Professional Decorators Review Farrow and Ball Emulsion
It’s fair to say, Farrow and Ball paint gets mixed reviews. Designers and homeowners seem to love the luxury range of both contemporary and period colours, along with the sleek and stylish F&B wallpaper collection. It’s fair to say this brand fits in the ‘designer décor’ category. You can buy these products online by clicking here, or from many paint stockists around the UK. Farrow and Ball products usually the same price no matter where you buy it from, but you can go to their website and buy direct.
However, some decorators prefer to get Farrow and Ball colours matched into other paint brands. We wanted to know what professionals really thought, so we asked painters and decorators to review Farrow and Ball Emulsion for us. This is what they came back with…..
Farrow and Ball is overpriced and generally takes an extra coat to achieve a solid colour. But saying that, I have never had any disasters with it. My clients seem to love the finish and there is a depth of colour that you don’t get with other brands.
Adrian Rayfield
Farrow and Ball is lovely paint and I don’t have any issues with it other than the price. Make sure you use the wall primer for big colour changes and bare plaster.
Christopher Ashby
We are just doing a massive 5 bed extension, and everything is Farrow and Ball except from one room, which is a Little Greene colour. The Farrow and Ball is awful to use! I find the estate emulsion doesn’t sit flat.
You get awful orange peel with the estate eggshell, it doesn’t rub down very well, and it rolls like plastic.
Both products clog the sandpaper badly.
Anthony Dance
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I have been a decorator for 33 years and use Farrow and Ball often. It doesn’t cover in 2 coats over previously painted walls like other emulsions do. The modern emulsion gives an excellent finish, but I usually get the colour matched in Dulux.
As for price, it doesn’t bother me as the client pays. I simply explain my views and let them decide whether to pay top dollar for Farrow and Ball or slightly less for a Dulux match. I think F&B gives a slightly better finish though.
Brian Sweeney
I rate Farrow and Ball paint, but the Estate emulsion does mark easily. You might use it in a bedroom, or lounge if you don’t have pets, but not in high-traffic areas like hallways. The other little gripe is the opacity of Farrow and Ball paint. It generally takes an extra coat compared to other brands.
The finish is always fantastic though. Very few defects and a lovely depth to it. Customers talk about “underlying tones” and “subtleties”. I’m not sure as I’ve never used a room painted in Farrow and Ball for any period of time, but you can tell the difference in finish. If budget allows, stick with F&B.
Ben Mars
The Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion scuffs if you look at it wrong. The modern emulsion is too shiny and looks terrible! They both have terrible opacity, and the colours are easily matched into alternative brands.
I always recommend Teknos Pro5. This is a durable matt emulsion with a low sheen level. The price is much lower than Farrow and Ball, but the finish is far superior.
It’s not bad gear, although some colours require 3 coats to get a finish I’m happy with . If I’m honest I normally get johnstone’s to colour match, but only because it’s cheaper.
Gary Mally
I know other decorators don’t like Farrow and Ball, but that’s because they only look at it from the application side of things. Yes, it takes an extra coat and yes, it is expensive, but it’s worth it.
Farrow and ball use more pigment in their emulsion. That includes higher levels of titanium dioxide, which is expensive. It isn’t like they skimp. this leads to a better depth of finish and a metameric colour. You notice subtle hints of different shades as the light changes. I have farrow and Ball in my own house, and I make no apology for it.
Ross Green
I’ve been in the game 40 years and I have used Farrow and Ball a few times. Suppliers should tell customers the emulsion needs a primer. As someone once said, it’s the Emprors new clothes of paint. 6 out of 10, if that.
Tony Finch
Farrow and Ball is overpriced! It needs too many coats to cover for a proper job. Plus, the eggshell wrecks your brush, which seems to grow legs. It needs to be washed out regularly during use!! They look ok once on though.
Stephen Connor
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Never had a problem with the Farrow and Ball. I normally use their primer to be honest, especially when painting over bare plaster. The paint just seems to sit better on it. Opacity is the biggest issue. I like the finish.
