Preparing for Farrow & Ball Paint

Before painting, the surface should be sound, clean, dry and free from anything that could affect paint adhesion.

Remove dirt, dust, grease, mould and any loose or unsound material. Areas of peeling or blistering paint should be removed rather than painted over.

Farrow & Ball also recommends lightly sanding the surface to create a slight texture, or key, which helps the new coating adhere. Remove the resulting dust before painting.

Any cracks, holes or other defects should be repaired as appropriate for the surface, followed by the correct preparation and primer or undercoat where required.

In most cases, Farrow & Ball recommends lightly sanding the surface before painting to help the new coating adhere properly.

The aim is not necessarily to remove all of the existing paint. On a sound surface, light sanding creates a slight texture that gives the new paint or primer a better key.

Any peeling, blistering or weak existing paint should be removed, with the edges of sound remaining paint feathered smooth where appropriate.

After sanding, remove all dust before applying primer, undercoat or paint.

Yes. The surface should be clean and free from dirt, dust, grease and other contamination before you paint.

For most surfaces, Farrow & Ball recommends cleaning with a dilute sugar soap solution, following the cleaner manufacturer's instructions.

After cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly before continuing with preparation or painting.

Farrow & Ball advises against solvent-based cleaning products and strong alkaline cleaning solutions because they can affect paint adhesion.

Yes, Farrow & Ball can generally be applied over existing paint provided the existing coating is sound, well adhered and correctly prepared.

Clean the surface and remove any weak, peeling or blistering paint. Lightly sand sound existing paint to improve adhesion and smooth the edges of areas where loose paint has been removed.

Any bare or repaired areas may require additional preparation or spot priming before the appropriate Farrow & Ball Primer & Undercoat and topcoat are applied.

If the existing coating is in poor condition, or there are many old layers and surface detail has been lost, stripping back the existing paint may be the better option.

In many cases, yes. Farrow & Ball can be applied over a sound existing paint coating, but the surface and existing coating must be suitable and correctly prepared.

Clean the surface thoroughly, remove any weak, peeling or blistering material and lightly sand sound existing paint to provide a key for the new coating.

The preparation and primer required will depend on the surface underneath and the condition and type of the existing coating.

If you are unsure what the existing coating is, particularly on an unusual or difficult surface, testing a small inconspicuous area before completing the whole project is sensible.

Not necessarily. Sound, well-adhered existing paint does not normally need to be completely removed before repainting.

Remove areas that are peeling, blistering, flaking or otherwise unsound, as painting over weak layers can cause the new coating to fail.

Where sound existing paint remains, lightly sanding and feathering the edges of repaired areas helps create a smooth surface and improves adhesion.

If the existing paint is in poor condition, there are numerous old layers, or decorative detail has become obscured by paint build-up, stripping the existing coating may be preferable.

Do not simply paint over peeling, flaking or blistering paint. The weak coating should be removed before repainting.

Remove loose or poorly adhered paint until you reach a sound surface. Where areas of old paint remain, feather the edges to help produce a smooth transition between the existing coating and exposed surface.

The underlying cause of the failure should also be considered before repainting. A new coating can fail if it is applied over an unsound surface.

Once the surface is sound, complete any necessary repairs, sanding and cleaning before applying the appropriate primer, undercoat and topcoat system.

It depends on the surface, but Farrow & Ball recommends the appropriate Primer & Undercoat or mist coat where required to create the correct foundation for the topcoat.

A primer or mist coat helps seal the surface so the topcoat adheres properly and is absorbed evenly, helping produce a smooth finish and full depth of colour.

The correct preparation varies according to what you are painting. For example, wood generally requires the appropriate Wood Primer & Undercoat, while porous new plaster may be prepared with a correctly diluted mist coat.

Farrow & Ball advises having a full, solid coat of the appropriate Primer & Undercoat or mist coat before applying the topcoat. A further coat may be worth considering where additional opacity is required, particularly when making a significant colour change.

Choose the primer or undercoat according to the surface you are painting.

For most projects, the basic guide is:

Walls and ceilings: use Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat where a primer or undercoat is required.

Interior or exterior wood: use Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat .

