Paint Review: Dulux vs Farrow & Ball vs Lick – Which One Should You Choose for Your Refurb?

Paint Review

When you're refurbishing a home, paint plays a huge role in the final look and feel of your space. But not all paints are created equally — and choosing the right brand can make the difference between a flawless finish and a frustrating touch-up job. Here's how Dulux, Farrow & Ball, and Lick compare across quality, price, and practicality.

Dulux – The Reliable All-Rounder

Best for: Budget-conscious renovators, rentals, high-traffic areas

Pros:

• Widely available and affordable

• Easy to apply with good coverage

• Huge colour range, including custom mixing

• Tough finishes like Dulux Diamond for durability

Cons:

• Standard lines may need extra coats for full coverage

• Colours can sometimes lack depth compared to premium brands

  
  

Verdict: A safe, practical choice for most refurbishments. If you're doing a large area or multiple rooms on a budget, Dulux delivers solid results without breaking the bank.

Farrow & Ball – The Heritage Favourite

Best for: High-end finishes, period homes, statement rooms

Pros:

• Rich, highly pigmented colours with unique depth

• Luxurious matte and estate finishes

• Eco-friendly, water-based formulas

• Stylish, curated palette loved by designers

Cons:

• Premium price point

• Some users find it trickier to apply (especially Estate Emulsion)

• May need more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas

  
  

Verdict: Ideal if you’re going for a timeless, elegant look — especially in feature rooms like dining areas, bedrooms, or hallways. Farrow & Ball is a splurge, but the finish is often worth it.

Lick – The Modern Minimalist

Best for: Trend-led interiors, smaller projects, social media-savvy renovators

Pros:

• Trendy, curated colour palette

• Low-odour, eco-friendly paint with great opacity

• Comes with swatch stickers instead of messy tester pots

• Beautiful branding and unboxing experience

Cons:

• Limited colour range compared to Dulux or F&B

• Premium pricing for a relatively new brand

• Less readily available in stores (mostly online)

  
  

Verdict: Lick is perfect for those who love a modern aesthetic and want a clean, contemporary finish. Great for feature walls or freshening up a flat, but maybe not the go-to for an entire house renovation.

Brand

Best For

Price Range

Coverage

Colour Depth

Dulux

All-round value

£

✅✅✅

✅✅

Farrow & Ball

Statement finishes

£££

✅✅

✅✅✅✅

Lick

Trendy, modern spaces

££

✅✅✅

✅✅✅