Sandtex – made by Crown – is, along with Dulux Weathershield and Johnstone’s Stormshield, one of the “big three” brands of paint for exterior work. I must admit that in the past I’ve usually used Dulux, more out of habit than anything, but my customer chose a Sandtex colour for her garage doors, so I had to give it a try and provide an honest Sandtex Trade Flexigloss X-Tra Review .
I had a quick look online for some reviews, and they were very mixed. However, many of them weren’t clear as to whether they were reviewing Sandtex’s trade or retail product. To be crystal clear, I am reviewing the Sandtex TRADE Flexible Primer-Undercoat and Gloss system.
The first thing to say is that Sandtex X-Tra products are oil-based products, and are designed to be used together as a system. While I am a big user of water-based products indoors, I do still like a drop of the oil for outside work.
These products are specifically formulated for outside use, to withstand the onslaught of the British weather. When dry the products are extremely flexible, making them resistant to cracking and peeling; they also contain fungicides to help protect the finished paint film.
The recommended system (based on a conversation with the manger in my local CDC) is one coat of the Sandtex Flexible Primer-Undercoat, followed by one coat of Sandtex Trade Flexigloss X-Tra, or possibly a second coat of the gloss if needed. Used together as a system Sandtex claim they will give ten years of protection.
The job I tested the products on was a double garage, metal front door plus wooden frame, and wooden side door plus frame. The frames were white and staying white, the doors were dark green and changing to mid-grey. All of it was actually in pretty good condition, so didn’t require anything other than standard prep.
Sandtex Trade Flexible Primer Undercoat In Use
My first impression on opening the tin of Sandtex Trade Flexible Primer, stirring it and pouring it out was that this product felt really thin. I was initially concerned that there would be drips and runs everywhere, and that opacity might be poor.
I couldn’t have been more wrong! Yes, if you’re applying Sandtex Primer with a brush you should watch out for runs, but no more so than any other product. I found on large flat surfaces the best way to apply it was with a foam mini-roller, and then lay off with a brush. That way I managed to get a really even coverage and a decent finish.
And the opacity, both in white and in a colour (I used the off-the-shelf Charcoal Grey primer) were fantastic. The other thing that is noticeably different about Sandtex Trade Flexible Primer compared to other exterior oil-based undercoats is that when it’s dry, it’s quite shiny. I’m used to undercoats being quite matt, but this almost looked like an eggshell or satin.
Not that it matters, because it’s always going to be painted over with a topcoat anyway, but just thought I’d mention it in case any of you were alarmed when first using it.
But overall, despite my initial reservations, I was impressed, this covered up the old dark green in one coat perfectly, and no drips! This is quite an impressive achievment.
Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra In Use
My initial impressions of Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra were very similar to with the primer-undercoat; it felt thin, and I was worried about runs and opacity. But again, my fears were misplaced. It went on really nicely over the primer-undercoat, the two work really well together.
Again, I used a foam roller on the larger surfaces and laid it off with a brush.
It was a really sunny day when I did the gloss (sorry – should have said – the recommended recoat time is 16 hours, so I came back the next day to gloss), and I was paranoid about misses/grins because of the sun reflecting off the paint, but it covered absolutely brilliantly.
I was fully expecting to have to put on a second coat of gloss, as per the CDC store manager’s instructions, but when I visited on Day 3 both doors looked perfect, couldn’t find a drip or a grin anywhere, just a nice smooth, solid glossy finish (unfortunately, when I returned for the final “after” photo, it was a really overcast day!). Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra is a very impressive product!
Final Thoughts
Sandtex Trade Flexible Primer-Undercoat and Flexigloss X-Tra (and for that matter, Flexible Eggshell which I’ve also heard great things about) are available from Crown Decorating Centres and online by clicking here, in white (1L, 2.5L or 5L), black (1L or 2.5L) or tinted (2.5L). I have to say, the prices I got on 1L tins of white in my local CDC last month were amazing on my trade account– undercoat and gloss for the price of just the undercoat of certain other brands.
If you do not have a trade account, then it’s probably cheaper and easier to buy this paint online. OK, that was on my Trade Account as I’m a Professional Decorator, but it’s still very reasonably priced, and once you overcome any initial concerns about its consistency, it’s really good gear. I’ve already stocked up ready for my next exterior project!
One final thing – I’ve returned to the property several times to try to get a better photo of the finished garage door in the sunlight, but every time I visit it’s clouded over, and you don’t get the impact of the glossy sheen of the paint. So, here’s an alternative picture of another garage door I’ve done more recently, using the same system in white – hope this shows the finish a bit better.
Review Summary
Sandtex Trade Flexigloss X-Tra Review - Decorator's forum UK
An oil-based paint system designed for use on exterior wood, metal, and other trim. This product is available in White, and just about any tinted colour.
Product Brand: Sandtex Trade
4.9
Pros
- I feel confident using oil-based paint when coating exterior wood.
- Extremely flexible, making it resistant to cracking and peeling.
- Contains fungicides.
- The opacity is fantastic, even though it’s quite thin.
- Very high sheen.
- Fantastic finish.
- The longevity of this paint is awesome.
Cons
- I can’t think of any. This is my favourite oil-based gloss for exterior painting.
FAQs
Does Sandtex exterior gloss need undercoat?
Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra requires one coat of Sandtex Trade Flexi-Primer followed by at least one coat of gloss. This is the same whether you’re using it over bare, or previously painted surfaces.
How long does it take for Sandtex exterior gloss to dry?
Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra is relatively slow drying. You can expect it to be touch dry after roughly 8 hours (this differs drastically depending on conditions). You can recoat this paint after 16 hours, and it takes several weeks to cure and fully harden.
Is Sandtex exterior gloss water based?
Sandtex Trade Flexi-Gloss X-Tra is oil-based. This has advantages and disadvantages. The overall finish and longevity of exterior oil-based gloss exceeds that of water-based. However, it isn’t as easy to apply, and it isn’t as good for the environment.
How many coats of exterior gloss?
One coat exterior gloss is normally sufficient, but the second coat often extends the longevity. So, you might spend more time applying that second coat, but get an extra 5 years out of your work before you need to repaint.
Is Sandtex made by Crown?
Sandtex is indeed made by Crown. Often in the same factory.
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