Metal: use Farrow & Ball Metal Primer & Undercoat where appropriate for the type of metal.

Porous, chalky or slightly worn masonry or plaster: use Farrow & Ball Masonry & Plaster Stabilising Primer where specified.

Masonry & Plaster Stabilising Primer should not be treated as a general-purpose primer for sound masonry or new plaster. For example, sound new interior plaster is prepared using diluted Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat according to Farrow & Ball's instructions.

Farrow & Ball Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat is designed for use beneath Estate Emulsion, Dead Flat and Modern Emulsion.

It provides the prepared foundation for Farrow & Ball wall and ceiling finishes, helping the topcoat adhere, absorb evenly and develop a smooth, even finish.

It is available in four colour tones — White & Light Tones, Mid Tones, Red & Warm Tones and Dark Tones — selected to complement the chosen topcoat.

Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat is suitable for bare or previously painted interior and exterior wood.

This includes surfaces such as interior woodwork and floorboards, and it can also be used when preparing knots and appropriate filled areas.

It creates a smooth, protective base before compatible Farrow & Ball finishes including Dead Flat, Modern Eggshell, Flat Eggshell, Exterior Eggshell and Full Gloss.

It is available in four colour tones to complement the chosen topcoat. Farrow & Ball states that it is not suitable for exterior decking or other pressure-treated wood.

Farrow & Ball Metal Primer & Undercoat is a rust-inhibiting primer designed for bare ferrous metal surfaces.

Typical uses include gates, railings, metal furniture, radiators and metal downpipes before applying a suitable Farrow & Ball finish.

Different metals can require different preparation. Farrow & Ball specifies additional treatment for galvanised metal and recommends a specialist primer for cast iron because a water-based primer may cause flash rusting.

Farrow & Ball Masonry & Plaster Stabilising Primer is intended for masonry, rendered or plastered surfaces that are porous, chalky or slightly worn.

Its purpose is to stabilise appropriate problem surfaces before compatible Farrow & Ball finishes are applied. It is white when applied and dries clear.

It is not a general primer for sound masonry or plaster, and Farrow & Ball says it should not be used on fresh concrete. Sound new interior plaster is prepared differently, using diluted Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat according to Farrow & Ball's instructions.

Whether you need a primer or undercoat depends on the surface, its condition and the Farrow & Ball finish you are applying.

Bare wood, metal, previously painted surfaces and other substrates may require the appropriate primer or undercoat to promote adhesion, create an even foundation and help the topcoat develop its full colour and finish.

Some surfaces require different preparation. For example, porous new plaster may be prepared with a correctly diluted mist coat, while difficult surfaces such as melamine, PVC, ABS, wall tiles and laminates may require a specialist adhesion primer.

Always choose the preparation system according to the particular surface rather than assuming that every surface needs the same primer.

Use the Farrow & Ball Primer & Undercoat colour tone recommended for your chosen topcoat colour.

Farrow & Ball Primer & Undercoat products are available in complementary colour tones designed to provide the correct foundation for the final colour.

Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat and Wood Primer & Undercoat are available in White & Light Tones, Mid Tones, Red & Warm Tones and Dark Tones.

Using the recommended tone can help the topcoat achieve an even appearance and its intended depth of colour.

The number of coats depends on the surface and the primer or undercoat being used.

Farrow & Ball commonly specifies one coat of Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat on previously painted walls and one coat of Wood Primer & Undercoat on appropriately prepared wood and MDF.

A second coat of Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat may be worth considering where additional opacity is required, particularly when making a significant colour change.

Metal preparation can be different. Farrow & Ball specifies two coats of Metal Primer & Undercoat for a number of metal surfaces, including ferrous and non-ferrous metal.

Follow the preparation instructions for the particular surface rather than assuming that the same number of primer coats applies to every project.

Farrow & Ball commonly specifies a minimum of four hours drying time between coats of its Primer & Undercoat products.

This four-hour minimum is specified in Farrow & Ball's preparation guidance for products including Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat, Wood Primer & Undercoat and Metal Primer & Undercoat.

Drying can be affected by environmental conditions, so the surface should be properly dry before the next coat or topcoat is applied. Always follow the instructions for the particular product and surface being painted.

