Is Farrow & Ball paint worth the money? Post Reply

[sw11_]

Or should i just choose the F&B colours i like and get Dulux to colour match them? I will save a huge amount of money but will the finish be noticeably worse with Dulux? Any experience out there of this??

Thanks

[antonia]

I've always used Leyland paints - you can ask for the F&B colours by their F&B names and they match perfectly and the finish is great. Apparently the quality is also better (despite being cheaper) - a decorator I know says the F&B paints themselves are not great to paint with.

[CornishMummyinLondon]

My decorater won't ever use Farrow and Ball paints in our house either. He nips off and gets any colours we want copied by Dulux.

[supergirl]

FB paints are v difficult to paint with because they are very fine so the finish is very sophisticated if applied properly. For me, only the Paint
Library and Little Green are comparable to FB with less colours to choose from (LG have great colours if you are refurbishing a period house or grade II listing property). Sanderson is also good and they have a lot more colours than FB. Dulux is v good because their spectrum is so vast, but the finish is basic. So to choose my advice is to know what goal you are trying to achieve ie. Kids room=dulux because washable but lounge/sitting room maybe FB?

[sw11_]

interesting - i hadn't thought of using Dulux in some rooms and F&B in others. Do you think the finish is definitely noticeably better with F&B than Dulux then?

[kiwimummy]

one of the main draws with the F&B is the finish. just remember though, the estate emulsion, the really chalky finish, is not wipeable or cleanable. for that, you need F&B modern emulsion which has a slightly higher sheen (7% as per 3%).

i really liked LG ultimatt finish, which is apparently wipeable.

[MakeoversManicures]

If you don't mind doing the journey, there's a paint shop on the new north road in Islington, North London, (Can't remember the name but it's just on the corner of Rydon St N1). They do excellent copies of Farrow and Ball, Paint Library and Little Green. Top interior designers were not able to spot the difference.

[LondonMakeover]

I am an Interior Designer and have used Farrow and Ball paints to paint floorboards before. The paint is excellent and hasn't chipped at all. It is very hardwearing.

There are some fantastic 'heritage' colours in Farrow and Ball. However if you are looking for something cheaper, you can find very similar colours with Crown paints.

PS) If you need any help with a Design project, then let me know.

[supergirl]

The difference between a dulux finish and an FB one is very noticeable at least to me (I am quite picky I must admit).
I have always used the paints I have mentioned before and have always been very happy.
I have used the modern emulsion of FB everywhere (except for ceiling, plaster, dado etc) in my previous house (haven't redecorated that one yet) because as said it is wipeable. The finish is still as matt visually as the estate emulsion without the chalky effect and still very sophisticated. You can use EE if you have children in rooms where they rarely go if at all possible otherwise use ME unless you are happy to redecorate regularly.
Another thing you can consider is using wallpapers. Some are wipeable some not most contemporary ones are ultra sophisticate. You should browse a bit at the design centre for inspiration...

[Sarahekerr]

I believe that the best paint is dulux trade as it has a great finish and if you pay the extra for the diamond finish it us very hard wearing. There is a paint shop on garratt lane ( at the turning to Wimbledon dog track) which colour matches f&b and does a great job

[MrsOctober]

We had our entire house painted in F&B paints. Although we loved the colours available, we now really regret using F&B.
Our handbuilt kitchen cabinets were also painted with a F&B eggshell. Four years down the line, the entire house needs repainting. Kitchen cabinets all chipped. Walls all patchy and marks cannot be cleaned off. We have found the most amazing painter, who we've now used to do a few jobs, he flatly refuses to use F&B paint. He went off to Balham to get Leyland paint made up in an F&B colour, the result is SOOOO much better.
F&B: never again!

[Jo Partridge]

I've been a F+B Fan for years!! I use it in the Salons and my home! The big colour chart that they charge you £15 for is always in my bag!! Sad I know but I know others that do the same! My fave cols @ the mo are Slipper Satin and Brindjal!! Jo P

[swmum90]

We are just in the process of painting our entire house in Farrow and Ball therefore no idea on the longevity of the paint yet.

But one thing i would day is that if you dont like to see lumps and bumps the walls must be perfect because it does show every flaw, but if your going for the period rustic look no problems. We had our whole house re plastered before painting but it was not a good finish and in hindsight a waste of time and money our decorators spent weeks making the plaster work perfect and now it looks fabulous.

We painted the ceilings in Skimming Stone which looks fantastic particularly on the cornice. Also ordered some wallpaper F&B waiting for delivery so hopefully will be equally impressed

[wimblemum]

There is an article from The Times about F&B run again in The Week, this week - worth reading

[Jayssatr]

hello guys, we love farrow and ball, the best paints ever...

My husband's friend sells them at 40% off the normal price if anyone needs any message me and i will try and help you out.

after all they are pricey