Off-White – No.3

A chalky mid tone

This mid tone off white is one of the original Farrow & Ball colours – an uncomplicated name for a timeless classic. Off-White sits within our Traditional Neutrals so works perfectly with Old White, Slipper Satin and Lime White. Its underlying green gives it an unsurpassed softness, creating a chalky and traditional wall colour or a sophisticated woodwork tone. Off-White is also great for use on floors, bouncing light onto the walls while retaining a soft, warm feel.

Recommended Primer & Undercoat: White & Light Tones

Complementary white: Slipper Satin

Price range: £5.95 through £141.00

Choosing your Farrow & Ball finish

Start with the surface and how much wear it will get, then choose your sheen. Open a finish below for practical advice and the manufacturer’s English product advice sheet.

Finish and size availability varies by colour. Check the options on your chosen colour’s product page.

Inside your home

Dead FlatInterior walls, woodwork & metal2% · ultra matt

A durable, very matt choice for busy living spaces, hallways and colour drenching across walls and woodwork. Washable, scrubbable and resistant to scuffs.

Coverage per coat
Up to 12 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Prepare and prime for the surface: Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat for walls, Wood Primer & Undercoat for wood, or Metal Primer & Undercoat for metal. Apply two coats and allow the full recoat time, even when the surface feels dry.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Estate EmulsionInterior walls & ceilings2% · chalky matt

A soft, chalky finish for bedrooms, living rooms and other quieter spaces. Gently wipeable, but not washable; choose a more durable finish where frequent cleaning is needed.

Coverage per coat
Up to 14 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
2 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Use the appropriate Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat. It is not recommended for kitchens, bathrooms or areas of heavy wear. Apply two coats; strong colours or a major colour change may need more.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Modern EmulsionKitchen, bathroom & busy walls7% · matt

A washable, scrubbable finish for interior walls and ceilings that need regular cleaning. Resists stains and includes protection against mould on the paint film.

Coverage per coat
Up to 12 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Use the appropriate Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat. Not for shower enclosures or surfaces in direct contact with water. Allow at least 14 days before cleaning; mould protection does not remedy damp or poor ventilation.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Flat EggshellInterior wood, metal & floors20% · low sheen

A low-sheen, scrubbable finish for cabinetry, doors, skirting, stairs and suitable interior wood or concrete floors. Resistant to stains and scuffs.

Coverage per coat
Up to 12 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Prime wood or metal with the matching F&B primer. Concrete needs its own preparation and priming. Check the advice sheet carefully for floor moisture and existing coatings. Not for exterior decking or floors used by vehicles. Allow at least 14 days before cleaning.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Modern EggshellInterior wood, metal & floors40% · mid sheen

A washable finish with a stronger sheen for cabinets, woodwork, stairs and suitable interior wood or concrete floors. A useful alternative when you want more reflection than Flat Eggshell.

Coverage per coat
Up to 12 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Use the correct Wood or Metal Primer & Undercoat; follow the separate concrete-floor instructions where applicable. Not for exterior decking or floors used by vehicles. Leave at least 24 hours before heavy foot traffic and 14 days before cleaning.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Full GlossInterior & exterior wood and metal95% · high gloss

A highly reflective, washable finish for a bold look on doors, furniture, woodwork and metal. Careful preparation matters: a glossy surface makes imperfections more noticeable.

Coverage per coat
Up to 12 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Use the appropriate Wood or Metal Primer & Undercoat. Not for plastic, decking or pressure-treated timber. Outdoors, work in suitable dry weather at 10–30°C, avoiding direct sunlight, rain and evening condensation. Allow time for the coating to harden before regular cleaning.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗

Outside your home

Exterior EggshellExterior wood & metal20% · low sheen

A flexible, weather-resistant finish for exterior doors, window frames, cladding, railings and other suitable wood or metal. Gives a softer look than Full Gloss.