Farrow & Ball provides its own Primer & Undercoat systems for many common surfaces, but some surfaces require a suitable specialist primer.

For example, Farrow & Ball recommends a specialist adhesion primer when preparing difficult surfaces such as melamine, PVC, ABS, wall tiles and laminates before following with the appropriate Farrow & Ball preparation and finish.

It also recommends a specialist primer for cast iron because water-based primers may cause flash rusting, while galvanised metal requires suitable preparatory treatment before the Farrow & Ball system is applied.

If using a primer from another manufacturer, make sure it is appropriate for the substrate and compatible with the subsequent water-based coating system, and follow the primer manufacturer's instructions before applying Farrow & Ball paint.

Previously painted walls should be sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and other contamination before repainting.

Remove any weak, peeling or poorly adhered existing paint and lightly sand where necessary to provide a sound surface for the new coating.

Farrow & Ball currently recommends applying one coat of Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat in the correct colour tone, allowing at least four hours drying time, before applying two coats of the chosen wall or ceiling finish.

If there is a significant colour change, consider whether a second coat of Primer & Undercoat is needed to achieve full opacity before applying the topcoat.

New plaster must be completely dry, clean and free from dust before it is painted.

Farrow & Ball advises using the chosen topcoat diluted with approximately 25% water as a mist coat on bare dry skim plaster and similar porous surfaces.

The exact dilution required depends on how porous the plaster is, so Farrow & Ball recommends testing a small area first.

Once the mist coat is dry, apply two full coats of the chosen Farrow & Ball topcoat.

Farrow & Ball also notes that British Standard 6150 gives a typical drying guideline of around seven days for every 5mm of plaster thickness.

Yes, Farrow & Ball's current guidance recommends a mist coat for bare dry skim plaster, dry-lined walls, bare plasterboard and patch-filled plaster.

The suggested starting dilution is approximately 25% water — one part water to three parts paint — using the chosen Farrow & Ball topcoat.

Because different plasters absorb moisture at different rates, the dilution should be adjusted according to the porosity of the particular surface.

Poorly prepared porous plaster can lead to problems including uneven colour, variation in sheen, cracking or drying issues.

Bare dry plasterboard should first be prepared with an appropriate mist coat rather than receiving full-strength topcoat directly.

Farrow & Ball recommends diluting the chosen topcoat with approximately 25% water as the starting point for bare dry plasterboard and dry-lined walls.

Once the surface is evenly sealed and the mist coat is dry, apply two full coats of the chosen finish.

Filled areas should be completely dry, smooth and free from dust before they are painted.

Farrow & Ball recommends using a filler with similar porosity and density to the surrounding wall where possible, because different absorption rates can cause visible changes in colour or sheen.

Once the filler has dried according to the manufacturer's instructions, sand it smooth and remove all dust.

Spot prime the repaired area with the chosen Farrow & Ball wall paint diluted with approximately 25% water before applying the full topcoats.

Where Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat has been used across the wall, Farrow & Ball advises spot priming the filler with a similarly diluted coat of Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat to help match surface porosity.

Yes. Unpainted lining paper can be painted with Farrow & Ball once it is properly prepared.

Farrow & Ball recommends applying the chosen paint diluted with approximately 10% water as a mist coat before applying two full coats.

The exact dilution will depend on the porosity of the paper, so testing a small area first is recommended.

Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be sound, clean, dry and particularly free from grease, dirt, mould and other contamination before painting.

For most surfaces, Farrow & Ball recommends cleaning with a dilute sugar soap solution, wiping afterwards with a damp cloth and allowing the surface to dry fully.

Farrow & Ball also advises particular care in areas of high humidity because condensation can contribute to surface defects, especially before a newly applied coating has fully cured.

Mould or other biological contamination should be dealt with before paint is applied.

The wall should not be painted until the surface is clean, sound and fully dry.

Where an appropriate proprietary treatment is required, follow the product manufacturer's instructions, rinse where instructed and allow the surface to dry thoroughly before continuing with the Farrow & Ball preparation system.

If mould is recurring, the underlying moisture or condensation problem should be addressed rather than simply covering the affected area with new paint.

