Farrow and Ball Wall and Ceiling Primer and Undercoat

Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat is designed for use under Farrow and Ball Dead Flat, Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion and Farrow and Ball Modern Emulsion. Made with the same quality ingredients and pigments as the topcoats, this undercoat is the crucial foundation for creating a rich, even and longer lasting finish.

Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat is available in four tones to complement your chosen paint colour, they create a smooth, easy-to-paint base and a long-lasting, colour-rich finish.

For an even, long-lasting finish, it is recommend following the Farrow & Ball system.

1. One coat of the Primer & Undercoat in the recommended tone
2. Two coats of your chosen topcoat

Please Note: This product isn't suitable for use in basements or buildings without a functioning damp-proof course, because this can cause failure between the paint and surface being painted, which can include flaking, peeling and blistering.

For best results, make sure your surface, tools and product are clean before you begin.

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 or Unpainted Plaster/Dry-Lined Surfaces

1. Make sure the plaster is clean, dry and free of dust, then suitably primed and undercoated prior to painting
2. For best results and maximum depth of colour, dilute your Farrow & Ball topcoat with 25% water and use this as a mist coat, followed by two coats of your chosen topcoat

Please Note: British Standard 6150 recommends a typical drying time for new plaster of 7 days for every 5mm thickness.

Previously Painted Walls Preparation

1. Ensure all surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and other contamination
2. Apply one coat of Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat (maximum 10% water by volume), in the correct colour tone for your top coat
3. Allow a minimum of 4 hours drying time between coats
4. Follow with two coats of your chosen colour to promote adhesion and full colour depth

Painting Lining Wallpaper

1. For unpainted Lining Paper apply one diluted coat of Farrow and Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat (maximum 10% water by volume), in the correct colour tone for your top coat
2. The dilution rate will depend on the porosity of the surface. It is recommend you test the level of dilution on a patch to determine the level of dilution required
3. If you do not want to apply a primer and undercoat, as an alternative, you can dilute the top coat with approximately 10% water and apply as a "mist" coat

Please Note: When porous papers are not sufficiently prepared, difficulties in application, variation in sheen or uneven colour may occur

Using Interior Caulks and Sealants

Where small gaps and cracks require filling or sealing, best results are achieved with an acrylic based decorators caulk which is a water-based, flexible filler. Use the minimum amount of caulk necessary as a smaller bead will dry quicker and will be less prone to cracking.

1. Follow the filler manufacturers application instructions and drying times

Using the primer and undercoat seals the surface you're painting on. You should have a full solid coat of Primer & Undercoat before applying your topcoat, to ensure that your chosen Farrow & Ball finish sticks to it fully, is evenly absorbed, and has a smooth finish with rich depth of colour. Don't over dilute the Primer & Undercoat or mist coat as this will reduce the opacity, causing an uneven finish and incomplete colour development. Before applying the top coat, consider if a second, undiluted coat of Primer & Undercoat is needed to achieve full opacity.

Brush Application

1. Stir thoroughly before use
2. Apply using a fine-tipped synthetic bristled brush
3. Apply the paint in a vertical direction then spread the paint out evenly in a horizontal direction
4. On application of the final coat lay off the paint in a single direction to ensure that any brush marks and brush patterning effects (sometimes visible in certain lighting conditions) are minimised.

Roller Application

1. Stir thoroughly before use
2. Use a medium pile woven polyester roller
3. Apply the paint in diagonal strokes to create wither an 'M'. 'W' or 'V' shape
4. Fill in and over the shape you have just painted to spread the paint evenly
5. Repeat this process, working in small sections, always work from wet to dry areas, maintaining a wet edge to minimise roller marks
6. On application of the final coat lay off the paint in a single direction to ensure that any roller patterning effects (sometimes visible in certain lighting conditions) are minimised.

Spray Application

Airless Spraying - Best results can be achieved with a typical set up of a 515 nozzle tip and a minimum of 80 bar air injection pressure. It is not recommended to use HVLP spray application for large areas such as walls and ceilings.