Is Expensive Paint Worth The Money?

After renovating 4 houses, decorating at both of my parents homes and countless friends houses I have done a lot of painting and used a lot of paint!

We all have to work to our budget but over the years I have come to realise that some economies are false economies and in my opinion paint is one of those. In light of all the hoo ha over ad not an ad. Or sponsored or gifted etcetera etcetera I will declare now that this is not an ad and not in any way sponsored this post is based on my personal experience.

I recently had a child free day coming up so I decided I was going to get the pink on the chimney breast and ceiling of my office. I had already picked out Middleton Pink, I am pretty anti royal so I wanted not to love the colour but I just do. I digress I went to my local Farrow & Ball stockist to get the paint and they were out of Middleton Pink. I knew I could not get it delivered in time so in a desperate attempt to capitalise on my time I went and had it mixed from the RAL number in Johnstones paint. It was half the price but guess what I had to use twice as much. It took longer, so wasted more time and it is still not quite as nice.

So what are the main differences?

Coverage. You get more for your money so the cost differential is negligible or in some cases non existent.

Ease of use. Some paints drag and are a pain in the arse to paint with. Others go on really well and make a tedious job far less tedious.

Suitability. This is not the case with all premium paint brands but certainly brands such as Little Greene Paint Company and Farrow & Ball are especially suited to period properties. They allow the materials to breathe which is of upmost importance when you are maintaining your home.

Pigment. This is the glaring difference when it comes to premium paint brands. The pigments have more depth so even in the neutrals you get some really interesting tones and the light plays well on them.

I have used Johnstones eggshell paint and I have been pleased but three times I have been disappointed with the emulsion.

So what paint brands do I love?

My all time favourite paint is Little Greene Paint Company. Their paints work really well in period homes, my current Yorkshire home is filled with clay and lime plaster. They also have the most exciting paint colours. They have fantastic coverage and wipe really well.

Next up is Farrow & Ball. They have the same features as Little Greene but the colour range is not as extensive and I have found that the walls are not as durable in the darker colours as when you wipe the walls down, (which you do when you have children), the paint marks.

I also love; Fired Earth, Abigail Ahern and Dulux.

What paint brands do I hate?

Okay so hate is a strong word but I certainly do avoid them. Albany, Johnstones, B&Q Colours, Paint Library & Valspar. These paints have poor coverage and or the paint drags as it goes on making it harder work to get a nice even coat.

Obviously there are many many more paint brands out there that I have not used but these are paints that I have used more than once. I am sure people will have differing opinions and if there are any paint brands that you think I should try be sure to comment below.