Why Decorators Hate Farrow and Ball Paint

If you’ve ever chatted with a decorator about paint brands, you might have noticed a surprising trend: many of them don’t exactly rave about Farrow and Ball. You might wonder why a brand so popular among homeowners and interior designers can be a source of frustration for the very people who apply it. Today, I want to share some honest insights into why decorators often find Farrow and Ball paint challenging to work with. Whether you’re planning a fresh coat for your home or managing a commercial property, understanding these points can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

The Price Tag That Raises Eyebrows

Let’s start with the obvious - Farrow and Ball is expensive. There’s no sugarcoating it. For many decorators, the cost of the paint itself is a big hurdle. It’s not just about the price per litre; it’s about the overall project budget. When you’re working on a large space, the cost difference between Farrow and Ball and other premium brands can be significant.

But it’s not just the price that irks decorators. It’s the fact that the paint often requires more coats than expected. Farrow and Ball’s rich, deep colours sometimes need two or even three coats to achieve the perfect finish. That means more paint, more time, and ultimately, more money spent. For decorators juggling tight schedules and budgets, this can be a real pain.

Practical tip: If you’re set on Farrow and Ball, discuss the number of coats upfront with your decorator. This way, you can plan your budget and timeline more realistically.

Various paint cans showing different Farrow and Ball colours

The Drying Time Dilemma

Another common gripe is the drying time. Farrow and Ball paints tend to dry slower than many other brands. This slower drying process can disrupt a decorator’s workflow, especially when working on tight deadlines. Imagine having to wait longer between coats or before moving furniture back into a room. It’s frustrating for both the decorator and the client.

Slower drying times also increase the risk of dust and debris settling on the paint surface, which can spoil the finish. This means decorators often have to spend extra time cleaning or even redoing parts of the job.

Pro tip: If you’re using Farrow and Ball, try to schedule your painting project during a period with stable, moderate humidity and temperature. This can help speed up drying and reduce dust issues.

The Colour Matching Challenge

One of the reasons Farrow and Ball is so beloved is its unique and beautiful colour palette. But here’s the catch - matching those colours can be tricky. Decorators often find that the paint looks different under various lighting conditions or when applied on different surfaces. This inconsistency can lead to frustration, especially if the client expects the exact shade they saw in a showroom or sample pot.

Moreover, if you need to touch up or extend a paint job later, getting the exact colour match can be difficult. Farrow and Ball’s colours are so specific that even slight variations in batch production can be noticeable.

Helpful hint: Always buy enough paint from the same batch for your entire project. If you need more later, bring a sample to the store and ask for a colour match, but be prepared for slight differences.

Painter testing Farrow and Ball paint colours on a wall

The Application Process Is Not Always Straightforward

Farrow and Ball paints have a distinctive texture and finish that can be a double-edged sword. While the finish is often stunning, it can be tricky to apply evenly. Some decorators mention that the paint is thicker and less forgiving than other brands, which means it can show brush strokes or roller marks more easily.

This requires decorators to be extra careful and sometimes use special brushes or rollers to get the best results. It also means the job can take longer, which again impacts the overall cost.

Actionable advice: If you’re hiring a decorator, ask if they have experience with Farrow and Ball. Their familiarity with the product can make a big difference in the final look.

Why Do Homeowners Still Choose Farrow and Ball?

Despite these challenges, Farrow and Ball remains a favourite for many homeowners and commercial property managers. The reason is simple - the quality and depth of colour are hard to beat. The brand’s commitment to eco-friendly ingredients and low VOCs also appeals to those who want a healthier home environment.

If you’re in Colchester, Ipswich, or Hadleigh and want a paint job that stands out, Farrow and Ball can deliver that wow factor. Just be prepared for the extra care and cost involved.

Final thought: Choosing the right paint is about balancing beauty, budget, and practicality. Knowing the pros and cons helps you make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

If you want to learn more about how to get the best results with your paint choices, feel free to reach out. Getting the right advice can make all the difference in your decorating journey.