Farrow & Ball Dead Flat

Farrow & Ball Dead Flat is the brand's most matt finish to date — a multi-surface, water-based paint with just a 2% sheen level that suits walls, woodwork and metal in a single, unified look. Originally developed by Farrow & Ball over 70 years ago to recreate the 18th century 'flatted lead' paint effect, it has been reformulated with a modern chemistry that retains the celebrated depth of colour while adding genuine durability.

With less light bouncing off the surface, Dead Flat allows the true depth of Farrow & Ball's signature colours to come through, making richer and darker shades appear especially saturated. It's the ideal choice for colour drenching a space — taking one shade seamlessly across walls, trim, doors and even radiators for an unbroken, immersive finish.

Where to use Farrow & Ball Dead Flat

Dead Flat is suitable for interior walls, ceilings, woodwork, plaster and primed metal. The reformulated finish is washable, wipeable and scuff-resistant, making it well-suited to hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and playrooms. It's also low splatter during application, which makes it more forgiving to apply than traditional matt finishes.

Because of its very flat finish, Farrow & Ball recommend avoiding Dead Flat in kitchens, bathrooms or other high-moisture environments — Modern Emulsion or Modern Eggshell are better suited to those spaces. For exterior projects, choose Exterior Masonry or Exterior Eggshell instead.

Sizes & coverage

Dead Flat covers approximately 12 m² per litre per coat in normal conditions. Two coats are recommended, and darker or stronger colours may require an additional coat. Cooler or more humid environments may extend drying times.

Specifications

• Sheen level: 2% (ultra-matt)
• Suitable surfaces: interior walls, ceilings, woodwork, plaster and primed metal
• Coverage: up to 12 m² per litre per coat
• Coats recommended: 2 (darker shades may require additional)
• Touch dry: 2 hours
• Recoat time: 4 hours (full recoat time should be observed even if surface feels dry)
• Full cure time: up to 14 days for darker colours
• Application: brush or roller (medium pile woven polyester recommended)
• Application temperature: 10°C to 30°C, not in direct sunlight
• Base: water-based, low-VOC, A+ indoor air quality rating
• Toy safe: independently certified to EN 71-3
• Durability: washable, wipeable and scuff-resistant
• Cleanup: warm soapy water
• Available in: all 132 Farrow & Ball colours
• Manufactured in: Wimborne, Dorset, England

Wipe gently with a soft damp microfibre cloth or sponge. Some cleaning solutions may mark the surface — test on an inconspicuous area before use, and avoid bleach-based products.