I always give my customer an option to have it mixed in crown, Johnstone’s or Dulux, but always point out it may be slightly different shade. At the end of the day it’s their choice as they’re the ones paying.
Micky D
I would rather get Farrow and Ball colours mixed up in anything else, Dulux, Johnstone’s or Crown etc… Using semi-skimmed milk would be better!
Soft colours you can sometimes get away with 2 coats, but bold colours are 4 + which is shocking. Great colour range, but the paint is well overpriced for what you get.
5/10
Kyle Clover
It is all just clever marketing to be honest. Opacity is terrible and the emulsion often needs 3 coats. It’s overpriced too. Johnstone’s colour match is 👌🏻 and far better quality 3/10 and I’m being generous guys.
Andy Stelfox
I like the Farrow and Ball colour range and the finish looks good. As for coverage, not the greatest, in fact I find it rather watery. I much prefer Dulux Trade.
6.5/10
Nick Squires
Can you tell the guy who makes the names up to cut down on the drugs as it’s getting out of hand now!!! Dead Salmon?? What’s that about?
Paul Bloomfield
I do a lot of hand-painted kitchens, and my favourite product to use is Farrow and Ball Modern Eggshell. You need to use an adhesion primer, but that’s the same with almost any paint system. Modern eggshell is lovely to apply, flattens off nicely and leaves a fantastic finish. Plus, homeowners know the brand and love the colours.
Lee Smith
I have no problem with Farrow and Ball. Nice to paint with and does touch up well. No flashing either. Plus, a part-used tin will keep for years, whereas most other brands seem to start stinking.
Nick Scott
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I’d give Farrow and Ball emulsion 5/10. Great colour range, which I normally get mixed for better price in a better brand of paint.
Al Merritt
No problem with any of it if you go through the correct procedure. It’s top range on price, but I offer Johnstone’s Covaplus as an alternative for the colour match. 8/10, Farrow and Ball is great paint.
Matt Chant
The estate eggshell is incredible, the finish is to die for. Modern emulsion is a great finish, but never been back to a job to see if it held out moisture wise. Great coverage on new plaster, but does struggle over white and other colours. 7/10 on the emulsion and 9/10 on the eggshell.
Charlie Holmes
I have been in the trade 28 years, and I can tell you Farrow and Ball Emulsion has very poor coverage.
If I’m pricing a job, I tell the customer it will need an extra coat and advise them to get the colour mixed in a different brand.
The thing is, Farrow and Ball are missing out on a fortune!! People want their colours. Their marketing/ brand is clearly effective, so why not just give people a good product? Especially considering the price of the paint! They should look at ways of improving their emulsion.
Myles Fizpatrick - Decorators Review Farrow and Ball Emulsion
Yep, as said by other decorators, the coverage is bad, and I feel it’s well overpriced. Especially if you consider the extra coats needed to complete your project. Also, the eggshell takes far too long to harden up…. but the colours are great, and the finish is always good.
Lee Cotterill
I’ve been in the decorating trade for just over 10 years.
Farrow and Ball is not a good paint because it doesn’t cover and it’s over-priced! Great colours though and the finish is ok!! Teknos Pro5 is better paint and much cheaper.
6/10
John Barker
Farrow and Ball is not bad to use, good flow but never covers in 2 coats! I always price for 3 to 4 coats which is ridiculous. One plus point is the shelf life of part used tins of Farrow and Ball is a lot longer than other brands. If you like to keep left over paint for touch ups it is ideal. It seems to keep its colour on the walls too. No fading like some other brands.
Neil Belsom
Farrow and Ball is alright. Be prepared to apply an extra coat, but it does the job and looks good. Bit pricey though.
