Tiny, tiny bubbles in paint on wall with Farrow & Ball

ashe

We painted some test patches round the house yesterday and noticed in 2 rooms we get microscopic bubbles in the paint as it was brushed on. They're literally pinprick size so presume with a between-coats sand and another coat they would go away, and there was no prep sand, undercoat etc we just painted it on but just wanted to check it's not something else as obviously the paint isn't cheap to use 😅 previous owners have cut corners everywhere so hoping nothing crazy. 

Photo below is an extreme closeup, had to go quite close to see them. 

JohnB47

Anytime I've had that, it's been caused by my brushing too quickly, or using a roller too quickly. I usually spot it as its happening, so I go over it immediately, more slowly, using the brush or roller. Not Farrow and Ball paint, just standard Dulux or B&Q stuff.

Could be other causes I suppose but my advice is, slow down.

shinytop

Just doing some F&B now.  I find you get the bubbles when the paint goes on initially.  Once it's covered, go over it with the roller extremely lightly, with no pressing at all and the bubbles disappear.

Mutton_Geoff

As I minimum, I would sugar soap wash the walls before painting. Especially if the paint cost £200 a tin.

Most decorator's merchants will mix F&B into Dulux/Johnstones etc base paint.

ashe

shinytop said:

Just doing some F&B now.  I find you get the bubbles when the paint goes on initially.  Once it's covered, go over it with the roller extremely lightly, with no pressing at all and the bubbles disappear.

did you use their undercoat? We've got some trade contract matte to use but been suggested to use theirs albeit much more costly 

MrsStepford

Live in an Edwardian house with horsehair plaster. English Heritage suggested that after sugar soaping and letting the walls dry we used a breatheable undercoat. I called from Wickes and asked if I could use Wickes Trade Paint For New Plaster, whch is breatheable vinyl paint. It's cheap, brilliant white and quite thick. It gives a great base and we've had no problems with F&B. 

F&B isn't the easiest paint to use. Fantastic colour eg Eating Room Red but almost no vinyl in the Estate Emulsion at all. Makes it diffcult to paint and get a smooth finish. The paint for new plaster made it go on much more easily. 

If you want the colours without the hassle, try F&B Modern Emulsion, whch is a vinyl paint. Alternatively, get a sample and have it made up at a paint mixing gadget in a DIY store.