerous good, check the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — specifically Section 14, which covers transport information. If the paint has a UN number assigned (such as UN1263 for flammable liquids), it requires dangerous goods packaging and a courier that accepts such items.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Packaging

Correct packaging is essential for sending paint by courier — both for safety and to comply with courier terms and conditions. A paint tin that leaks in transit can damage other parcels, contaminate depot equipment, and result in claims against you. Most couriers will only accept liability for paint damage if it was correctly packaged.

The standard method — pulp fittings and an outer box

The most reliable and widely accepted method for sending tins of paint by UK courier is to use purpose-made pulp paper paint tin fittings inside a corrugated cardboard outer box. This is the method used by professional paint manufacturers and distributors to ship paint safely and cost-effectively.

Pulp paint tin fittings are moulded from recycled paper pulp and are shaped to fit snugly around standard paint tins — one fitting for the base, one for the top. They hold the tin firmly in place within the outer box, preventing movement and absorbing impact energy if the box is dropped. UN1263 approved pulp fittings have been drop-tested to the UN standard and are accepted by most UK courier providers for sending tins of paint.

You will need:

• Two pulp fittings per tin — one base fitting and one top fitting, sized for your specific tin
• A corrugated cardboard outer box sized to fit the tin and fittings snugly
• Packing tape to seal the outer box

Browse our range of UN1263 approved pulp paint tin fittings — available for round tins and square tubs from 250ml up to 10 litres.

The double box method

For additional protection — particularly for larger or heavier tins, or for couriers that require double boxing — place the packaged tin (in its outer box with pulp fittings) inside a second, larger corrugated box with at least 75mm of cushioning material (bubble wrap, foam, or paper void fill) on all sides. This is the safest possible method for sending paint by courier and is required by some couriers for tins of 2.5 litres and above.

What not to do

• Don't use polystyrene chips as your only void fill — they shift in transit and don't provide consistent protection around a round tin
• Don't rely on bubble wrap alone — bubble wrap provides cushioning but doesn't stop a heavy tin from moving inside a box on impact
• Don't reuse a damaged or weakened box — a paint tin is heavy; a compromised box will fail under courier handling
• Don't seal the tin lid with just the original press-fit lid — add a layer of cling film or parcel tape under the lid before fitting it to prevent leakage if the lid is jarred in transit

Step 3 — Label Your Parcel Correctly

For water-based paints in standard courier packaging, standard parcel labelling is sufficient — your courier label with sender and recipient address is all you need.

For solvent-based paints classified under UN1263, you will need to apply the correct dangerous goods label to the outer box. This includes:

• The UN number (UN1263) clearly marked on the outer packaging
• The flammable liquid hazard diamond (Class 3)
• The proper shipping name (e.g. "Paint" or "Paint related material")
• Sender and recipient details

Your courier should provide guidance on the specific labelling requirements they need — always confirm with your courier before shipping dangerous goods for the first time.

Step 4 — Choose the Right Courier

Not all couriers accept paint — and those that do often have restrictions on tin size, paint type, and quantity. Here's an overview of the main UK courier options:

DPD

DPD accepts water-based paint in correctly packaged parcels for domestic UK shipments. Solvent-based paints are generally not accepted through standard DPD services. Maximum weight restrictions apply — check DPD's current terms before shipping.

DHL

DHL accepts water-based paint domestically. Their dangerous goods service can handle solvent-based paints with the correct UN1263 packaging and documentation. Contact DHL directly for dangerous goods shipments.

Evri (formerly Hermes)

Evri's policy on paint is more restrictive than other couriers — always check their current prohibited items list before shipping. Water-based paint in small quantities and correct packaging may be accepted but is not guaranteed.

Parcelforce

Parcelforce accepts certain paints with the correct packaging. Check their dangerous goods policy for current restrictions on paint type and quantity.

Specialist dangerous goods couriers

For solvent-based paints, larger quantities, or regular paint shipments, a specialist ADR courier that handles dangerous goods professionally is the safest and most reliable option. Companies like XDP specialise in paint and liquid deliveries and can handle the full regulatory requirements on your behalf.

What Size Pulp Fitting Do You Need?

Pulp paint tin fittings are sized to fit specific tin formats. Use this guide to select the right fitting for your tin:

Dimensions are approximate standard UK paint tin sizes and may vary between manufacturers. If unsure, measure your tin before ordering. Call 02476 611234 for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send used or opened tins of paint by courier?

This is significantly more difficult than sending sealed, factory-filled tins. Most couriers will not accept opened tins of paint as the lid seal cannot be guaranteed. If you need to send a partially used tin, your best option is to either offer local collection only, or use a specialist dangerous goods courier. The risk of a resecured lid coming off in transit is much higher than with a factory-sealed tin.

Can I send multiple tins of paint in one box?

For tins of 2.5 litres and above, most couriers recommend one tin per box. For smaller tins (750ml and under), multiple tins can be sent together provided each tin is individually fitted with pulp fittings and the outer box has adequate cushioning between tins. Always check your specific courier's policy on multiple tins per box.

Do I need insurance when sending paint by courier?

Standard courier insurance often excludes paint and liquids. If you are sending high-value paint shipments, check your courier's insurance policy carefully and consider arranging separate goods in transit insurance. Always declare the contents correctly — incorrect declaration can invalidate any insurance claim.

Can I send paint internationally from the UK?

International shipping of paint is subject to the regulations of both the UK and the destination country, as well as the airline or shipping line if air or sea freight is used. Water-based paints are generally easier to ship internationally than solvent-based, but restrictions vary significantly by destination country. For international paint shipments, always use a specialist dangerous goods freight forwarder.

Order Paint Tin Packaging from Datec

Datec Packaging supplies UN1263 approved pulp paper paint tin fittings for sending tins of paint by courier — available for round tins and square tubs from 250ml up to 10 litres. Our fittings are drop test approved, recyclable, and biodegradable, and are accepted by most UK courier providers for domestic paint shipments.

Browse our full range of paint tin packaging online, or call 02476 611234 to discuss your requirements. Fast UK-wide delivery from our Coventry warehouse.