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Original poster

Farrow & Ball Paints

40 replies

DSMEZ · 22/05/2007 20:48

We're thinking of using this paint--but it is considerably more expensive than other paints. Is it really worth it???

OP posts:
Enid · 23/05/2007 11:01

yes they are worth it

the pigment changes with the light so they look richer and subtler

GrumpyOldHorsewoman · 23/05/2007 11:12

As someone who has lived in 9 different houses in the last 13 years, I would definitely recommend F&B. Much richer, deeper and matt-er (is that a word?). The light is absorbed into the colour rather than reflected off it and I agree that it changes with the light. Love it, and that's not from a snob perspective, just someone who has done a shit-load of decorating!

moodlumthehoodlum · 23/05/2007 11:14

Controversially I used to be a fan and having just spent £££ and ages of time painting our house, using F&B and Dulux professional mix your own colour paint I'm beginning to HATE the way F&B goes on the wall. The finish is awful and I have found it really unfriendly to use if you're not a pro.. (which I am a long way from being). I love the colours and I love the chalky finish, but where possible I have looked under the dulux professional (get it mixed at B&Q not Homebase which I've heard is a lesser quality) range to find similar colours, and am really pleased with the result. There will always be colours that you can't replicate, (like the Vert de Terre) and there you have to go with F&B and work twice as hard to get it to look good, but if you're looking for good, matt, chalky neutrals, Chalky Downs and Bleached Lichen are really good colours from the Dulux range. A friend of DH's set up a decorating business said that he also hated using F&B and found them to be a bit of a rip off..

Mumpbump · 23/05/2007 11:16

If you want a cheaper alternative, Dulux do a "flat matt" range which also reflects no light so you get a similar chalky look. I asked the man in Homebase what was special about this paint as it was more expensive and that it what he said anyway!

NoviceKnitter · 23/05/2007 12:27

Hi - haven't read thread in full but thought I'd share my experiences - love F and B colours but DON"T use in bathroom as flakes off at slightest condesation. Also, when I took some to a paint shop where they do dulux mixes they copied lime white to a tee.

Also, hours of fun to be had making up imaginary names for new colours... like how about Roast Chicken Skin, or Fingernail Blush. Ok so not on form today... (and definitely procrastinating on day's list of jobs...

noddyholder · 23/05/2007 12:29

I think it is worth it.A friend had a colour mixed and we bought the original for our front doors and there is a difference to the texture and colour depth.She is re doing hers now

Tinker · 23/05/2007 12:43

Isn't it similar to Johnstone's and Leyland paints? They do very nice colour charts.

pookey · 23/05/2007 21:34

A friend painted our kitchen and dinning room for us and she swears by it. Didnt work out so expensive because she was careful and managed to paint a whole big room with one of the large tins - even a bit left over. The effect is much richer than dulux but i would also urge caution in bathrooms etc too as I have tried to wipe away a mark in the kitchen and you can now see spots of the old lighter paint underneath...

NomDePlume · 23/05/2007 21:39

It is brilliant IMO. It goes on like a dream and doesn't have that choking chemically smell that other, cheaper emulsions have when frying and for days afterwards and gives a lovely chalky finish. I don;t find the consistency a problem

If you are strapped for cash I do know that there is a trade paint company that have the F&B colour codes.

NomDePlume · 23/05/2007 21:39

drying, not frying.

pookey · 23/05/2007 21:40

Also speculating here but I think they are less hard wearing because less polluting and chemically - there was no smell with estate emullsion, I was worried about fumes as pregnant.

NomDePlume · 23/05/2007 21:42

The trade paint company begins with S.... Sanderson ? No that doesn't sound right

Original poster
DSMEZ · 24/05/2007 00:30

I'm going to go ahead. I got some sample pots and I do like the finish. Also spoke to the F&B customer service people, and there is a specific emulsion for bathrooms and kitchens that is wipable. Thanks all.

OP posts:
Original poster
DSMEZ · 24/05/2007 00:33

Oh and the proper application is two coats with a high quality roller. If you put too much paint on and get an orange peel effect, you;re supposed to use a brush with a little bit of emulsion on it to brush off (lay off) the excess.

OP posts:
Lollipoplady · 24/05/2007 15:57

My husband is a paint manufacturer and when we came to decorate last year I wanted to use F & B paints as the colours really suited the house. He wouldn't as he said the quality did not warrant the price. It takes two or more coats and the coverage is very uneven. He did explain the chemical reason why but at 8.5 months pregnant at the time it did go over my head. We used the Heritage range and the 1829 range instead and are very pleased with the results. Hope this helps

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