Ceiling preparation follows the same basic principles as wall preparation: the surface should be sound, clean, dry and free from loose material and contamination.

Previously painted ceilings should be checked for weak or flaking coatings, cleaned and prepared before the appropriate Primer & Undercoat and topcoat system is applied.

New plaster ceilings should be allowed to dry fully and prepared using the appropriate mist coat before receiving two full topcoats.

Interior wood should be sound, clean, dry and properly prepared before applying Farrow & Ball paint.

Remove dirt, grease and any loose or poorly adhered material. Bare timber should be sanded smooth, while previously painted surfaces should be checked carefully for damaged or unsound paint.

Any holes, cracks or other defects should be repaired with an appropriate filler and allowed to dry fully before sanding smooth. Remove all sanding dust before continuing.

Where a primer or undercoat is required, use the appropriate Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat before applying the chosen topcoat.

Bare interior wood should be clean, dry and sanded to provide a smooth, sound surface before priming.

Check the timber for defects, damaged areas and visible knots. Repair defects where appropriate and make sure the surface is free from dirt, grease and sanding dust.

Apply the appropriate Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat in the recommended colour tone before applying the chosen finish.

Following the correct preparation system helps create an even foundation for the topcoat and improves the appearance of the finished woodwork.

Existing paint does not necessarily need to be removed if it is sound and well adhered.

Check the existing coating carefully and remove any loose, peeling or poorly adhered paint. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and grease, then sand as necessary to provide a sound, even surface for repainting.

Feather the edges of any areas where old paint has been removed so there is no pronounced ridge beneath the new coating.

Remove all dust after sanding and use the appropriate Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat where required before applying the topcoat.

Sanding is normally an important part of preparing wood for painting.

On bare timber, sanding helps create a smooth surface and removes raised fibres and minor imperfections. On previously painted woodwork, sanding can help remove defects and provide a suitable surface for subsequent coats.

Concentrate particularly on damaged paint, rough areas and edges where existing coatings have been removed.

Always remove sanding dust thoroughly before applying primer, undercoat or topcoat.

Sound, well-adhered existing paint can generally be prepared and repainted rather than completely removed.

Loose, peeling, flaking or poorly adhered paint should be removed back to a sound edge. The remaining coating should then be cleaned and prepared appropriately before repainting.

If the existing coating is in very poor condition, more extensive removal may be necessary to establish a stable surface.

When working on older painted woodwork, take appropriate precautions before sanding or disturbing coatings whose composition is unknown.

Knots and resinous areas need particular attention because natural resins can affect the appearance of a painted finish.

Make sure the timber is sound, clean and dry and deal with any resinous contamination before continuing with the appropriate preparation system.

Timber varies considerably, and some knots or resin-rich woods may require specialist preparation to reduce the possibility of staining or resin affecting subsequent coatings.

MDF should be clean, dry and properly prepared before painting, with particular attention paid to cut or machined edges.

Flat factory faces are usually considerably smoother than cut edges. Cut edges can be much more absorbent and may need additional preparation and sanding to create an even surface.

Remove all dust after preparation and apply the appropriate Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat before the chosen topcoat.

The aim is to create a uniformly sealed and smooth surface so that the difference between the face and edges of the MDF is not emphasised by the finished paint.

Yes. Cut MDF edges are normally more porous than the smooth factory face and often require extra preparation.

Prepare the edges carefully so they are smooth and evenly sealed. Additional preparation may be necessary on routed, profiled or heavily machined areas where the internal fibres of the board are exposed.

Sand as necessary between preparation stages and remove all dust before applying the finishing system.

Taking time over the edges is particularly important on shelves, cabinets, built-in furniture and other MDF joinery where the finished edges remain visible.

Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat is the dedicated preparation product for suitable interior wooden surfaces and MDF.

Use the primer and undercoat in the colour tone recommended for the Farrow & Ball topcoat you have chosen.

The primer provides the prepared foundation for finishes such as Dead Flat, Modern Eggshell, Flat Eggshell and Full Gloss where those finishes are suitable for the particular project.

Always follow the preparation and coating requirements for the specific surface and chosen finish rather than treating primer as a substitute for cleaning, repairing and sanding the substrate.

