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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have lime plaster and need to protect its breathability, choose one of these:
Traditional, highly breathable, beautiful in its subtle, evolving finish.
Earthborn, Auro, Edward Bulmer - rich colours, fully vapour-permeable.
Keim, Beeck - excellent for durability and breathability, especially for exteriors.
Here’s my go-to list for truly breathable finishes:
Farrow & Ball Traditional Limewash
Ty-Mawr Limewash
Cornish Lime
Rose of Jericho
Earthborn Claypaint
Auro Clay Paint
Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
Keim Royalan / Soldalit
Beeck Mineral Paints
These brands specialise in products that respect and protect heritage walls.
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.
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.
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
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