Farrow and Ball Casein Distemper

Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper is ideal for use on low-traffic walls and ceilings. Casein Distemper offers a very flat matt finish with a breathable, permeable structure. It's unique open polymers lets moisture pass through the flat matt finish, allowing interior plaster walls and ceilings to breathe. Not washable or wipeable.

For best results, make sure your surface, tools and product are clean before you begin. Flaking or peeling may occur if painting over weak paint layers.

Cleaning Prior to Painting

1. For most surfaces it is recommended to use a diluted Sugar Soap solution following the manufacturers instructions
2. It is not recommended using solvent-based cleaning products or strong alkaline solutions as these can impact adhesion
3. After cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and allow to dry

New Surfaces

1. Newly lime plastered surfaces should be fully carbonated and cured for 4-5 weeks prior to application.

Previously Painted Surfaces

1. Can be applied directly to surfaces previously painted with Farrow & ball Casein Distemper
2. It is not suitable for surfaces painted with other finishes, these need to be removed prior to painting
3. Plaster walls which have salt problems will stain and blister subsequent paint coatings, using Casein Distemper will allow the ceiling to breathe and enable the problem to be monitored
4. Avoid applying to areas with running condensation

Structurally Damaged Surfaces

1. Cracking or loose plaster must be repaired or filled with an appropriate filler. Farrow & Ball do not recommend the use of modern fillers on lime based substrates as they will trap moisture and are too hard, leading to cracking and uneven porosity when painting

Always perform a test area before starting any project to judge the suitability, effectiveness and finish of the product.

Do not apply at temperatures below 10°C or in excessive heat above 30°C.

• Please note that flaking or peeling may occur if you paint over weak paint layers - to avoid this sand back any previous weak paint layers before you start painting
• If the wall is uneven or highly porous then apply a diluted coat of your chosen colour (dilute approximately 10% of water and apply as a 'mist' coat
• Stir thoroughly before use
• It is recommended to use a good quality fine-tipped synthetic bristled brush
• Apply the paint in a vertical direction then spread the paint out evenly in a horizontal direction
• On application of the final coat lay off the paint in a single direction to ensure that any brush marks and brush effects (sometimes visible in certain lighting conditions) are minimised
• Recoat time 4 hours

Darker/stronger colours may require additional coats. The drying and recoat times provided are based on applying paint in normal conditions. Drying times may be longer in cooler and/or higher humidity environments. Darker colours may take longer to dry.

Please Note: Due to the traditional nature of this distemper, touching in should be avoided. Due to the traditional nature of this finish, Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper will not accept subsequent layers of modern paints. Casein Distemper is made in the traditional manner using fine pigments and will inevitably have some small variations in colour. The porosity and moisture content of the surface it is applied to will affect the colour and can lead to changes in tone.

For substrates of varying or high porosity, dilution with water may be required to provide good flow and minimise variations in colour and tone. Always stir Casein Distemper before adding water. Apply using a brush (or spray for fragile plasterwork or uneven surfaces such as brickwork). This product is unstable if applied too thickly.

Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper is not washable or wipeable. Please note that the very matt finish of this paint will mean that some colours will become marked or scuffed when washed. For areas of high wear consider using Farrow and Ball Modern Emulsion.