Farrow and Ball Paint Finishes
Once you have decided on your favourite Farrow and Ball paint colours, you need to decide on the finish you want. Choosing the right paint finish is essential if you want to showcase your chosen colour at it’s best. All Farrow and Ball finishes are water based, quick drying and low in odour and VOCs.
From chalky matt to brilliant gloss, here we run you through the different Farrow and Ball finishes to help you decide which one you should pick for your next project.
Modern Emulsion
Farrow and Ball emulsion paint is the most durable and versatile of finishes. Modern Emulsion is washable, scuff-proof, and protected against mould. It is therefore suitable for the majority of rooms throughout the home but works best on busy, high traffic areas which are susceptible to knocks and scuffs such as hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. Modern emulsion has a matt finish.
Estate Emulsion
Estate emulsion gives walls the signature Farrow and Ball chalky finish and is perfect for interior walls and ceilings. The chalky, matt finish helps to minimise any imperfections as well as giving depth to the colours. This Farrow and Ball finish is also fast drying, perfect for those quick jobs. The flat, matt effect creates brings added richness to darker colours in the Farrow and Ball range.
Modern Eggshell
A Modern Eggshell finish is a truly versatile, hardwearing mid-sheen paint adding both colour and protection to wood, metal and concrete surfaces. It is the toughest interior finish in the Farrow and Ball range and due to its washable properties, it is perfect for use on kitchen cabinetry, skirting boards, stairs, radiators and other hard working areas in the home. Modern Eggshell has a 40% sheen which makes for a slightly glossier alternative to the Estate Eggshell finish.
Estate Eggshell
Estate Eggshell finish is a low VOC paint which gives a lightly textured, soft low-sheen finish. Estate Eggshell finish is a washable, water based satin finish, resistant to stains making it perfect for interior wood and metal throughout the home. It is also great for areas susceptible to marks and spillages such as woodwork, doors, kitchen cupboards, furniture and radiators. The low-shine finish brings an understated elegance to wood and metalwork throughout the home.
Exterior Eggshell
Exterior Eggshell is a long-lasting, satin and is perfect for outdoor spaces. Exterior Eggshell is a finish that remains flexible even once dry, protecting wood and metal surfaces throughout all weather conditions. Added preservatives help to prevent the growth of algae and fungi, and the resin-rich formula resists flaking, peeling, and fading for up to six years. It’s important to note that this finish is not suitable for use on exterior plastic surfaces or decking.
Full Gloss
Farrow and Ball full gloss gives an ultra-high glossy water based finish which can be used on both interior and exterior wood and metal. It is Farrow and Ball’s highest-shine finish and is also resistant to water, flaking, peeling, and fading for up to six years, a perfect choice for a bathroom or a front door.
Shop Farrow & Ball Paint Specialist Finishes
Dead Flat
Farrow and Ball have launched an all-new Dead Flat product which replaces their original formulation. So what is a “Dead Flat” finish? A dead flat paint finish is the lowest sheen level on the market. It's more matt than a regular matt emulsion with a flat, chalky apperance. The all-new Dead Flat offers the most matt finish available from Farrow & Ball, this allows a richer colour to be created from every angle. Dead Flat is a water-based formula, with only a trace of VOCs. With this product you can also benefit from a scrubbable and scuff-resistant finish, meaning you can enjoy a more durable finish than before. The new formulation is also multi-surface,it can be applied to interior walls, woodwork and metal including radiators so is perfect for colour drenching. For more information on this brand new and improved finish, read our introduction to Dead Flat by Farrow and Ball.
Casein Distemper
This finish uses carefully sourced casein resins with unique open polymers which lets moisture pass through its matt finish. This allows the interior plaster walls and ceiling to ‘breathe’. This type of finish is very similar to the Dead Flat finish but its breathable, permeable structure is more suited to plaster walls and ceilings rather than surfaces.
Limewash
Limewash is a particularly historical finish and is usually found on interior walls, exterior walls and ceilings. Limewash is a breathable finish and is best suited for solid stone walls. Limewash bonds to the building itself, protecting your home from elements. Professional application is recommended when it comes to Limewash finishes.
Soft Distemper
Soft Distemper gives a very soft, powdery finish and is best used on interior plasterwork. Soft Distemper uses a blend of natural resin and minerals which is designed to be easily removed. This allows for details to be preserved on intricate mouldings, especially in period properties.