Jack Lea
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I’m impressed with the new Estate Emulsion mix; the old version had no opacity whereas the new one covers well. I often get Farrow and Ball colours mixed into Tikkurila, as Tikkurila is a cheaper option and better products. I give out a Farrow and Ball colour chart if the customer wants it. Quick tip – when using F&B emulsion follow all instructions for recoat times and roll out of the same paint scuttle as you’re using for cutting-in for a neater finish. Rating out of 10, 7
Dean Wilks
I’ve been a decorator for nearly 20 years and have done a few jobs using Farrow and Ball Emulsion. I would always recommend to the customer to get the colour mixed in a different brand. Farrow and Ball is extortionately overpriced for a product that badly picture frames and needs additional coats. Other negatives are, it marks easily and can’t be touched up. How anyone can say it’s good paint bearing in mind the price and poor coverage baffles me.
John Jones
Well 31 years in the trade and I’ve no problem using Farrow and Ball. It’s far better these days than it used to be. The only problems I have is when customers want F&B, but not wanting to pay the price. I give the option to have it mixed in Dulux as I have my account there. I’ve found that if it’s a light base then mixed in Armstead it comes out ok. But for dark base it needs to be Dulux. As of yet, no complaints from customers doing it this way. Always give the option but warn the colour may not be 100% identical.
Chris Burr - Decorators Review Farrow and Ball Emulsion
Farrow and Ball emulsion is great paint. Always use the wall primer, then go with two topcoats. It’s also a fashion statement. You wouldn’t walk around in counterfeit designer clothes, so why get Farrow and Ball colours matched into other brands? If your budget allows, go with Farrow and Ball.
Lily Henry
Farrow and Ball is ok. My gripe is the price, which is way too high for the quality of the paint you’re getting. The Estate Emulsion marks too easily and the Modern Emulsion has too much of a sheen to it. You’d be better off just getting the colours matched into Johnstone’s. Or better yet, go for Teknos Pro5.
Mike Gregory
The modern emulsion has too high of a sheen level and the estate emulsion scuffs too easily. not good considering Farrow and Ball supposed to be a premium product!!
Lee Cooper
It has its place. Overpriced, but that’s their business. I see people moaning about not getting on with it, but personally I have not had a problem with Farrow and Ball. If you go in thinking “it’ll be 3/4 coats then fine” I price accordingly, if they are willing to pay f&b prices then they should be prepared to pay for the labour. Nice colours and I always offer to match the colours if customers don’t want to pay for it.
Neil Wilkie
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Colours good, paint not so good. In fact, an upcoming customer has requested Farrow and Ball colours mixed into Little Greene paint. I had never heard of such a thing!
Rob Martin
The quality of the emulsion is fine. The eggshells are light on tint and require more coats than other brands, the price is an absolute joke. Overall, I’m happy with the working properties but dislike the opacity and cost. Get Farrow and Ball colours matched into other brands.
Teddy Flex
I’ve only used Farrow and Ball once. Found it ok. No idea why it’s so expensive though!!
Jimmy Pringle
Personally, I think that it’s up to the customer if they are willing to pay for Farrow and Ball. A lot of decorators like to stick to brands they like to use, so I suggest getting the colour matched. 👍
Brian Carlisle
Providing you use the Farrow and Ball primer, you don’t mind paying ridiculous prices, you’re very careful not to scuff the walls afterwards and you don’t mind a rubbish finish, Farrow and Ball is good paint?! Seriously though, use something different!!
Decorators review Farrow and Ball Emulsion
Dan Fletcher
Updated Feb 2, 2023 | Posted Oct 30, 2018
FAQs
Is it worth paying for Farrow and Ball? ›
Farrow and Ball paint is one of the most expensive paints, so it's not for everyone. But if you do decide to buy F&B's products, just know that its Estate Emulsion is a flat finish and probably won't stand up to an active family with kids or pets.
Why is my Farrow and Ball paint still tacky? ›The paint may have dried, but it does not mean it has cured completely, hence the tacky feel… It could actually take up to 4 weeks to cure completely!!
Whats the difference between Farrow and Ball Modern emulsion and estate emulsion? ›The primary difference between Farrow & Ball's Estate and Modern emulsion is the sheen level. Estate emulsion has a lower gloss percentage, just 2 per cent, creating a flat finish, with Modern emulsion at 7 per cent, the sheen level of a matte paint.
