Daft question - gloss paint?

[vicky whitworth]

My painter also suggested Sadolin Superdec for a matt/satin finish but I have balked at this as it's a stain not a paint as far as I am aware, and it reminds me of those dark stained windows from the 1980s. I want a paint finish but not too shiney. My builder has said he's done lots in F&B with no problems so perhaps my earlier problems was because I'm a rubbish painter rather than the paint itself.

 

[biffvernon]

The real problem with all the alkyd and acrylic resin paints is their low water vapour permeability. They form a waterproof coating on the timber which keeps the rain out just until there is a crack. Then the water gets in, wets the wood, and cannot dry out again. The wood rots and folk decide that wood. is useless and turn to PVC.

With linseed oil paint, the vapour permeability is much greater, allowing moisture to dry out of the timber. The wood does not rot but lasts for a century or two so folk think that timber is better than plastic.

It's the difference between wearing a polythene bag or a Goretex jacket. Bad paint has a lot to answer for.

 

[rogerh]

I'd also consider an oil-based eggshell. I like Little Greene, which offers a similar range to F&B.

And if you're anywhere near, try these people:

The Potmolen Paint Co. Ltd., 27 Woodcock Industrial Estate, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9DX - Telephone: 01985 213960.

"They provide traditional paints, coatings, brushes and tools for the repair, conservation and preservation of historic buildings. Their traditional and natural coatings include Clarina Linseed Oil paint, distemper super, Amstel distemper, extra fine lime putty, chapel coat, schoolhouse wax etc."

Haven't tried their linseed oil paint but I used their Amstel oil-based distemper on my bathroom walls and ceiling and it hasn't flaked or cracked after two years.

 

[biffvernon]

Yes but the key thing for the long term safety of external joinery is the vapour permeability of the paint layer.

If it don't breathe don't use it.

(Even if the word 'greene' appears on the tin.)

 

[AMc]

Greene in name not a claim to Green in nature.
http://www.littlegreene.com/about-us/

With records dating back to the year 1773, the Little Greene Dye Works of Collyhurst Wood, on the outskirts of Manchester is one of England's most ancient industrial sites for the making of paints and dye solutions.

They also have links to English Heritage
http://www.littlegreene.com/about-us/english-heritage/

I've used their distemper and some of their other emulsions but they are not all traditional in composition

I would echo Biff's comments about breathable a.k.a. vapour permeable a.k.a. micro porous finishes for exterior woodwork.