Paint advice please

[vicky whitworth]

Hello,
I need to buy some casein distemper. I have used Rose of Jericho - that's what's currently on the walls. I could go for the same thing or swop to F&B. My first question is - are they much of a muchness in terms of breathability?

My second questions is about colours... I want something soft white on the walls. I have a blue/grey slate flagged floor, and I plan reds and warm colours. But what white to choose. Any advice please?

Thanks, V

 

[Flyfisher]

I've no idea about the relative performance of different brands in terms of breathability, though perhaps there are some actual figures buried deep within the technical specs for each version. Perhaps an email to each company would yield some figures if you're really keen to know? They generally have a technical advice centre. Having said that, I'd bet they are all much of a muchness in this respect.

I know what you mean about wanting something 'soft white' on the walls rather than a brilliant white, but such things are so subjective that it's pretty much impossible to offer actual advice, only suggestions of things to try so you can decide for your self.

We've used Little Greene 'Slaked Lime' distemper on some internal brickwork (already previously painted or we'd have left it as bare brick) and lime plaster and we're very pleased with it. But I checked out a link for reference (https://www.littlegreene.com/slaked-lime?gclid=CKGupYSc8tICFU06GwodfEsPMA) and was mildly shocked to see that the colour on the screen looks nothing like it does when on the wall (horrible on the screen, lovely on the wall - perhaps it's my screen!).

I'd say that sample pots are going to be the only real help for a final decision - especially since there seems to be a million different shades/hues of 'off white' these days.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Hi Vicki---- long time no hear--glad you are back in touch more frequently! I am not enamoured by F & B finishes and feel that for maximum breathability Rose of Jericho is the very best as they are still using natural earth products in their paint. Little Greene and F & B skate alongside offering a mass of colours, many of which I like, but have been disappointed with the finish and durability--its such a competitive market these days. Have a look at Francesca's chalky emulsions they are very expensive but do do what is says on the label !

 

[MikeG]

I'm with Jocelyn. Farrow and Ball have nice colours and poor paint. These days you can get their colours mixed up in other brands of paint.

Breathability isn't an issue if you have a properly designed wall and decent ventilation. However, if you are relying on lime plaster to absorb excess moisture then release it again slowly you clearly shouldn't put a vapour-impermeable layer over the plaster. I would always seek to fix the ventilation rather than relying on the plaster to regulate the internal humidity, but, as the Americans are wont to say, your mileage may vary.

 

[vicky whitworth]

Thank you, Jocelyn, for remembering me. It has been a while. And thank you for the advice. V

 

[skier-hughes]

We've used RoJ on al the walls we've done and been very happy with it. Not used a white though, so can't comment on that, always been straw coloured!!

 

[jocelyn plummer]

They do Venetian White, which is a pretty, grey white and compliments most colours very well.