Exterior wood should be sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and other contamination before painting.

Fill cracks, holes and open joints with a suitable water-based exterior wood filler and lightly sand the surface to improve paint adhesion.

In environments where wood-rotting fungi may occur, Farrow & Ball recommends treating the wood with an appropriate exterior wood preservative before priming.

Knotty or resinous areas should be prepared separately where necessary, then the surface should receive Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat in the correct colour tone before the chosen exterior finish is applied.

Previously painted exterior wood should be checked carefully and any weak, peeling or blistering paint removed before repainting.

Feather the edges of remaining sound paint to create a smooth transition between painted and exposed areas.

Fill cracks, holes and open joints with a suitable exterior wood filler, lightly sand the surface and remove the resulting dust.

Prepare any knotty, resinous or bare areas as necessary, then apply the appropriate Wood Primer & Undercoat before the chosen Farrow & Ball exterior finish.

If the surface repeatedly develops cracks or open joints, this may indicate that the timber is nearing the end of its service life and replacement may be worth considering.

Yes. Farrow & Ball specifies Wood Primer & Undercoat as the preparation product for suitable bare exterior wood.

Once the timber is sound, clean, dry, filled and lightly sanded, apply one coat of Wood Primer & Undercoat in the colour tone recommended for the chosen topcoat.

Farrow & Ball specifies a minimum drying time of four hours before continuing with the subsequent coating system.

The final system normally consists of the prepared primer coat followed by two coats of the chosen compatible Farrow & Ball exterior finish.

No. Farrow & Ball states that its exterior wood paint system is not suitable for exterior decking or other pressure-treated wood.

These surfaces have different performance and preparation requirements from suitable exterior joinery such as windows, doors and other painted timber.

You can change the colour of exterior woodwork, but Farrow & Ball advises extra care when moving from a light colour to a much darker one on timber exposed to direct sunlight.

Darker colours absorb more heat. On some wooden surfaces this additional heat can encourage resin or gases to be released and may contribute to warping or distortion of larger items such as garage doors.

Where a significant darkening is planned on sun-exposed wood, Farrow & Ball suggests considering a colour with a Light Reflectance Value above 55 rather than one of its darkest shades.

Exterior metal should be sound, clean, dry and thoroughly degreased before painting.

Remove weak existing paint and deal with rust or corrosion as appropriate for the type of metal.

The exact preparation then depends on whether the surface is ferrous, non-ferrous, galvanised or cast iron.

Suitable metal surfaces are generally prepared with Farrow & Ball Metal Primer & Undercoat before the chosen compatible exterior finish is applied.

Ferrous metal should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased, with weak paint and rust removed back to bare metal where necessary.

Farrow & Ball specifies two coats of Metal Primer & Undercoat in the correct colour tone, allowing a minimum of four hours drying time between coats.

Follow with two coats of the chosen compatible Farrow & Ball finish, observing the required drying time between coats.

Exterior ferrous metal in more severe environments, including coastal locations, may require a specialist metal primer.

Non-ferrous metal should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before painting.

Remove any weak existing paint and lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion of the primer and undercoat.

Farrow & Ball specifies two coats of Metal Primer & Undercoat in the appropriate colour tone, allowing at least four hours between coats, followed by two compatible topcoats.

Galvanised metal needs additional preparation before Farrow & Ball Metal Primer & Undercoat is applied.

Farrow & Ball specifies treating galvanised surfaces with an appropriate Etch Primer or Mordant Solution, ensuring any excess treatment is removed before painting.

Once correctly prepared, apply two coats of Metal Primer & Undercoat in the correct colour tone, allowing at least four hours drying time between coats, followed by the chosen compatible Farrow & Ball finish.

Farrow & Ball does not recommend using its water-based Metal Primer & Undercoat directly on cast iron.

Water-based primers can cause flash rusting on cast iron, so Farrow & Ball recommends using a suitable specialist primer before applying the chosen paint system.

For exterior cast iron, the product guidance notes that this specialist primer will usually be solvent based.

Yes, but melamine and laminate are difficult, non-porous surfaces and need specialist preparation before painting.

