What paints do you recommend

Business Man · 30 May 2016 at 18:57

I have got a softwood bare window board, and HDF skirting to paint

I have read that you need to prime first and then undercoat

What primer do people recommend?

And just so I have this correct, your undercoat is the same stuff as your top coat?

I keep reading that oil gloss is crap now and to avoid it has it yellows, is there any substitute that is hard waring either gloss or satin?

I have never had to paint wood from scratch before so I just want to make sure I have the process nailed down to get the best possible finish

Regy53 · 30 May 2016 at 19:06

Oil based primer is often best as it really does coat well but i used water based its must easier to use, drys quicker.

Then just used satinwood by crown i think, worked a treat but you need two coats, been in a year and have a couple of high traffic areas and the door frames etc are still like we did them

Borealis · 30 May 2016 at 19:21

If it's bare wood/MDF/HDF, then yes you need to prime it to seal it. You can use a specialist undercoat, but unless my topcoat paint is really thin and doesn't cover well, I just use an extra coat of the top coat instead of an undercoat.

Water based paints are so much easier to work with but I find they aren't as opaque as oil based. I use satinwood instead of gloss as it's easier to get a good streak free finish.

WillyNelson · 31 May 2016 at 09:33

I'll give another vote for Crown's satinwood. It's lovely stuff to apply and finishes beautifully.

BigT · 31 May 2016 at 10:53

Zinseser stuff will seal and prime anything:

http://www.diy.com/departments/zinsser-bin-white-primer-undercoat-1l/38767_BQ.prd

Skiddley · 31 May 2016 at 13:11

Really subjective. I use Ronseal oncoat undercoat (2 coats!), and dulux water-based eggshell (2 coats after any filling\caulk work) on woodwork.

covenantuk · 31 May 2016 at 13:13

Zinnser. Really opaque and easy to use. Will cover stains etc too

a1ex2001 · 31 May 2016 at 13:24

Apply any filler
Sand woodwork
Apply knotting seal as required
1st coat of dulux undercoat & primer
Sand gently
2nd coat of dulux undercoat & primer
Sand gently
Apply decorators caulk as required
1st coat of dulux quick dry satin wood
2nd coat of dulux quick dry satin wood

Bit of a dulux fan boy everything else I've used has disappointed me although plenty will feel differently!

Kiyoshi · 31 May 2016 at 13:39

Another vote for Zinnser primers here.

lynchnigel · 31 May 2016 at 21:52

I must admit to being a dulux fan as well but i've been using the gloss which i like after using the primer, undercoat and definitely knotting the softwood.