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Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Paint & Paper Library — what each gives you and what installers charge.
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on premium Paint Brands.
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Wasting premium paint
Use trade emulsion for mist coats and primer. Save the £70/litre Farrow & Ball for the top coats.
Colour mismatch on paint chart
Always order a sample pot (£5–£8) and test on the wall in your actual light before committing.
Touch-up impossible
Some matt emulsions (Farrow & Ball Estate) can't be invisibly touched up — repaint the whole wall to fix a mark.
Buying online colour-matched
Some retailers offer cheaper "match" versions — never quite the same depth or coverage.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Trade emulsion (Dulux, Crown) per litre£3–£7 per m² coverage
£15–£35/m²
Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion per litre£10–£14 per m² coverage
£50–£70/m²
Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion per litreWashable, more durable
£60–£80
Little Greene Intelligent MattCoverage and depth
£55–£75
Edward Bulmer Natural PaintPlant and mineral-based
£65–£85
Paint a single feature wall (premium)Material cost only
£90–£200
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Edward Bulmer and similar premium paint brands command 3–4× the price of trade emulsion. The question: does the extra cost actually deliver? This guide compares the UK premium paint market and shows where the spend is justified.
What Does the Work Involve?
Premium paints are typically thicker, more pigment-rich, and have specific colour matching impossible with standard trade paint. Application is conventional — same brush and roller technique — but the depth of colour and finish quality is noticeably different in person. Coverage is typically slightly better (fewer coats needed) due to higher pigment loading.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade emulsion (Dulux, Crown) per litre | 15 | 35 | £3–£7 per m² coverage |
| Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion per litre | 50 | 70 | £10–£14 per m² coverage |
| Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion per litre | 60 | 80 | Washable, more durable |
| Little Greene Intelligent Matt | 55 | 75 | Coverage and depth |
| Edward Bulmer Natural Paint | 65 | 85 | Plant and mineral-based |
| Paint a single feature wall (premium) | 90 | 200 | Material cost only |
| Whole-room premium upgrade | +£200 | +£500 | vs trade emulsion |
How Long Does It Take?
Same as standard paint — 1–2 coats over existing painted walls. Drying time identical (water-based emulsion ~2 hours touch-dry, 6 hours recoatable).
DIY or Professional?
DIY-friendly but the spend justifies professional application — paying £200 for a room paint that uses £150 of paint and you might botch the finish doesn't make sense.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any quality decorator can apply premium paint. The brand often dictates regional availability — Farrow & Ball stockists, Little Greene showrooms. Check the decorator's previous work to confirm they get clean cut-in lines (where premium paint shows its quality vs trade).
UK Regulations
Same as standard paints. VOC compliance.
Common Problems
- Wasting premium paint: Use trade emulsion for mist coats and primer. Save the £70/litre Farrow & Ball for the top coats.
- Colour mismatch on paint chart: Always order a sample pot (£5–£8) and test on the wall in your actual light before committing.
- Touch-up impossible: Some matt emulsions (Farrow & Ball Estate) can't be invisibly touched up — repaint the whole wall to fix a mark.
- Buying online colour-matched: Some retailers offer cheaper "match" versions — never quite the same depth or coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is premium paint really worth 3–4x trade?
For feature rooms where colour depth matters: yes. For bedrooms and utility spaces: usually no — trade paint at quality grade looks identical to most people.
Farrow & Ball or Little Greene?
F&B: more historic colour heritage, instantly recognisable colour names (Hague Blue, Pigeon, Pale Powder). Little Greene: similar quality, broader colour range, slightly less premium pricing.
Is Estate Emulsion washable?
No — Estate Emulsion is matt and porous. Use F&B Modern Emulsion (washable) for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. Estate for traditional living rooms and bedrooms.
Are colour-match alternatives any good?
Slight differences in colour depth and finish. For premium results, buy the real product. For approximate match in less visible rooms, alternatives are acceptable.
What's Edward Bulmer paint?
Premium plant-and-mineral-based paint — fully breathable, low-VOC, natural pigments. Heritage colours. £65–£85 per litre. The eco-premium choice.
Will I see the difference?
Yes — premium paint has noticeably more depth and chalky matt quality. Most visible in north-facing rooms where light is low and colour quality matters most.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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