Hit me with your MN wisdom!

[SaJoRo]

Hi ladies, long-time stalker, first-time poster.

I'm about to paint my large, west-facing lounge. I've done two undercoats of Dulux Trade brilliant white (to cover what can only be described as "homocide red" shudder) and it's ready for the next stage. Ceiling is Wilkes Victorian White.

Can I get some opinions on the following:

1. I want (stamps foot) F&B Ammonite. But in the interests of objectivity, can anyone point me towards a cheaper paint they consider equally beautiful? Preferably if you've actually used it yourself. Looking for a light grey with no blue/violet.
   

1. If I go with the F&B, how important is it to use their undercoats? Surely I don't need to undercoat for a third time?
   

Thanks in advance.

[dontcallmelen]

Dulux is always a great d bet, Homebase own is pretty good as is wilkinson or if you want really good coverage/depth of colour& bit more upmarket go for Mylands much better than f&b no special undercoat etc but it is pretty expensive.

[NamedyChangedy]

Doesn't the MN massive usually suggest having Dulux colour matched to your F&B shade of choice? Then you get the Ammonite you want with better coverage too. Is that an option?

[AesopsMables]

We have Ammonite in our hall/stairs/landing. TBH I am not that impressed. It's a bit cold, but as your room is west facing then should be ok.

All FB colour matched rooms my friend has look much better than I thought they would and she used Dulux.

[Bluesheep8]

From memory, I think one of the dulux trade "dusted moss" shades is v similar to ammonite, when I asked a decorator, that's what he recommended...I think it was the lightest one

[Blackgrouse]

I have Ammonite & Purbeck stone in my south facing front room. I'd say it's a greige kind of grey. Dusted Moss 4 is similar but not quite the same. Have you got a tester in Ammonite? You could try getting it colour matched in Dulux trade or Johnstone's.

If you do go with F&B I've never bothered using their undercoats for emulsion.