James White (2010)

Dead Flat 2% sheen · ultra matt

Farrow & Ball's flattest finish, now tough enough to scrub. A chalky, light-softening matt that works across walls, woodwork and metal, so a whole room can be painted in one finish.

Best for

Walls, ceilings, skirting, doors and radiators where you want a completely flat, colour-drenched look.

Modern Emulsion 7% sheen · washable matt

A durable matt with a whisper of sheen. Washable and stain resistant, so everyday marks and splashes wipe away.

Best for

Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, stairs and children's rooms: busy walls that need cleaning.

Estate Emulsion 2% sheen · chalky matt

The classic Farrow & Ball look: a soft, chalky finish that gives colour real depth and changes beautifully with the light.

Best for

Walls and ceilings in quieter rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.

Wipeable rather than scrubbable. For high-traffic rooms, choose Modern Emulsion.

Modern Eggshell 40% sheen · mid sheen

A tough, scrubbable water-based eggshell with a noticeable soft shine. Stain resistant and hard-wearing.

Best for

Interior woodwork and metal: doors, skirting, banisters, radiators, kitchen cabinets and even floors.

Flat Eggshell 20% sheen · low sheen

Farrow & Ball's flattest interior eggshell. Super tough, stain resistant and scrubbable to the highest rating, with a subtle low sheen.

Best for

Skirting, door frames, windowsills, stairs and kitchen cabinets, plus concrete and wooden floors.

Full Gloss 95% sheen · high gloss

Farrow & Ball's highest shine. A water-based gloss that is hard-wearing and adds a glamorous, reflective finish.

Best for

Front doors, railings and trim, inside or out. Also striking on interior walls and ceilings.

Exterior Eggshell 20% sheen · exterior

A durable, flexible finish that protects outdoor wood and metal against the weather while keeping rich colour.

Best for

Window frames, doors, fences, sheds, garden furniture and metalwork.

Exterior Masonry 2% sheen · exterior matt

A long-lasting, super matt finish for outside walls that resists weathering while staying flat in appearance.

Best for

Render, brick, stone and pebbledash on house walls and garden walls.

Casein Distemper 2% sheen · breathable matt

A strengthened traditional distemper with a very flat finish and a breathable structure, so moisture can escape.

Best for

Plastered walls and ceilings in older homes and low-traffic rooms.

Not washable. Best suited to period properties and specialist decorators.

Soft Distemper 2% sheen · powdery matt

A delicate traditional distemper with an exquisite soft, powdery finish. Applied in light coats and easily removed, it protects fine detail.

Best for

Ornate ceilings, cornices and detailed interior plasterwork.

Not washable and not for walls that get touched.

Limewash Mineral finish · chalky

A traditional lime-based finish that dries to a soft, mottled, chalky look full of character. Very breathable.

Best for

Exterior and interior lime render, stone, brick and lime plaster, especially on period buildings.

Contains lime, so wear gloves and eye protection when applying.