Farrow & Ball advises that the surface may need to be degreased with a proprietary cleaner, lightly abraded to create a physical key and then thoroughly cleaned before any coating is applied.

For best results, apply a suitable specialist adhesion primer according to its manufacturer's instructions before continuing with the appropriate Farrow & Ball preparation and finish.

PVC and ABS are classed by Farrow & Ball as difficult surfaces and require careful preparation before painting.

The surface may need to be degreased, lightly abraded to create a physical key and thoroughly cleaned.

Farrow & Ball recommends using an appropriate specialist adhesion primer, following the primer manufacturer's instructions, before applying the subsequent paint system.

Because plastics vary considerably, always check that the specialist primer is suitable for the particular material being painted.

Wall tiles are included in Farrow & Ball's guidance for difficult surfaces, but they need specialist preparation before painting.

The tiles should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased and may need to be lightly abraded to provide a physical key.

For best results, Farrow & Ball recommends applying a specialist adhesion primer according to the primer manufacturer's instructions before continuing with the appropriate Farrow & Ball paint system.

A specialist adhesion primer helps subsequent coatings bond to difficult surfaces that ordinary paint may struggle to adhere to.

Farrow & Ball specifically recommends a specialist adhesion primer when preparing difficult surfaces such as melamine, PVC, ABS, wall tiles and laminates.

These are generally smooth and non-porous materials, so normal preparation alone may not provide a sufficiently reliable surface for the paint system.

Always choose an adhesion primer that is suitable for the substrate and follow its manufacturer's preparation, application and drying instructions.

Existing wax or highly polished treatments should be removed before applying Farrow & Ball paint.

Farrow & Ball recommends sanding back the existing coating or treatment before painting.

It also recommends testing a small area first because Farrow & Ball paints may not be compatible with some waxes and polishes.

A sound existing varnished surface can often be painted, but it must first provide a clean, stable and suitably keyed surface for the new paint system.

Check that the existing coating is firmly adhered. Any loose, peeling or unsound material should be removed, and the surface should be cleaned and sanded sufficiently to remove the gloss and provide a key.

If the existing finish is waxed, highly polished or its compatibility is uncertain, further removal or specialist preparation may be required. Testing a small area before proceeding is sensible.

Suitable paintable caulk can be incorporated into a Farrow & Ball paint system, but Farrow & Ball does not recommend silicone-based caulk.

For best results, Farrow & Ball recommends applying an undiluted coat of Wood Primer & Undercoat to the surfaces being caulked and allowing at least four hours drying time before applying the caulk.

Use the minimum amount of caulk required to fill the gap and remove excess material from the surrounding surfaces.

Follow the caulk manufacturer's drying instructions before applying an undiluted coat of Wood Primer & Undercoat and then the chosen Farrow & Ball finish.

No. Farrow & Ball does not recommend painting over sealant products.

Sealants are commonly used around worktops, windows and baths to prevent water ingress and are designed to remain flexible.

This natural movement means a paint coating applied over the sealant can fail, so the sealant itself should generally be regarded as an unpainted finished surface.

Farrow & Ball also specifically advises against using silicone-based caulk where a painted caulk joint is required.

Naturally oily woods need additional cleaning before they are primed and painted.

Farrow & Ball advises cleaning woods such as oak, teak and rosewood with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits, wearing appropriate gloves and following the product manufacturer's safety instructions.

Continue cleaning until the cloth can be rubbed over the wood without picking up discolouration. The surface should then be wiped with hot water and a sugar soap solution and allowed to dry fully.

Filled, knotty or resinous areas should be prepared and patch primed as required, followed by an undiluted coat of Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat and the chosen topcoat system.

Yes. Suitable Farrow & Ball finishes can be used on interior brickwork, but Fletton bricks are excluded from Farrow & Ball's recommendation.

Dirt, mould, salts and other visible contamination should be removed with a stiff bristle or synthetic brush or an appropriate specialist cleaner, and the brickwork must be completely dry before painting.

Mortar should also be fully cured. Particular care is needed with solid brick walls and walls without effective damp proofing because moisture and salts can cause loss of adhesion.

Farrow & Ball advises that Masonry & Plaster Stabilising Primer should not be used as a general-purpose primer on sound brickwork.