Alternatives to F&B Borrowed Light

[ErrolFinn]

Hello,

After much deliberation on paint colours for our hall I have decided on "Borrowed Light". I am reluctant to spent the extra money on F&B paint unless it is really worth the extra expense. We would be painting over the wallpaper that is present (really old rubbish condition walls under the wallpaper and the quote for re-plastering was too much unfortunately) therefore I am not sure if the higher quality of F&B will be noticeable?

Firstly, is F&B worth the cost? Also, does anyone know an alternative colour that is similar to Borrowed Light?

Thank you.

Go to a branch of Brewers and they will make you up a Johnson’s equivalent.

I found actual F & B paint quite poor, it was very watery. But they do have certain unique pigments which can’t be entirely replicated. I decided it wasn’t worth the extra.

I had wanted the same in the hallway but we normally go to B&Q and get them to colour match in Valspar paint. We are unable to get this during lockdown so have gone for Dulux Coastal Grey, not that similar but will keep DH busy!

I love Borrowed Light and have had it in my last house and this one.

You can get a Johnsons equivalent, but it is not the same. The F&B version has a level of pigmentation that makes the colour change in varying lights.

I get quite a few people asking what the colour is and two friends have used it after seeing it in my house.

In my opinion, worth every penny !!

For what it is worth their Ammonite colour is also lovely. Grey in some lights, a beautiful blue in evening light.

If you want that very pale blue and don't mind it looking more grey in shadow, try Wickes Powder Grey.

I spent a very long time looking for the perfect blue/grey a couple of years ago - it's become something of a specialist subject However, F&B paints do change colour in a way regular paints don't. I found they all (including Borrowed Light) came out too saturated for my little 80s built semi - I think they need high ceilings and big windows.

Get it mixed in Leyland at the decorating centre online, it’s indistinguishable and such good quality trade paint. I’m totally evangelical about it!

I also think it's worth paying for F&B if you can afford it. The level of pigmentation and depth of colour is just lovely I think.

This website finds similar colours in other brands:
www.e-paint.co.uk/Colour_alternatives.asp?cRange=Farrow%20and%20Ball&cRef=235&metallic2=False&cDescription=Borrowed%20light
Interestingly one of the similar colours it suggested is the one we have just used in our loft room, Clouded Pearl 1. It’s very pale blue in daylight. Was actually expecting more of a grey from the Dulux website and tester pot but I have to say it’s very calming.

Since using F&B paint I have not gone back to using any other make, it is very high quality, seems to go on so much easier and the colours have a real depth. We have borrowed light on all our doors upstairs and it is a lovely alternative to white, and I like the fact it never looks grey, just a really delicate blue.

I hate F&B paint, the colours are lovely do t get me wrong, but the coverage it shocking and it’s really hard to get an even finish.

I would get a colour match, but a Johnstone’s or Dulux one if you can as I also don’t think Valspar point is much cop.

Slight change of tack but I’m looking at this colour for my lounge. Does anyone have photos of their room they wouldn’t mind sharing please?

Oh, and to answer the question I do personally think F&B is worth the money, although as you say I think it depends on the quality of the wallpapering you’ve already got. If you’re planning to get the walls replastered in the near future it might be better to save the money, or if the wallpapering is not that well done.

I went to a Johnstone's decorator centre and had Borrowed Light colour matched - they have all the F&B colours coded for their machines. I'm really happy with the paint - it went on very well and looks great. The room is currently my office while I'm working from home. It's a pretty colour without being girly or too pastel. I paid a lot of money for F&B in the past and I'm not sure it's worth it unless it's a particularly dark/strong colour.