Which Farrow and Ball paint is best for kitchen walls? ›Modern Emulsion is our super-tough finish for interior walls and ceilings. Washable, scuff-resistant and protected against mould, it's suitable for use in every room in the home, from busy hallways to moisture-prone kitchens and bathrooms, while offering our full range of colours in a beautiful matt finish.
Why don t decorators like Farrow and Ball? ›Farrow and Ball Modern Emulsion has a high-sheen level, so doesn't look very contemporary in a modern home. Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion contains very little polymer binder, so it's chalky and marks very easily. You can see flashing sometimes and it drags as you apply it.
Can I buy Farrow and Ball in the US? ›We have 15 showrooms in North America & Canada.
Can Sherwin Williams match Farrow and Ball colors? ›Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore dealers offer color matching where they will match the exact Farrow & Ball color. Because all paint brands have different paint formulas, it will not be a 1:1 match, but it will be very close! The cost for a gallon of BM or SW paint is closer to $70.
How many coats of Farrow and Ball paint do you need? ›Apply two coats using a brush or roller. A third coat may be necessary depending on the colour of the topcoat and the original surface colour. To achieve an even finish, make sure you lay off in one direction for the final coat. Modern Eggshell is touch dry in two hours and can be recoated in four hours.
How do you get the best finish with Farrow Ball? ›The Farrow & Ball System
To ensure the best finish, it's important to let the recommended drying time pass between coats. We list the drying time for each finish on its individual product page, but please be aware that these can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and the shade being applied.
- Crown Trade Vinyl Matt. Crown Trade Vinyl Matt is very popular choice amongst decorators as it represents fantastic value for money for a trade-quality vinyl matt emulsion. ...
- Tikkurila Vinyl Matt. ...
- Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt. ...
- Armstead Vinyl Matt.
Is Farrow and Ball emulsion any good? ›
My clients seem to love the finish and there is a depth of colour that you don't get with other brands. Farrow and Ball is lovely paint and I don't have any issues with it other than the price. Make sure you use the wall primer for big colour changes and bare plaster.
Is there a cheaper version of Farrow and Ball? ›Dulux Cameo Silk 1
School House White is one of Farrow & Ball's classic shades - a warm off-white that adds character to any surface. Luckily, there's a brilliant budget alternative out there in the shape of Cameo Silk 1 by Dulux, which offers the same softness and slight cream undertone.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Cabinet Paint is a water-based acrylic product designed for surfaces such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, trim, window frames and doors. It offers the hardness of a traditional oil-based paint in an acrylic formula.
What color does Joanna Gaines use in kitchens? ›In her four favorite color combinations, she pairs white with cream, bold blue, gray, and light blue or green. The white and cream color combo offers a bit more versatility.
What wall colors does Joanna Gaines use? ›Sherwin Williams – Silver Strand
This gorgeous muted gray/green is Joanna's go to color for interior walls in many of the homes she's filmed on Fixer Upper. It is a lovely neutral when paired with white trim and her signature hardwood floors.
By and large, most professional painters use either Sherwin-Willaims or Benjamin Moore paint products. In fact, 50% of painting contractors chose Benjamin Moore's Regal Select line as their favorite paint.
What color paint hides flaws best? ›We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
What paint brand do decorators use? ›Crown Trade is our premium quality professional paint brand, widely used by contractors, decorators and builders. It is specified for use in domestic and commercial environments by specifiers looking for quality, colour choice and market leading advice and service.
Is Valspar as good as Farrow and Ball? ›Which is best, Farrow & Ball or Valspar? As per our comparison table, there are a lot of pros and cons to both brands but on balance our recommendation is that if you like Farrow & Ball's colour range and can afford it, then go for it - it certainly does have an edge over Valspar's synthetic offering.
Is Farrow and Ball a good brand? ›Because this brand of paint is of high quality, it works well during the paint application process. Instead of feeling - and acting - gluey or watery, Farrow and Ball paints work smoothly, evenly, and great with both paintbrush and roller. Working with such a high-quality paint feels awesome - and it looks awesome too.
