An alternative to Farrow and Ball

[hay101]

Hi,
Could anyone recommend a good alternative to Farrow and Ball. I've painted my old pine table and chairs using Farrow and Ball and although the results are OK I really didn't like working with it, I found it very runny and drying times in between coats were long. I've got all the bedroom furniture to do now and was hoping there might be something better in the shops.
Thanks

[MarvellousMechanicalMouseOrgan]

I've just had a decorator do some painting here (woodwork and emulsion but no furniture) and he swears by Crown oil based eggshell. Apparently it 'drags' less than gloss and satin, he says it's much easier to work with, which I guess is a must for furniture painting. If you go to a Crown decorators centre it's much cheaper than Homebase etc.

[FallonColby]

Little Greene is excellent, some beautiful soft colours and lovely to paint with.

[spotty26]

For furniture it has got to be Annie Sloan and then wax. Amazing fast results! Just did a coffee table yesterday in an hour.

[NewBlueShoesToo]

Agree Little Greene is lovely.
Laura Ashley was terrible, stringy, sticky and tricky to get a smooth finish.

[givemeaclue]

Little Greene here too

[Itscoldouthere]

Some Little Greene stockists can match to F&B colours and some of the matches are very accurate. If you are in London I can tell you a shop to go to.

[Tweedjacket]

Fired Earth eggshell is great, goes on well and is tough

[SilverSixpence]

Annie Sloane chalk paint for furniture, its great and no need to prime. We have also used Little Greene in our kitchen and the finish is gorgeous and very durable (no knocks or chips so far).

[Alwayscheerful]

Annie Sloan chalk paint then wax.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

SilverSixpence when you say no need to prime are you painting it straight onto bare untreated wood or wood that's already been varnished or waxed?

[ggirl]

Annie Sloan chalk paint can be painted striaght onto varnished wood , even laminate can be painted. You do need to wax it afterwards.
Loads of websites about it.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Oh that sounds perfect, thanks. I know nothing about furniture and it would have to be really easy! I've got lots of old pine bedroom furniture that I want to spruce up for the dc's. It would look lovely with a nice paint colour.

[Mabelandrose]

Littlegreene eggshell gives fan results on painted furniture.

[fiorentina]

Definitely Annie Sloan for furniture. Look on their website for local suppliers as it isn't in the usual DIY stores.

[SunnyUpNorth]

There have been a couple of long threads on here before about Annie Sloan if you do a search. It's great stuff.

[Melody991]

Hi, Wilkes Chalky Matt Paint is very good and cost effective, it also last ages and does a whole lot of furniture. After application I used Autentico Furniture Wax- Use this wax after painting for extra depth of colour & protection.
Lovely results, gentle on the purse x

[mewkins]

Another vote for Fired Earth eggshell. It's nice and silky and covers well. F&b feels chalky to me (but I still like the finish).

[ShoeWhore]

I've painted furniture with Dulux eggshell and found it pretty easy to do. I use those little rollers on the flat bits which speeds it all up.

[exexpat]

I'm looking to paint a cupboard to be used in a bathroom - does anyone know if the Annie Sloane chalk-paint-and-wax method is likely to stand up to a hot, steamy room?