How to Use Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion: A Complete Guide for a Durable, Washable Finish

If you’re looking for a durable, washable paint with a beautiful low-sheen finish, Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion is one of the most popular premium interior paints available in the UK. Designed for busy homes, kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas, it combines Farrow & Ball’s signature rich colours with enhanced durability and stain resistance.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion properly, how to prepare your walls, whether you need Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat, the best decorating tools to use, drying times, coverage rates, and expert tips for achieving a professional finish.

What Is Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion?

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion is a hard-wearing, washable interior paint designed for walls and ceilings in busy areas of the home. It features a tough finish with a subtle 7% sheen, making it more durable and moisture resistant than Estate Emulsion.

Key Features of Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

• Washable and wipeable finish
• Low sheen finish (7% sheen)
• Mould-resistant formulation
• Highly durable for busy homes
• Water-based and low odour
• Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children's rooms

Before You Start: Surface Preparation

Good preparation is essential when using premium paint products like Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion.

Clean the Surface

Ensure all walls and ceilings are clean, dry, dust-free, and free from grease or flaking paint. Kitchens and bathrooms may require sugar soap to remove cooking residue or moisture-related contaminants.

Repair Any Imperfections

Fill holes and cracks with a suitable filler before sanding smooth once dry.

Do You Need Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat?

One of the most common decorating questions is whether you need primer before applying Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion.

For the best results, Farrow & Ball recommends using Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat before applying Modern Emulsion. This helps improve adhesion, coverage, colour consistency, and overall finish quality.

Using primer and undercoat is especially recommended if:

• You are painting fresh plaster
• You are covering a dark or strong colour
• The surface is porous or uneven
• You have repaired filler patches
• You want maximum durability and colour depth

Best Primer for Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

The recommended product is Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat.

Farrow & Ball typically recommends one coat of Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat followed by two coats of Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion for the best finish and durability.

You may not always require primer if the walls are already sealed and painted in a similar colour. However, for the smoothest and most professional result, primer and undercoat is highly recommended.

Tools You Need for Applying Modern Emulsion

Using high-quality decorating tools helps achieve the best finish with Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion.

• Synthetic paint brush
• Medium pile microfiber roller
• Paint tray
• Stirring stick
• Masking tape
• Dust sheets

Best Roller for Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

A medium pile microfiber roller generally provides the smoothest and most even finish on interior walls.

How to Apply Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

Step 1: Stir the Paint Thoroughly

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion should be stirred thoroughly before and during use to ensure even pigment distribution and consistent colour.

Step 2: Cut In Around Edges

Use a quality brush to paint around corners, skirting boards, sockets, switches, and ceiling edges.

Step 3: Roll the Main Surface

Apply evenly using a roller in a “W” pattern while maintaining a wet edge throughout application.

To achieve a professional finish:

• Avoid overworking the paint
• Do not overload the roller
• Work in manageable sections
• Use natural daylight where possible

Step 4: Apply a Second Coat

Most colours require two coats of Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion for full opacity and colour depth.

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion Drying Time

Modern Emulsion is typically touch dry within 2 hours and ready for recoating after approximately 2 hours, depending on room temperature and humidity.

Coverage and Performance

How Much Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion Do You Need?

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion generally covers up to 13m² per litre per coat. Coverage may vary depending on surface porosity and colour changes.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Patchy Finish

Patchiness can occur due to poor preparation, uneven roller pressure, insufficient stirring, or skipping primer and undercoat.

Roller Marks

To minimise roller marks, use high-quality rollers and maintain a wet edge during application.

Uneven Sheen

Uneven sheen can happen if paint dries inconsistently. Avoid touching up partially dried sections.

Modern Emulsion vs Estate Emulsion

Many homeowners compare Modern Emulsion with Estate Emulsion when decorating.

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion is more washable and durable, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and family homes. Estate Emulsion offers a flatter, chalkier matt finish better suited to lower-traffic rooms.

Best Rooms for Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion works especially well in:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Hallways
• Children’s bedrooms
• Utility rooms
• Busy family spaces

Expert Decorating Tips

Always allow sufficient drying time between coats and buy enough paint from the same batch to maintain colour consistency.

Using natural daylight during decorating can help identify missed areas, roller marks, and uneven coverage before the paint fully dries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion washable?

Yes, Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion is highly washable and designed for busy homes.

Can you use Modern Emulsion in bathrooms?

Yes, Modern Emulsion is suitable for bathrooms thanks to its durable and moisture-resistant finish.

Does Modern Emulsion need primer?

For the best results, Farrow & Ball recommends using Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat before applying Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion.

What sheen level is Modern Emulsion?

Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion has a subtle 7% sheen finish.

Final Thoughts

Using Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion correctly can help you achieve a durable, washable, designer-quality finish that stands up beautifully to everyday life.

Proper preparation, high-quality decorating tools, and using the correct Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat will help ensure the best possible results in any room of the home.