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Farrow & Ball is the gold standard when it comes to timeless elegance, rich pigments, and flawless finishes. If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for their exquisite colour palette, you’ll know that choosing the right finish is just as important as selecting the perfect shade. Whether you’re after a buttery matt or a satin-like sheen, there’s a Farrow & Ball paint finish to suit every room and surface in your home.
In this guide, I’ll break down all the Farrow and Ball paint types we offer, so you can confidently choose the best Farrow and Ball paint that’s right for your next project.
Farrow and Ball Finishes Guide
| Finish | Sheen Level | Best For | Key Features |
|
Dead Flat |
Ultra Matt Finish: 2% Sheen |
Walls, ceilings, woodwork, metal |
Ultra-matt, washable, deep colour depth, multi-surface use |
| Estate Emulsion | Ultra Matt Finish: 2-3% Sheen | Walls & ceilings in low-traffic areas | Chalky, soft finish, deep colour depth, luxurious look |
|
Modern Emulsion |
Matt Finish: 7% Sheen | High-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms | Washable, scuff-resistant, mould-resistant, durable |
|
Estate Eggshell |
Satin Finish: 20% Sheen | Woodwork, radiators, furniture | Traditional eggshell finish, wipeable, elegant sheen |
|
Modern Eggshell |
Satin Finish: 40% Sheen | Floors, skirting boards, kitchen cabinets | Hardwearing, durable, easy to clean |
|
Full Gloss |
High Gloss Finish: 95% Sheen | Woodwork, metal, front doors, statement pieces | Ultra-reflective, bold, durable, high-impact finish |
|
Exterior Eggshell |
Satin Finish: 20% Sheen | Exterior wood & metal | Weather-resistant, flexible, long-lasting colour |
|
Exterior Masonry |
Ultra Matt Finish: 2% Sheen | Brick, render, concrete walls | Breathable, weatherproof, dirt-resistant |
1. Dead Flat
Dead Flat is all about zero shine, all depth. This ultra-matt finish has an incredible softness, making colours look velvety and rich. Plus, it works across walls, woodwork, and metal, so you can create a seamless, contemporary look with just one product.
Best for: Walls, ceilings, and trim where you want an ultra-matt, ultra-sophisticated effect. And the best part? It’s actually wipeable—so it looks delicate but can handle real life.
If you want to dive deeper into what makes this finish so special, I’ve written a dedicated blog all about Dead Flat. It covers everything—from how it differs from Estate and Modern Emulsion to why it’s worth the investment and the best places to use it in your home.
2. Estate Emulsion
Estate Emulsion is the go-to for that signature Farrow & Ball chalky finish. With just an extremely low sheen, it absorbs light like a dream, creating a soft, velvety look that feels effortlessly luxurious and minimises imperfections. It’s the kind of finish that instantly makes a space feel curated and sophisticated.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and ceilings where you want a rich, ultra-matt look. Due to its unique chalky texture, keep in mind that it’s not the most wipeable, so best for areas with less wear and tear.
3. Modern Emulsion
Think of Modern Emulsion as Estate Emulsion’s stylish yet practical sibling. It offers the same deep, rich matt finish but with supercharged durability. This means it can handle life’s little mishaps—knocks, spills, and even the occasional crayon masterpiece—without losing its stunning depth of colour.
Best for: Busy areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, where you need a wipeable, scuff-resistant paint that doesn’t compromise on beauty. Modern Emulsion is also mould protected, meaning it works great in rooms with high humidity like kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
4. Estate Eggshell
With a subtle sheen, Estate Eggshell adds just the right amount of glow to interior woodwork and furniture. It’s soft, elegant, and effortlessly timeless—perfect for adding character without overpowering a space.
Best for: Skirting boards, doors, radiators, cupboards, and even upcycling furniture. It’s a must-have if you want a finish that’s as practical as it is pretty.
5. Modern Eggshell
For a seriously tough finish, Modern Eggshell is the ultimate workhorse. It’s more durable than typical emulsions, making it a lifesaver in high-use areas. With a high sheen, it’s sleek without being too shiny, bouncing light around the room to make your space feel brighter – it’s a classic for a reason.
Best for: Floors, stairs, and especially kitchen cabinets. If you want a resilient finish that stands up to everyday chaos, this is your go-to.
6. Full Gloss
If you love bold, statement-making interiors, Full Gloss is where it’s at. With an ultra-high sheen, this paint literally gleams. It’s dramatic, striking, and guaranteed to turn heads. Suitable for exterior and interior wood and metal, this paint is resistant to water, peeling, flaking and fading.
Best for: Front doors, statement furniture, and decorative metalwork (like radiators and banisters). It’s not for the faint-hearted—but if you want impact, this is the one.
7. Exterior Eggshell
Designed to stand up to the elements, Exterior Eggshell balances beauty with resilience. The resin-rich formula makes it resistant to peeling and flaking, whilst added preservatives prevent the growth of mould and algae. With a subtle sheen, it has a gentle glow while being flexible enough to move with the natural expansion of wood and metal—meaning no cracks or peeling.
Best for: Exterior doors, window frames, and even garden furniture. It’s your secret weapon for an outdoor refresh that lasts.
8. Exterior Masonry
For a beautifully soft, weatherproof finish on exterior walls, Exterior Masonry is unbeatable. It’s ultra-matt with a low sheen, so it absorbs light beautifully while being seriously tough, resisting flaking and peeling for up to 15 years.
Best for: Brick, render, and concrete surfaces. If you want a paint that protects and perfects, this is the one to go for.
Choosing the right Farrow & Ball finish isn’t just about looks—it’s about making your home work for you. Whether you’re after a chalky, heritage-style matt or a glossy, high-drama statement, there’s a finish to match your space, style, and lifestyle.
Have you found the perfect finish for your project? Now comes the fun part—choosing your colour! Grab a Farrow & Ball colour chart, test out a few shades with sample pots, or explore the full range to find your perfect match. And if you’re unsure or need a bit of guidance, I’m always happy to help!
Helen x