Can you order Farrow and Ball online? ›
All sales are subject to our terms and conditions, which are available at www.farrow-ball.com or on request.
Can Home Depot make Farrow and Ball colors? ›If you want a color by a smaller paint brand, i.e. Farrow & Ball or Clare, your best bet is to bring a paint swatch with you. Home Depot doesn't have these color formulations in their library, but they can scan the paint swatch to color match it.
What is Farrow and Ball most popular colour? ›The most popular of all Farrow & Ball colours right now seems to be Hague Blue. Everyone seems to be painting walls, floor and kitchen cupboards in this strong deep dark blue. It has a slight green undertone which lends itself to rooms that don't get much natural light, and it also works well in smaller rooms too.
What Sherwin Williams color is similar to Farrow and Ball light blue? ›Farrow and Ball Light Blue Equivalent
Behr Quiet Time and Sherwin Williams March Wind are also close in color.
For an easy perspective, one gallon would likely cover a bathroom or small bedroom. But keep in mind that most rooms require more than one coat of paint. So if your room needs 2 coats, plan on getting around 200 square feet out of a gallon. Two gallons would allow for two coats of coverage over roughly 800 square feet.
Why is Farrow and Ball paint so good? ›The Unique Look. Responding extraordinarily to all types of light, our highly pigmented paint and handcrafted wallpaper deliver a unique depth of colour and quality of finish which brings walls to life. The rich blend of pigments within our absorbing colours create an inimitable vibrancy in every room of the home.
Do you need to prime before using Farrow and Ball? ›Using Primer & Undercoat
We recommend using Farrow & Ball Primer & Undercoat wherever you're using a Farrow & Ball topcoat. Not only is it specially formulated to bring out the very best in our paint, but keeping to the same brand for your priming and painting products will help to avoid any incompatibility issues.
Semi-gloss and gloss paints reflect light, giving them a bright, shiny finish. While semi-gloss and gloss paints require more prep work and sanding than their matter counterparts to ensure a smooth application, paints with a glossy finish can be scrubbed once dry and are easy to clean.
Can I use Farrow and Ball on my front door? ›And if the idea of a weekend spent with paintbrush in hand still doesn't appeal, remember that all our exterior doors are available ready-painted in any of Farrow & Ball's colours. What colours are popular for exterior doors at the moment? “Classic colours such as black and red remain incredibly smart for front doors.
How durable is Farrow and Ball? ›It's super tough: when a paint is created without much binder, it's left full of air, resulting in a surface that's easily damaged. Farrow & Ball packs its paints with high-quality minerals and greater volumes of ultra-tough binder, making it more solid, and thus resistant to knocks, scuffs and scrapes.
What are the disadvantages of emulsion paint? ›
Emulsion Paint has some disadvantages, too. Emulsion paints have low drying rate in high humidity atmosphere. It may be more expensive than the oil based paint.
What are the disadvantages of emulsion? ›- Emulsion paints have low drying rate in high humidity atmosphere.
- It may be more expensive than the oil based paint.
We know as a fact through running polls on decorating related social media platforms, that Crown Clean Extreme scrubbable matt is widely regarded as the best trade durable matt emulsion on the British market.
Why does Farrow and Ball cost so much? ›One reason Farrow & Ball paints cost more comes down to what's in them. They have less binding agents, less water and more pigment. The high density of pigments does result in a deeper colour, and more use of 'natural' pigments makes the colours more sympathetic.
Can you use a roller with Farrow and Ball? ›Choosing the right brush or roller for your project is essential for achieving a distinctively smooth finish. Our brushes and roller are designed to work in harmony with our water based paints and help you to create the look for your home you desire with ease.
Is Farrow and Ball Modern emulsion good for kitchens? ›Modern Emulsion makes an excellent kitchen paint thanks to its washable and wipeable surface. For the perfect pairing, take your cues from our followers and try ultra-tough Modern Eggshell on kitchen cabinets.
