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Original poster

Is Farrow and Ball paint good?

52 replies

Beth8ny · 20/10/2019 22:58

I'm hoping to use F&B paint emulsion in my large-ish living room for the first time but I've heard some really bad things about it. Is it really as horrible to use as people say it is (milky, runny, needs 5 coats)?

I'll be decorating with it myself, painting it onto plain wallpaper but haven't chosen the colours yet. Hoping to get away without a primer. Any advice?

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TobyHouseMan · 20/10/2019 23:42

Is it just the colours you love? If so go down to a Johnstone's paint centre and they will mix you and EXACT copy for 1/2 the price.

Their coverplus has very little sheen just like FB but can be wiped.

madcatladyforever · 20/10/2019 23:49

It's excellent, I use nothing else. It covers beautifully in one or two coats.
I've spent more on B&Q shit that needs 7 coats to cover and works out more expensive then goes yellow after 6 months (white).
I only use the modern emulsion as you can just put it straight on wthout faffing about with sanding between coats etc.
The colours are lovely and last for years and years.
The last lot I did still look the same 7 years later and I've washed them down loads of times.

PancakeAndKeith · 20/10/2019 23:51

Go to your local Dulux trade place and get them to copy the colour for you. The paint is twice as good for half the price.

Maydayredalert · 20/10/2019 23:55

Johnstones is excellent paint and if you are trying to keep costs down then definitely look at that BUT FB is amazing quality. It feels different on the walls (i know that sounds ridiculous). I am really happy with the finish.

Have been using fb recently and it hasn't been milky runny or needed 5 coats. 2, possibly 3 at worst depending on what you are covering.

I do all my own decorating and was formerly a dulux girl through and through but I am a convert to johnstones.

Original poster
Beth8ny · 20/10/2019 23:55

Thanks @TobyHouseMan. Sadly, Johnstone's isn't available where I live. Farrow and Ball colours are nice but I'm really drawn to the eco-friendly pigments the new experience is supposed to offer. I've been a Dulux girl all my life but I'm not a fan of their paint, it's so plasticy.

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Original poster
Beth8ny · 20/10/2019 23:58

Thanks @Maydayredalert, sadly, Johnstone's isn't available where I live but it's good to know about the FB coverage. It usually takes me 2 coats with Dulux (too plasticy for me now), a third if I'm being fussy.

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Maydayredalert · 21/10/2019 00:00

I hear you on the dulux. Its really gone downhill in the last few years. Their water based gloss is awful and yellowed in months.

A friend recently had it colour matched and ordered online at the online decorating centre, and was very happy with that, so that maybe an option if johnstones is out.

Original poster
Beth8ny · 21/10/2019 00:00

Thanks @Madcatladyforever! I have been put off Dulux by how quickly the colour fades in odd patches, I guess I'm hoping a better brand will offer a better finish.

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Original poster
Beth8ny · 21/10/2019 00:05

So glad someone else is on my wavelength @Maydayredalert!
Thanks for the info, I didn't even think of trying to colour match online!

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ZombieVoicedAdam · 21/10/2019 00:08

Go for the Farrow and Ball. All that matters is the quality of the colour, the depth and richness that the mineral pigments give. You don't get that by mixing up those plastics and vinyls that simply replicate a single aspect of the colour. I have no idea of the science but I have loved and trusted Farrow and Ball for years.

ZombieVoicedAdam · 21/10/2019 00:11

Oops and don't worry about multiple coats, it won't be a problem. The coverage is easy.

MarshaBradyo · 21/10/2019 00:14

Yes it’s good. It doesn’t need that many coats. The finish is nicer

Evilmorty · 21/10/2019 00:18

I bought three tester pots, two FB and one Dulux. The Dulux tester was so thin in comparison, the FB looked like it would barely need a second coat (although obvs it would, it just looked so thick in comparison the to the Dulux!)

BluePheasant · 21/10/2019 00:21

I'm currently decorating in F&B and am converted. The paint consistency is lovely and 2 coats has been perfect. Agree with PP about using the modern emulsion, it's more practical but still with low sheen if that's what you're after.

Wildorchidz · 21/10/2019 00:24

F and B all the way.

Nicknackpaddywack16 · 21/10/2019 07:19

I am in love with F&B. In love I tell you. Easy to apply and beautiful. I wont use another

Fettfrett · 21/10/2019 07:38

I'm married to a decorator, he loves working with F&B, it's a good quality paint BUT it isn't hard wearing. The estate emulsion finish is very matt, which looks lovely but marks easily, so we use it in low traffic areas. If you have a brewers near you they can match too, DH prefers Crown trade or Albany trade to Dulux, or will use the best quality Valspar (who also colour match) if he has to.

longearedbat · 21/10/2019 07:53

Op, whatever paint you use, you may have a problem with painting over wallpaper. I have painted over wallpaper in the past, because I couldn't be bothered to strip the walls, and the moisture in the paint lifed the paper off the wall in places where there wasn't 100% glue adhesion at the back, and I got bubbles and some peeling. Some of these shrank back, but not all. The ultimate finish wasn't brilliant. If you are buying an expensive paint like F and B, you would surely be better to strip your walls, fill any cracks with pollyfilla, rub them down and apply an undercoat. Time consuming, but you will get a much better finish.

Loladisco · 21/10/2019 08:07

For any F&B lovers out there, check if you have a Community Repaint place near to you. We have picked up several large tins of F&B emulsion for £2 a litre. You might be a bit restricted on choice of colour but they might have the one you want and save you a fortune. They also do other paints as well (dulux etc) i would highly recommend a visit if there's one near to you and you're in the market for paint

Loulabell81 · 21/10/2019 08:11

As other Poster said - J/Stones paint machines to an exact match .. 1/2 coats us all you’ll need & if you’ve not got a Store near you - have you got Brewers Decorating centre ? They may have a mixing machine by J/Stones they can mix you up One there and then 👍

Fluffycloudland77 · 21/10/2019 08:34

I’ve used it and it’s brilliant. I hated crown, wickes own brand was awful too.

I had to have Johnstone’s trade Matt scrubbable colour matched for the hall and stairs and the colours the same but it doesn’t look as good as the original white tie. I’ll be using it again.

MarshaBradyo · 21/10/2019 08:36

Use the modern emulsion in high traffic areas like stairs. Also used in kitchen and bathroom.

Oneforposy7 · 21/10/2019 08:38

I used F&B Cooks Blue in our bedroom and the colour is beautiful, very rich. However it chips terribly easily - I mean the slightly contact. The day was moved in we had numerous chips. However we used Little Green paint co in our living room which has much heavier use and it's still pristine and just as much (if not more) depth of colour and more eco friendly. I'd go with little green paint co over F&B now.

BubblesBuddy · 21/10/2019 09:33

I have F&F in every room. No chips! It’s great paint. I would consider Little Green too but we have found F&B to be long lasting and I love the colours.

Original poster
Beth8ny · 21/10/2019 09:36

Wow! Thank you everyone for so many replies! I have a lot to think about! By the sounds of it I'm going to give F&B a try on one wall and see how durable the Modern Emulsion is. If not, Valspar it is!
Thank you all :)

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