Farrow & Ball Sprayer Guidelines

All Farrow & Ball paints are water based, making them low-odour, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), and quick to dry. They also score the highest possible A+ rating for indoor air quality in accordance with the independently conducted French Indoor Air Quality Decree N° 2011-321 – Arrêté April 2011.

Recommended Equipment:

Airless and Air-Assisted Airless systems may be used for all Farrow & Ball finishes. High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) systems may be used for trim but we don’t recommended them for large areas, such as walls. Airless is the preferred equipment we would recommend using as this type of spray equipment gives less over-spray, and the air in the room is not filled with paint-laden mist. An airless spraying system consists of a pumping unit, hose and a spray gun. No compressor is needed because the paint is pumped through the high-pressure hose and forced through a very small tip, which breaks up the paint into various spray patterns. The amount of paint delivered is determined by the size of the tip used and this will vary depending on the finish being sprayed. Air-Assisted Airless systems are generally used in spray shop environments where good air extraction is available.

Airless Equipment Set Up:

The following set ups for airless spraying are provided as a guide only. The end result will vary for different spraying apparatus. Before undertaking your project, you should carry out a test to optimize the set up of the equipment.

Thinning Advice:

The thinning ratio for airless spraying equipment varies according to the equipment used. Refer to the table below for suggested dilution ratios. Thin paint using water only. Do not thin Metal Primer & Undercoat.

Preparation for Spraying:

When spraying Farrow & Ball paints onto any given surface, it is important to remember that the resulting finish will only be as good as the surface you are applying it to. Most surfaces will need to be clean and degreased, prepared by surface filling, sanding and then suitably primed/undercoated, flatting with finishing papers in between coats as required, to achieve a smooth flat surface before spraying your chosen Farrow & Ball finish. This process may need to be repeated several times to obtain a satisfactory surface when applying trim finishes. Make sure your spraying apparatus (including the gun and compressor unit) is appropriate for the size of the area being painted and your chosen finish. If any dilution is required, keep this to the minimum possible according to the instructions of your apparatus and our suggested dilution ratios.

Airless Application Advice:

When airless spraying, start at a corner, work from the top down and keep your strokes steady and smooth as a lot of paint is going on to the surface in a short period of time. Best results can be obtained by spraying in a vertical direction followed by a horizontal direction. Take care not to create ‘columns’ of paint – caused by overlapping paint layers. The wet paint film will typically be 100 - 150 microns (3.9 – 5.9 mils) per coat. Two coats at this thickness with the appropriate drying time between coats will ensure best performance and surface hardness.

HVLP Application Advice:

Farrow & Ball trim Finishes (with the exception of Dead Flat) may also be applied by HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) systems. We do not recommend HVLP spray application for large areas such as walls & ceilings. We advise against using HVLP systems for spraying Dead Flat as it may cause clogging or blockage of the spray nozzle in some HVLP systems. Depending on the apparatus used, the paint may need to be diluted with water as shown in the table below. Experiment with air control valve, material flow adjustment, fan size and spray pattern settings on a piece of cardboard (or an inconspicuous area) until a satisfactory finish is achieved. Apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to completely dry before applying the next one. Take care not to create ‘columns’ of paint – caused by overlapping paint layers.

Priming and Undercoating Advice:

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

Drying/Recoat Time:

Ensure there is at least 4 hours drying time between each coat, as you would when applying by brush or roller.

Application Information:

Do not paint in temperatures below 50°F or in excessive heat above 86°F. Avoid painting in direct sunlight. Avoid applying outdoors if there is a likelihood of rain. For best results apply early in the day, allowing the product time to dry before the evening (when condensation can occur).

Please note: The drying and recoat times provided are based on applying paint in normal conditions - drying times may be longer in cooler and/or higher humidity environments. Ensure that the paint has completely hardened before closing newly painted windows and doors. Allow a minimum of 14 days before applying over solvent based coatings.

Health & Safety Advice:

Respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist. To avoid breathing vapours and spray mist, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air during application and drying. If adequate ventilation cannot be provided wear an approved particulate respirator (NIOSH approved). Follow respirator manufacturer’s directions for respirator use. The maximum pressure at the tip of the Air-less spray gun is normally in the 3000 psi (207 bar) range and can cause severe cuts and inject paint into your skin. Keep hands and fingers free of the tip while pressure is on the machine. When spraying use an Organic Vapour / Particulate Filter Mask in a well ventilated area, preferably where air extraction is available. Always use personal protective equipment – eye goggles with side protectors, gloves and overalls. All Farrow & Ball products comply with all applicable regulations, laws and standards which are administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Regulatory information is available at farrow-ball.com/product-advice-sheets. Safety Data Sheets are available upon request.

Lead Advice:

LEAD WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.