Who are Farrow and Ball competitors? ›Farrow & Ball top competitors include: Little Greene, Mylands Ltd, Colefax, Designers Guild Ltd What companies has Farrow & Ball acquired?
Is Elephant's Breath grey or beige? ›Elephant's Breath is an uplifting mid grey with a hint of magenta, but can become almost lilac in the cooler light of west facing rooms.
How much is a gallon of paint from Farrow and Ball? ›Farrow & Ball, a high-end paint crafted in small batches in southwest England, proudly sells for $125 per gallon in the U.S., sometimes much more.
What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets? ›Oil-based paint is the traditional choice for painting kitchen cabinets. It offers a durable finish and can be used on both wood and laminate cabinet surfaces.
What sheen does Joanna Gaines use? ›
The Eggshell sheen offers a velvet-like finish, and will give you a soft, warm look on the wall. Ideal for: Living Rooms.
What is Joanna Gaines favorite white paint color? ›SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster: certainly one of Joanna Gaines' Favorite White Paints.
What color kitchen has best resale value? ›Light neutrals are the most popular choice, with 27% of survey respondents reporting that having a white kitchen would make them more likely to buy a property, followed by 22% who would be swayed by a light grey kitchen. More surprisingly, bold colourways like black and dark blue also made the list.
What is the most popular kitchen Colour at the moment? ›According to kitchen design and painting experts, the most popular color for a kitchen is tied between navy blue and white. Home stagers and listing agents often suggest painting the kitchen a fresh white color to make the space look larger, cleaner and inviting.
What color cabinets make a kitchen look bigger? ›Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
They use a lot of black, white, and gray. These colors make their flips look chic and modern while providing buyers with a clean look almost anyone will love. You'll find them using black and white tile in almost every episode (whether it be the kitchen, the bathroom, or both), and they love choosing gray paint colors.
What paint color does Hilary Farr use? ›Farr recommends going for earth tones and neutrals when selecting a paint color for inside the home. These are typically colors everyone will like, and they won't contrast with the furniture when you stage the home.
What is Joanna Gaines decorating style called? ›Joanna Gaines' style can be described as updated rustic enriched with details and accents of different styles determined by the preferences of home owners. We see her very often combining rustic with industrial or farmhouse with vintage.
What is so special about Farrow and Ball? ›The Unique Look
Responding extraordinarily to all types of light, our highly pigmented paint and handcrafted wallpaper deliver a unique depth of colour and quality of finish which brings walls to life. The rich blend of pigments within our absorbing colours create an inimitable vibrancy in every room of the home.
YES – IF YOU LOVE THE CHALKY FINISH.
It's what they're famous for! All those natural, organic pigments not only create rich and beautiful colours, they also create a sublime finish. So if you love that matt, chalky, velvety finish that responds to the natural light then again, I'd go with the real deal.
Can Sherwin Williams Color Match Farrow and Ball? ›
Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore dealers offer color matching where they will match the exact Farrow & Ball color. Because all paint brands have different paint formulas, it will not be a 1:1 match, but it will be very close! The cost for a gallon of BM or SW paint is closer to $70.
How hard wearing is Farrow and Ball paint? ›It's super tough: when a paint is created without much binder, it's left full of air, resulting in a surface that's easily damaged. Farrow & Ball packs its paints with high-quality minerals and greater volumes of ultra-tough binder, making it more solid, and thus resistant to knocks, scuffs and scrapes.
Does Farrow and Ball need 3 coats? ›The Farrow & Ball System
For some surfaces, such as newly plastered and dry-lined walls, we recommend a diluted layer of your chosen Farrow & Ball topcoat colour, followed by two full coats. To ensure the best finish, it's important to let the recommended drying time pass between coats.
Storage Advice: This product is water based and must be protected from frost and extreme temperatures. Use within 6 months of purchase.
Is Elephant's Breath GREY or beige? ›Elephant's Breath is an uplifting mid grey with a hint of magenta, but can become almost lilac in the cooler light of west facing rooms.