When it comes to choosing colour, there are no strict rules but there are many factors to take into consideration. Architecture, the purpose, shape and direction of a room and above all light, should be taken into account, as they will contribute to the changing appearance of colours.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Before making your final colour choice, we recommend that you test selected paint colours in the room to be decorated. All 132 colours are available in 100ml sample Emulsion. Paint onto a piece of paper or card and place it in the room to be decorated looking at how the colour changes at different times of the day. This is particularly useful when you are decorating a room, which you will only use at certain times of day. For instance, if you are decorating a dining room which is mostly used in the evening, check the colours in evening light to ensure you get your desired look.
USEFUL TIPS
• Start by thinking how light moves through your house and the effect it has at different times of the day
• Consider the period of your property and whether this also influences your choice
• Think about the colours you are comfortable with - look at your clothes, your car, furniture and fabrics. Decide on a palette that feels right to you
• Don't be tempted to use too many colours on architectural features as you may distract from the very thing you are trying to enhance
• The traditional approach to decorating is more colour on the walls than on the woodwork; however, reversing this can be equally effective
• Monochromatic schemes are particularly good for irregular shaped rooms as they help to iron out any visual faults
To help, when you browse colours in our online store, we’ll show you four different colour schemes for each colour. Similarly, you can view complementary colour schemes for every wallpaper online. Alternatively, visit one of our showrooms where in-store colour consultants are on hand to provide complimentary advice on paint colours and finishes.
INTERIOR WALLS & CEILINGS
Most of our paints are water based eco-friendly and comply with the latest environmental legislation regarding the VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content of paints except Oil base paint Gloss. Our finishes are all low in odour and classified as either low or minimal VOC. These water based paints can be applied to surfaces previously painted in an oil based finish. However, surfaces painted in oil based paint require a minimum of two weeks drying time before water based paint is applied on top.
Whether you are creating a subtle backdrop or daring colour statement, our emulsions define the unique look of Megasea Paint.
MEGASEA PAINT - ESTATE
Walls & Ceilings
The paint finish that creates a standard finish, suitable for use throughout the home on ceilings and walls, it has a chalky matt finish and unrivalled depth of colour. it has more pigment in every tin than other emulsions. Available in all 132 colours. Minimal VOC content.
MEGASEA PAINT - PRO CONTRACTOR Weathershield
When complete wash-ability, stain and scuff resistance is required, Pro Contractor is the ultimate high performance alternative to Estate®. With slightly more sheen, this finish is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, children’s rooms and other areas of high usage. Available in all 132 colours. Low VOC content. Completely washable
Estate® Eggshell
An extremely robust and durable eggshell finish which is easily wiped or washed clean. Ideal for all interior woodwork and metal including radiators. Its low sheen level makes it the ideal complement to Estate® Emulsion and Modern Emulsion. Available in all 132 colours. Low VOC content. Completely washable.
Full Gloss
Oil based with a traditional high gloss finish. Extremely versatile and robust, it is suitable for both interior and exterior wood and metal surfaces and can also be used to dramatic effect on walls and ceilings. Available in 132 colours. Low VOC content. Completely washable.
Primers & Undercoats - Interior and Exterior
Megasea Paint undercoats and primers have been specially formulated using exactly the same resins, natural ingredients and rich pigments as our top coats. Each of our 132 colours has a specific undercoat colour which has been selected to greatly enhance the depth of colour and finish.
Paint
The table below offers a guide to the maximum coverage for all our paint finishes. Coverage is dependent on thickness of application and surface.
| Paint Type | Size Available | Approximate Coverage | Typical no. of Coats | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO CONTRACTOR Emulsion |
5 litres, 20 litres | 70m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Estate Emulsion | 5 litres, 20 litres | 60m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Estate Eggshell | 5 litres, 20 litres | 60m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Floor Paint | 5 litres, 20 litres | 60m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Full Gloss | 5 litres, 20 litres | 30m2 per 2.5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Dead Flat | 5 litres, 20 litres | 60m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Exterior Textured | 5 litres, 20 litres | 40m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Exterior Eggshell | 5 litres, 20 litres | 32m2 per 2.5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Casein Distemper | 5 litres, 20 litres | 65m2 per 5 litres | 1 | ||||||
| Soft Distemper | 5 litres | 65m2 per 5 litres | 2 | ||||||
| Limewash | 5 litres | Varies | 3 to 4 | ||||||
Preparing and Applying to Interior Walls & Ceilings
Our finishes are all low in odour and classified as either low or minimal VOC. These water based paints can be applied to surfaces previously painted in an oil based finish. However, surfaces painted in oil based paint require a minimum of two weeks drying time before water based paint is applied on top. Farrow & Ball oil based paint finishes are no longer available.
The following guidelines apply to the Estate® Emulsion and PRO CONTRACTOR
Emulsion paint finishes
Surface Preparation
Ensure the wall and ceiling surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination. Apply MEGASEA Primer & Undercoat, this will enable you to achieve an even finish and enhance the intensity of the top coat colour. Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat is available in four colours to enhance the intensity of your chosen wall or ceiling colour.
Apply Wall & Ceiling Primer & Undercoat as follows:
Plasterboard, skim plaster, sheet rock and lined walls:
• When applying over a porous surface, mix with up to 50% water to make a diluted coat. This will seal the surface and promote adhesion.
• Dilution rate will depend on t2he porosity of the surface. A test patch is recommended to determine the correct dilution rate.
• Finish with a full coat to enhance the top coat colour.
Pre-painted, non-porous surfaces:
• Apply one full coat
Glossy or oil based surfaces:
• Sand down and then clean with a detergent.
• Apply one full coat.
