Farrow & Ball Paint Finishes Guide: Which One to Choose?

Dead Flat is our multi-surface, ultra-matt finish with added toughness. Suitable for walls, woodwork and metal, it’s ideal for colour drenching. The flat matt look creates richer colour from every angle, while the washable, scuff-resistant finish is more than a match for mess — perfect for hallways, playrooms and other high-traffic areas.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L, 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

Modern Emulsion is our super-tough, matt finish for interior walls and ceilings. Washable, scuff-proof, and protected against mould, it’s particularly perfect for moisture-prone kitchens and bathrooms. Modern Emulsion is available in our full range of colours and, exclusively for our new Carte Blanche colours, this washable wonder is even available in 750ml tins — ideal for accents, feature walls and moments where you just need a drop more.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml (*), 2.5L, 5L (*) Carte Blanche collection only
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

Estate Emulsion is a classic choice for low-traffic interior walls and ceilings. Very matt with a distinctive, chalky finish, it minimises imperfections and creates a beautiful depth of colour. Estate Emulsion is available in our full range of colours.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L, 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 2 hours

Flat Eggshell is our low sheen, super-tough finish for interior wood, metal and concrete. Scrubbable, stain-resistant and quick to dry, it provides a classic look with subtle highlights that bring depth to skirting boards, staircases and kitchen cabinetry.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L, 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

Modern Eggshell is our toughest interior finish, adding lasting colour and protection to interior wood, metal and concrete. It’s even tough enough for floors and kitchen cabinets. With a mid sheen finish, Modern Eggshell is available in our full range of colours.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L, 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

Full Gloss is an ultra-high-gloss water based finish suitable for both interior and exterior wood and metal, as well as bringing a touch of glamour to walls and ceilings. Our highest-shine finish, it’s resistant to water, flaking, peeling, and fading for up to six years (*).

(*) Providing it has been applied in accordance with our Product Advice Sheets. Not suitable for use on highly alkaline or very porous surfaces such as lime render or fletton bricks.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

Exterior Eggshell brings long-lasting, rich colour to exterior wood and metal. The low sheen finish remains flexible once dry, protecting wood and metal surfaces through changing weather, while preservatives help prevent the growth of algae and fungi. The resin-rich formula resists flaking, peeling, and fading for up to six years (*).

(*) Providing it has been applied in accordance with our Product Advice Sheets. Not suitable for use on highly alkaline or very porous surfaces such as lime render or fletton bricks.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L, 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

For brick, render and concrete, Exterior Masonry brings super matt, long-lasting colour to exterior walls. Its water-resistant formula protects walls, while also offering the highest level of water vapour permeability to allow them to breathe. Applied in line with our Product Advice Sheets, it resists flaking, peeling, and fading for up to 15 years (*).

(*) Providing it has been applied in accordance with our Product Advice Sheets. Not suitable for use on highly alkaline or very porous surfaces such as lime render or fletton bricks.

• Coverage: Up to 8m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 5 hours

A satin, low sheen finish, Estate Eggshell subtly highlights interior wood and metal. Washable and wipeable, it brings understated elegance to doors, skirting boards, radiators and more. Estate Eggshell is available in our full range of colours.

• Coverage: Up to 12m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 750ml, 2.5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

This strengthened distemper is for use on low-traffic walls and ceilings. Casein Distemper offers a very flat matt finish with a breathable, permeable structure.

Casein Distemper is a specialist paint requiring skilled application. Professional application recommended.

• Coverage: Up to 13m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, recoat in 4 hours

This traditional distemper has an exquisite, soft, powdery finish and is recommended for very detailed interior plasterwork. Its blend of natural resin and minerals means it can be delicately applied, allowing detail to be preserved on intricate mouldings.

Soft Distemper is a specialist paint requiring skilled application. Professional application recommended.

• Coverage: Up to 13m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 2 hours, no recoat required

For a breathable finish, this historical, designer favourite is suitable for solid lime render exterior walls and interior walls and ceilings. Bonding to the building itself, it protects your home from the elements.

Limewash is a specialist paint requiring skilled application. Professional application recommended.

• Coverage: Up to 5m2/L per coat
• Tin sizes: 5L
• Drying time: Dry in 3 hours, recoat in 12 hours