Coverage per coat
Up to 13 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Use the appropriate Wood or Metal Primer & Undercoat. Not for decking or pressure-treated timber. Paint in dry weather at 10–30°C; avoid direct sun, rain and frost, and allow the paint to dry before evening condensation.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Exterior MasonrySuitable render, concrete & brick2% · matt

A matt, weather-resistant finish with high water-vapour permeability for suitable exterior masonry. Check the background carefully: it is not suitable for Fletton bricks or highly alkaline or very porous surfaces.

Coverage per coat
Up to 8 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
5 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
Sound surfaces generally need no primer. Use Masonry & Plaster Stabilising Primer only where required for repairs or degraded, powdery areas. New render must be fully dry; F&B recommends allowing around three months. For lime render or older solid walls, seek advice before choosing a coating.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗

Traditional finishes

Casein DistemperInterior plaster walls & ceilings2% · very matt

A traditional, highly breathable finish for quieter historic interiors. It is not washable or wipeable, so is unsuitable for kitchens, bathrooms and areas of heavy wear.

Coverage per coat
Up to 13 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
4 hours
Application
2 coats

Preparation & care
No primer or undercoat. Apply by brush to a suitable background; existing F&B Casein Distemper can be recoated, but other finishes need removal. New lime plaster should cure for 4–5 weeks. Do not overcoat it with modern paint. Mixed in store, with collection available.

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Soft DistemperFine plasterwork, ceilings & cornices2% · very matt

A soft, powdery traditional finish, particularly useful for preserving fine plaster detail. It can be removed before redecoration to avoid a build-up of paint. Not washable or wipeable, and unsuitable for damp or busy areas.

Coverage per coat
Up to 13 m²/l
Touch dry
2 hours
Recoat after
See advice sheet
Application
Usually 1 coat

Preparation & care
No primer or undercoat. Brush application is recommended; dilute as directed in the sheet, with at least 10% water. One coat is usually sufficient, although darker shades may need more. 2-3 days delivery (Not available for click & collect).

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
LimewashSuitable lime plaster, render & cob2% · matt

A traditional, breathable finish for suitable interior and exterior lime backgrounds. Colour and texture vary with the surface and it dries lighter. Not washable or wipeable. Try an area first.

Coverage per coat
Varies with surface
Touch dry
3 hours
Recoat after
12 hours / overnight
Application
4 coats

Preparation & care
Not for gypsum plaster, hard cement render, impervious bricks or sandstone. No modern primer: use thin brushed coats on a suitably dampened background. Plan for four coats, allowing overnight between them. Professional application is recommended; follow the sheet’s eye and skin protection advice. 2-3 days delivery (Not available for click & collect).

F&B product advice sheet English PDF ↗
Before you start: preparation, quantities & drying

Prepare for the surface. Remove loose paint and contamination, and make sure the background is sound. Follow the finish’s advice sheet for cleaning, sanding, new plaster, existing coatings and the correct primer. Where a primer is required, use the recommended tone for your colour. Distempers and Limewash have different preparation requirements.

Allow enough paint and time. Coverage figures are per litre, per coat, and are maximum estimates: porous or textured surfaces use more paint. Multiply your paintable area by the number of coats before dividing by the coverage. Strong colours or large colour changes can need extra coats. Drying times assume suitable conditions; cool or humid weather can extend them.

Touch dry is not fully cured. Keep to the full recoat interval and treat newly painted surfaces gently. Many modern finishes need up to 14 days to harden fully; check the sheet before cleaning or putting floors back into use.

Older buildings need a compatible paint system. For lime plaster, lime render or solid walls, consider the existing coatings and moisture movement as well as the topcoat. Seek advice if unsure. Read SPAB’s guidance on paint for older buildings ↗.

Guide reviewed September 2026. Always read the manufacturer’s current sheet before starting. PDF links open on Farrow & Ball’s website in a new tab; you can also visit their product advice sheet library ↗.

Other colours