For plaster surfaces which are porous, chalky or slightly degraded but otherwise structurally sound use Farrow & Ball Stabilising Primer. Read the Stabilising Primer advice sheet for full details on surface preparation for contaminated, cement rendered, lime rendered or unsound surfaces.
Paint Application
• When using more than one tin of the same colour checks that the batch numbers are the same (see the base of the tin). If not then mix the tins together before use.
• Stir paint thoroughly before use
• Apply two coats using a brush or roller. If using a roller, always lay off in one direction with a brush
The drying time for Estate® Emulsion is one to two hours. PRO CONTRACTOR
•Emulsion is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours
•Clean brushes and rollers with warm soapy water.
Metal
Our finishes are all low in odour and classified as either low or minimal VOC. These water based paints can be applied to surfaces previously painted in an oil based finish. However, surfaces painted in oil based paint require a minimum of two weeks drying time before water based paint is applied on top.
The following guidelines apply to the Estate® Eggshell, Dead Flat and Full Gloss paint finishes, suitable for all interior metal.
Surface Preparation
Ensure the metal surface is sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination.
For ferrous metal surfaces, i.e. metals that can rust such as traditional radiators:
• New and previously painted metal surfaces should be thoroughly degreased.
• Remove any rust or weak paint back to bare metal.
• Apply two coats of Farrow & Ball Metal Primer.
For galvanised metal surfaces, i.e. metal that has been coated to prevent rusting:
• With Etch Primer or Mordant Solution taking care to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• When dry, clean with a detergent.
Paint Application
• When using more than one tin of the same colour, check that the batch numbers are the same (see the base of the tin). If not then mix the tins together before use.
• Estate® Eggshell: stir paint thoroughly before use. Load brush well and apply two coats. For a perfect finish, lightly sand between coats. Estate® Eggshell is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours.
• Full Gloss: stir paint thoroughly before use. Apply one coat and allow to dry. Sand off with a fine abrasive paper to remove raised grain or roughed surface. Apply a final coat. Full Gloss is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours.
• Dead Flat: Load brush well and apply two coats. For a perfect finish, lightly sand between coats. Dead Flat is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours.
• Clean brushes with warm soapy water.
EXTERIOR PRAPRATION
Our finishes are all low in odour and classified as either low or minimal VOC. These water based paints can be applied to surfaces previously painted in an oil based finish. However, surfaces painted in oil based paint require a minimum of two weeks drying time before water based paint is applied on top.
The following guidelines apply to the Exterior paint finish, suitable for exterior surfaces constructed of masonry, cement, stone, brick, block work, roughcast and chip.
Surface Preparation
Ensure the surface is sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination.
For newly rendered surfaces:
• Newly rendered surfaces must dry out completely and are best left to weather for up to six months before sealing with any paint system.
• For any areas that remain powdery or unstable following the drying period, prime with Farrow & Ball Stabilising Primer.
For dry, new cement rendered surfaces:
• No primer is required, but 10% water may be added to assist application on sound, bare surfaces.
For structurally damaged surfaces, such as cracking or loose cement:
• Repair before applying paint.
• Patch prime any repaired or seriously degraded areas with two coats of MEGASEA Primer.
For unsound surfaces such as alkaline, powdery or porous surfaces:
• Prime with MEGASEA PAINT Primer.
• One or two coats should be applied by brush, working well into the surface.
• Allow to fully dry.
For fungal or algal contaminated surfaces:
• Decontaminate with an appropriate treatment or with a solution of diluted bleach and all to dry completely.
• Scrape back unsound surfaces and brush clean before applying Farrow & Ball Stabilising Primer.
Paint Application
• When using more than one tin of the same colour, check that the batch numbers are the same (see the base of the tin). If not then mix the tins together before use.
• Stir paint thoroughly before use.
• Apply two coats by brush or roller, taking care not to apply too thickly in hollows and angled sections.
• Exterior Masonry is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in five hours.
• Clean brushes and rollers with warm soapy water.
EXTERIOR METAL
Our finishes are all low in odour and classified as either low or minimal VOC. These water based paints can be applied to surfaces previously painted in an oil based finish. However, surfaces painted in oil based paint require a minimum of two weeks drying time before water based paint is applied on top.
The following guidelines apply to the Exterior Eggshell and Full Gloss paint finishes, suitable for use on railings, gates, guttering, furniture and other metal surfaces.
Surface Preparation
Ensure the surface is sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination. Fill any cracks, holes and open joins with appropriate exterior filler.
For ferrous metal surfaces, i.e. metals that can rust:
• New and previously painted metal surfaces should be thoroughly degreased.
• Remove any rust or weak paint back to bare metal.
• Apply two coats of MEGASEA PAINT Metal Primer.
Paint Application
• When using more than one tin of the same colour, check that the batch numbers are the same (see the base of the tin). If not then mix the tins together before use.
• Stir paint thoroughly before use.
• Exterior Eggshell: apply two coats by brush. Exterior Eggshell is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours.
• Full Gloss: Apply one coat and allow to dry, then sand off with a fine abrasive paper to remove roughened surface and apply a final coat. Load the brush well, Full Gloss may be applied by a gloss roller for larger flat areas. Full Gloss is touch dry in one hour and can be recoated in four hours
• Clean brushes with warm soapy water.
Our professional painters/applicators service is available to provide you with the best colour schemes and decorative advice, all in the comfort of your own home.
Our trained painters will visit you to discuss your plans, favourite colours and any specific ideas you have in mind as well as make an assessment of the room, space, lighting sources and what the room will be used for. Once completed, they will provide you with that all important colour advice in order for you to create the best look for your home, all in a relaxed and informal way.
Following the consultation you will receive a colour fan and written specification giving you details of the recommended colours, finishes and quantities, along with wallpaper designs and colour ways if required, all of which will have been discussed and agreed with you at the visit.
