Can You Use Farrow & Ball on Lime Plaster? My Honest Answer for Period Renovators

Why So Many Period Homeowners Ask: Can I Use Farrow & Ball on Lime Plaster?

Before you ask (and someone always does):

“Dita, what about my beloved Farrow & Ball emulsion? Why isn’t it on your list of breathable paints?”

It’s such a common enquiry that I wanted to give you a clear, honest answer so that you can choose confidently for your period home.

Because, as beautiful as their colours are, Farrow & Ball paints aren’t all created equal when it comes to heritage walls.

Can You Use Farrow & Ball on Lime Plaster? It Depends on Which Product You Choose

Here’s the truth:

Farrow & Ball has two very different kinds of paint when it comes to breathability:

✅ They offer a Traditional Limewash, which is fully breathable and heritage-appropriate for lime plaster.

✅ But their popular Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion, and Eggshell lines are acrylic-based and not truly breathable.

So yes, you can use Farrow & Ball on lime plaster walls if you choose their limewash.

But if you use their emulsions on fresh lime plaster or moisture-prone solid walls, you risk serious problems.

Why Breathable Paint Is Essential for Lime Plaster Walls in Historic Homes

Older homes were built to manage moisture differently than modern ones.

Solid masonry walls have no cavities or damp-proof courses. Instead, they “breathe,” letting vapour move in and out naturally.

Lime plaster is designed to work with this process. It absorbs and releases moisture without trapping it.

If you cover lime plaster with a modern, non-breathable acrylic emulsion, you block that movement.

Result?

• Damp patches that won’t dry out

• Salt efflorescence on your walls

• Peeling, blistering paint

• Damaged plaster needing expensive repairs

What Are Breathable Paint Finishes for Lime Plaster? My Simple Rule

This is why heritage professionals always recommend breathable finishes for lime plaster and solid walls.

Breathable finishes work with your building, protecting it while allowing natural moisture movement.

These aren’t optional extras - they’re essential for the health of your walls.

✅ Limewash
✅ Clay Paints
✅ Mineral Silicate Paints

And yes, Farrow & Ball’s Traditional Limewash fits in that list.

Is Farrow & Ball Limewash Suitable for Lime Plaster Walls? A Closer Look

Farrow & Ball actually makes a Traditional Limewash specifically for heritage walls, both indoors and outdoors.

It’s designed for:

• Lime-plastered walls

• Lime-rendered exteriors

• Historic masonry

It behaves exactly as limewash should:

• Highly vapour-permeable

• Bonds with lime surfaces

• Evolves beautifully over time

So if you’re committed to Farrow & Ball’s brand and want to use their colours on lime plaster, their limewash is the right choice.

Why Farrow & Ball Emulsions May Damage Lime Plaster Walls

Here’s where many homeowners get caught out.

Most of Farrow & Ball’s marketing (and what you see in shops) is focused on their Estate Emulsion, Modern Emulsion, Estate Eggshell, Modern Eggshell and similar finishes.

These are acrylic-based.

They’re beautiful, durable, and deliver those rich F&B colours everyone loves.

But they’re not vapour-permeable enough for fresh lime plaster or walls that need to breathe.

When Is It Safe to Use Farrow & Ball Emulsion in a Period Home?

Does that mean you can never use F&B emulsions in a period home?

Absolutely not.

They’re excellent for:

• Gypsum-plastered walls in later extensions

• Dry, sealed internal walls with no damp issues

• Joinery, trim, cabinetry

• Feature walls where breathability isn’t critical

I use them myself in the right places. But it’s about choosing wisely.

How to Choose the Right Farrow & Ball Finish for Each Wall Type

Think of your paint like clothing for your walls.

Limewash is the breathable linen shirt. Perfect for walls that need to manage moisture naturally.

Farrow & Ball’s emulsions are your tailored wool coat. Gorgeous, but not what you wear on a sweaty summer hike.

The key is knowing which “outfit” suits which wall.

Best Alternatives to Farrow & Ball Emulsion for Lime Plaster Walls

If you have lime plaster and need to protect its breathability, choose one of these:

Limewash

Traditional, highly breathable, beautiful in its subtle, evolving finish.

Clay Paints

Earthborn, Auro, Edward Bulmer - rich colours, fully vapour-permeable.

Mineral Silicate Paints

Keim, Beeck - excellent for durability and breathability, especially for exteriors.

Recommended Brands for Breathable Limewash, Clay Paint, and Mineral Paint

Here’s my go-to list for truly breathable finishes:

Limewash

• Farrow & Ball Traditional Limewash

• Ty-Mawr Limewash

• Cornish Lime

• Rose of Jericho

Clay Paints

• Earthborn Claypaint

• Auro Clay Paint

• Edward Bulmer Natural Paint

Mineral Silicate Paints

• Keim Royalan / Soldalit

• Beeck Mineral Paints

These brands specialise in products that respect and protect heritage walls.

Farrow & Ball Paint: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses in Period Homes

Farrow & Ball is a fantastic brand.

Their Traditional Limewash is heritage-appropriate and breathable.

Their acrylic emulsions and eggshells are beautiful and durable, but not suitable for fresh lime plaster or damp-prone solid walls.

Understanding that difference is key to avoiding costly mistakes.

Final Advice on Using Farrow & Ball Paint for Lime Plaster Walls

Farrow & Ball isn’t off-limits. It just isn’t automatically right for every surface.

If you want to use their products on lime plaster, choose their Traditional Limewash.

It’s not about dismissing popular products in a brand, it’s about understanding your building and making informed choices.

Because painting a period home isn’t just decoration. It’s stewardship.

You’re caring for something with a story that deserves to last another hundred years.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat About Your Project

Every home is unique.

Your walls, your climate, your vision - it all matters.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you could do with personal advice tailored to your property, I’d love to help.

Book a consultation with me and we’ll plan a renovation that respects your home’s past and ensures its future.

[Book a 'DESIGN 101' Session with me here]

The link will take you to the True Foyer website's services page, where you can learn more about the 'DESIGN 101' Session process.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Dita

True Foyer

Restore the Past. Refine the Present. Redefine the Future.