Sandtex X-Tra Exterior Eggshell Review

Sandtex X-Tra exterior eggshell is an oil-based product for use on timber, metalwork, and cladding. This product is available in 1L or 2.5L tins and you can get it in white, or almost any colour from Crown Trade’s vast range.

The sheen level is around 10% in white and slightly higher in colours, making it the ideal finish for contemporary looking windows, doors, soffits and fascias.

Bare timber should be primed using the Sandtex flexible primer undercoat, then prepared as normal. The re-coat time of both of these products is 16 hours according to the tin, but I know from personal experience that this time can be extended. If you rush additional coats, the paint can take an age to cure and go hard.

You should always apply two coats of eggshell to achieve the flexibility needed to cope with the British climate. You can buy this paint online by clicking here.

My Sandtex X-Tra Eggshell Review

I can tell you now that I think Sandtex X-tra is one of the best oil-based exterior eggshell products on the market. I use loads of the stuff as a decorator and absolutely love it!

Opacity is bob on, whether we’re talking about white or a tinted colour. Bare timber takes one primer, followed by two coats of eggshell, and never any more than that. Same with previously painted surfaces to be fair, but I know a lot of decorators skip the primer and never have any comebacks.

The Sandtex primer can be a little thick and gloopy, but you dilute it for the job in hand. If you’re going for a colour change, then it’s worth persevering with it undiluted. If you’re not going for a colour change, then you should dilute with white spirit to improve flow.

The Eggshell just flies on and brush marks seem to fade away leaving a silky, flat surface. Colours are rich too, meaning just about everything about the initial aesthetics are desirable.

The sheen level may seem higher than it’s supposed to be when you first apply it. However, that will calm down in the weeks to follow leaving something close to matt.

The best thing about this product is the longevity. Exterior paints used on timber need to be robust and flexible, or they’re not likely to last. They also need to stand up to UV light or the colour will soon fade. You don’t need to worry about either when using Sandtex!! I’ve been back to jobs 5 or 6 years after I’ve completed them and the paint finish has been fine.

The only real negative is the drying time. You need to apply it on a warm day, otherwise it takes 24 hours to harden up, which is impractical if you’re painting doors and windows.

Review Summary

Where to Buy

Sandtex X-Tra exterior eggshell is a premium product with a premium price tag. You should expect to pay around £60 for a 2.5L tin, but it’s worth every penny. Particularly if it means you’ll get an extra few years out of your paintwork.

You can buy this product from any Crown Decorating Centre, However, unless you’re entitled to a trade discount, it will almost certainly be cheaper to buy Sandtex X-Tra Eggshell online. Click here to see online prices.

FAQs

Is eggshell finish good for the exterior?

Oh yes, it has its place. Gloss looks formal on exterior paintwork, like your building is wearing a smart suit. Eggshell is more traditional, subtle, and tasteful. Great for older properties or buildings with a lot of character.

Can I use interior eggshell paint outside?

Just check the manufacturer’s instructions, but I’d urge you to be cautious. Exterior paints need to do a lot; including cope with UV, moisture, and they need to be flexible enough to expand and contract with the substrate. A dedicated exterior eggshell like Sandtex X-Tra will last a lot longer.

Do I need to seal exterior wood after painting?

Providing you use a good quality exterior paint and get your prep done correctly, you will not need to seal after painting.

Can I use Sandtex X-Tra inside?

Sandtex X-Tra will take a heck of a long time to dry if you use it inside. If you can put up with that, then I guess the eggshell is fine for interior work. Exterior gloss tends to yellow quite quickly when used inside, so avoid using Sandtex X-Tra Gloss indoors.

Final Thoughts

Sandtex X-Tra Exterior Eggshell is a fantastic product and one I have absolute faith in. I know oil-based paints are slowly being phased out, but this particular product is still going strong. It looks fantastic on windows and doors and shows few brush marks.