Introduction to Farrow & Ball Paints
If you’re in the midst of planning a kitchen makeover, you’ve likely come across Farrow & Ball. Known for their beautifully crafted colours and superior quality, Farrow & Ball paints have become a top choice for decorators not only in Dublin but across Ireland. Their eco-friendly formulas and premium finishes make them especially appealing for homeowners who want more than just a typical paint job.
Serving homeowners, decorators, and designers for decades, Farrow & Ball offers a variety of finishes suited to different surfaces and environments. For kitchen walls in particular, the options are both functional and fashionable. Among their most popular products are Modern Emulsion, Modern Eggshell, and Full Gloss—each designed to meet specific performance and aesthetic needs.
Key Characteristics of Farrow & Ball Paints
One of the standout qualities of all Farrow & Ball paints is that they are water-based. This makes them not only quick-drying but also far lower in odour compared to solvent-based alternatives. These qualities are crucial for busy family homes where minimising disruption during a paint project is a priority.
Farrow & Ball paints are also eco-friendly, featuring low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). This means they don’t release harmful gases into your indoor air, making them safe to use around children and pets. Their formulas underscore the brand’s commitment to sustainability and indoor air quality, offering peace of mind for health-conscious homeowners.
Finish-wise, they offer a range of sheen levels:
- Modern Emulsion: 7% sheen – a subtle, matt-like finish perfect for walls and ceilings.
- Modern Eggshell: Slightly higher sheen and suited for tougher surfaces like wood.
- Full Gloss: 95% sheen – extremely reflective and durable.
Suitability for Kitchen Walls
Durability and Maintenance
Kitchens are among the most demanding spaces in a home due to moisture, grease, and the wear and tear of daily activities. That’s why choosing a durable kitchen wall paint is essential. Farrow & Ball’s Modern Emulsion is a hero in this category thanks to its washable and wipeable surface, allowing you to clean up spills and splashes with ease.
It is also scuff- and stain-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or have little ones running around, this paint stands up to the everyday chaos of kitchen life.
Importantly, Modern Emulsion includes mould protection. This integral feature makes it ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, helping prevent unsightly mould growth on your freshly painted walls.
Application and Drying Times
Another benefit is the user-friendly application process. Farrow & Ball paints can be applied with brushes, rollers, or sprayers, giving you flexibility depending on your tools and preference.
The touch-dry time for Modern Emulsion is around 2 hours, with a recoat time of 4 hours. This means you can typically complete a job with two coats in a single day—a significant time-saver for weekend DIYers or professional painters in Dublin.
Two coats are generally recommended to achieve optimal colour depth and sheen consistency, particularly in lighter shades or on previously uneven surfaces.
Specific Products for Kitchen Walls
Modern Emulsion
This is the star product when it comes to Farrow and Ball kitchen walls. With its soft matte finish (7% sheen), it not only looks elegant but is designed specifically to withstand the demands of busier spaces. Covering up to 12m² per litre, it offers great value per tin.
Before applying, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and free from any contaminants. This helps ensure maximum adhesion and a flawless finish. For detailed surface prep techniques, be sure to read our guide on kitchen spray painting.
Modern Eggshell
Though intended for interior woodwork and floors, Modern Eggshell can also be used on walls where added durability is needed. It offers a higher sheen level than Modern Emulsion, making it easier to wipe clean while still delivering excellent aesthetic results.
This makes it a strong contender for areas of the kitchen that experience even more traffic or occasional splashes—such as behind bins or around dining nooks.
Full Gloss
As the name suggests, this finish offers a staggering 95% sheen. Full Gloss is not commonly used on large wall surfaces in kitchens but is highly recommended for accents such as cabinetry, trim, or even statement furniture pieces. It’s worth noting that this paint is not suitable for plastic or pressure-treated surfaces, which can limit its scope.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Farrow & Ball’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond low VOCs. Their paints are packed in recyclable metal containers, and users are advised not to empty unused paint into drains or watercourses. Instead, always dispose of any leftover content following local Dublin council regulations.
Another huge plus? Farrow & Ball paints come with an A+ indoor air quality rating, making them a safe choice for families and anyone with sensitivities to traditional paint fumes.
Colour Accuracy and Availability
One of the most cherished aspects of Farrow & Ball is their distinctive and curated colour range. From bold tones to soft neutrals, their palette offers endless kitchen wall colour ideas. Whether you’re going for a modern industrial style or classic country kitchen, there’s a shade that suits your vision.
To avoid any inconsistencies, always ensure you’re using paint from tins with matching batch numbers. This helps maintain colour accuracy from one wall to the next and avoids subtle but noticeable tonal differences.
User Experiences and Recommendations
Feedback from users across Dublin and beyond has been overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the durability and finish quality, highlighting how it transforms both old and new walls with consistently excellent results.
Experienced Dublin painters frequently recommend Farrow & Ball for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Its ease of application and forgiving nature on surfaces with minor imperfections make it a favourite across both residential and commercial projects.
Comparison with Other Finishes
Understanding the differences in sheen and performance can help homeowners choose the most appropriate finish. For instance, Full Gloss is incredibly durable but may feel overwhelming on large wall surfaces. It’s better suited for trim or cabinetry.
Modern Eggshell provides an ideal middle ground with enhanced wipeability, while Modern Emulsion remains the go-to choice for those looking for a blend of aesthetic quality and practicality. When considering Farrow and Ball paint for kitchens, Modern Emulsion generally offers the best balance of attributes.
Application Tips and Best Practices
A successful paint job starts with preparation. Always clean, dry, and decontaminate surfaces before applying paint. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents future peeling or bubbling.
Since Dublin’s weather can be variable, keep the indoor humidity below 80% RH (relative humidity) when painting. This helps ensure the paint dries evenly and quickly.
Maintain a wet film thickness between 80–120 µm for best coverage and durability. Most homeowners find that two coats provide full, even coverage. For more information, check out our previous post on kitchen spray painting.
Additional Considerations for Kitchen Walls
Given that kitchens are susceptible to humidity and temperature changes, having walls covered in a moisture-proof kitchen paint is not optional—it’s essential. Farrow & Ball’s Modern Emulsion not only caters to these needs but does so beautifully with a wide choice of colours and consistent durability.
Cleanup is also hassle-free. Simply use warm, soapy water to clean your brushes and any painted area that needs sprucing up. This safe and easy maintenance makes it a prime choice for families and busy homes alike.
Cost and Value
It’s true—Farrow & Ball prices are on the premium side. However, when investing in Farrow and Ball kitchen wall paint, you’re paying for superior coverage, durability, and style. The paint’s ability to stay vibrant and resist wear means fewer touch-ups over time, saving you effort and money in the long run.
Most homeowners and professionals agree that given the paint’s longevity and high-end finish, it delivers excellent value for money. It’s an investment in your kitchen’s long-term aesthetic and functionality.
Final Thoughts
For Dublin homes, using Farrow and Ball kitchen paint is more than a decorative decision—it’s a lasting enhancement to your living space. From its health-conscious formulation to its designer-grade colour palette, it’s a trusted choice for both functionality and style.
Whether you’re touching up cabinets, revamping walls, or sprucing up trim, you’ll find reliable performance across the entire product range. If you’re planning to redecorate, you’ll absolutely want to consider Farrow and Ball Modern Emulsion kitchen paint for both its form and function.
Still uncertain? Reach out to trusted painters in Dublin or explore more about kitchen spray painting with Farrow & Ball. And don’t forget to share this article, leave a comment with your favourite Farrow & Ball colour, or subscribe for future tips and guides.
