With legislation restricting the chemicals manufacturers are allowed to use in oil-based paints and the development of better and better water-based alternatives, a lot of people are making the switch.
The problem is that water-based trim paint is a completely different animal and requires different techniques in order to achieve the desired finish. Even professional decorators can struggle at times. So I thought it would be handy if I jotted my tips for using water-based paint on woodwork. I hope you find them useful.
Always Use a Primer
Some products, such as WRX Satin can be used on previously painted woodwork without the need for a primer/undercoat. However, most need a primer. This is to ensure good adhesion and longevity of your paint.
There are primers on the market such as Bedec All Prime and Zinsser BIN Aqua that you can use with just about any water-based woodwork paint, but most of the time, it’s advisable to go with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Water-based woodwork paint normally comes as part of a system; you apply a specified primer followed by one or two topcoats. Dulux Trade QD Satinwood and Gloss comes with Dulux QD Undercoat. Johnstone’s Aqua Guard satin comes with Johnstone’s Aqua Guard Primer (you get the idea). The best tip I can give you is to follow the instructions that come with the product you’re using.
Get Your Prep Right
Water-based paint requires more prep than oil-based. Sanding the woodwork makes a ‘key’ (thousands of tiny scratches that the new paint sticks to). This aids adhesion and ensures your paint doesn’t peel over time.
Choose the Right Paint
Some water-based paints are better for woodwork than others and choosing a quality product will make all the difference. The most popular choice amongst Professional Decorators is the Johnstone’s Aqua Guard system.
This is a full range of products consisting of a primer, matt, satin, and gloss. You can buy them in white or just about any colour imaginable. No matter which finish you go for, you’ll find the paint easy to use, durable, and the finish will be spot on.
Use a Brush AND Roller
Water-based paint is a lot quicker and easier to apply than oil-based, but one of the challenges is keeping a ‘wet edge’. One tip for using water-based paint on woodwork is to apply the material quickly so it doesn’t start to dry as you’re applying it. Also, don’t go back over paint you’ve already applied.
It’s a lot easier to apply water-based paint quickly if you use a brush and a roller. Simply cut-in around the edge of your woodwork with your brush, and then roll the middle. Using a good-quality roller like a ProDec Ice Fusion will mean you leave no lint in your paint finish, and orange peel will be reduced. This gives you a much nicer finish.
The best paint roller to apply water-based paint to woodwork is probably ProDec Ice Fusion.
Use a Paint conditioner
Paint conditioners can help to extend the open time and aid adhesion of water-based paint. This means less brush and roller marks, and a much better flow. There’s a product called Smith & Rodger Flow & Bond that I can highly recommend.
All you do is add up to 1 part conditioner to 9 parts paint, then you’re good to go. Click here for product details.
What Tips do Other Decorators Have?
Make sure you adhere to drying times when using water-based paint on woodwork. Even if your coat of paint feels touch-dry, it may not be fully cured. By applying another coat of paint too soon, you could ruin your finish. Paint can peel, so you’re back to square 1.
The biggest tip I can share for using water-based paint is to use a good product. Water-based technology has come a long way, but going cheap is like taking a step backwards.
If you do have a tight budget, then WRX satin is great value and performs well. You can apply it directly to old oil-based paint without the need for a separate primer. It looks fantastic too.
If you do have the budget, then Benjamin Moore Scuff X is easily the best water-based satinwood on the market. It flies on, looks amazing and seems to last forever. This is a step-up from anything else out there.
The best water-based gloss is Teknos Futura 90, which is a hybrid (mostly water-based, but contains a little bit of oil). The ease of use and sheen level are spot on, but make sure you use the correct undercoat/primer.
Keep a bucket of water handy for spinning your brush out, keeps the paint flowing with no dragging.
Keep your brush wet. Run it under a tap before you start, then spin it out in a bucket of water every hour or so. This will help keep the paint flowing nicely.
Something else you could do is wipe all surfaces down with a damp cloth just before you paint them. This way your paint won’t drag, it will be easier to apply and you’ll even cut down on the brush marks.
Always use a synthetic brush.
Use a full system. If you are applying water based over old oil, you may need an adhesion primer first. Read the instructions on your paint before you start.
I always give a light sponge of water to surfaces before applying topcoat and try not to over work the paint. apply the product, then move on.
Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth before painting. It will give you a longer open edge time.
Spray your brush gently every now and again with a hand sprayer filled with water.
LLL – lash on, lay off, leave alone
Really light rub down before the final coat. Then damp of cloth over the area will help get better coverage on large flat areas like doors an sills.
Thin it down with Floetrol or water to get a flatter finish
Dampen the surface first before applying the paint. Either with a spray or damp sponge.
Damp brush before you start. Another tip for water-based paint is to always use a synthetic brush.
Get it on quick and do not go back. If you mess about to much you’ll ruin your paint finish. water-based paint can be tricky
Don’t unless you absolutely have to, terrible stuff
Put plenty on
It helps to wipe the area being painted with a damp cloth, and wash your brush out every 2/3 hrs, damp brush also work a treat.
Sand smooth filling any holes or cracks apply a good bodied undercoat. Then finish it off with quick dry Armstead satin or gloss with a Purdy or Hamilton brush to give it that perfect finish.
Tips Using Waterbased Paint on Woodwork
Always use a good brush. And clean them after use
Short strokes and make debris free
Wet brush first
It’s all in the undercoat, ensure you apply a good w/B undercoat giving a better finish on your final topcoat. Use a good synthetic brush
Work fast, small drop of water through the paint
Good sand and apply a good adhesion primer first. Once dry 240 grade in-between coats. Add Xim or Floetrol to the water based product.
Use a tack rag followed by a damp cloth and using a good brush it will be perfect.
Dustless sander trim first.
Sand down nicely and for the best results apply by a roller and laying off brush. Apply paint with a ProDec Prestige medium pile roller.
If brushing, keep some water close by for intermittent cleaning of brush and brush resting place.
Don’t! Always stick with oil based
Get it on quick and lay it off quick, don’t go back to it while it’s drying ad it will pull
Use a finely tipped synthetic brush
Keep a kettle of cold water with you to dip your brush from time to time.
If it’s a hot day and the surfaces you are to paint are in direct sunlight,(e.g. window sills) cover surfaces with a dust sheet in the morning. This keeps the surfaces cool and helps to prevent drag.👍
Make sure you flat off the surface between coats
Same prep as always, but if you use a slightly damp rag and wipe all areas to be painted prior to, you will have more time to brush out.
Tack cloth, then damp sponge ahead for better flow of paint.
I would use bin 123 two coats then two coats of gloss
Wipe surface with a damp cloth before painting or dampen brush. And don’t overwork the area just get it on decent and leave it
Use the appropriate brush for the appropriate paint
Wash out your brushes regularly and start with a damp brush
EITHER SPRAY IT OR USE A DECENT BRUSH
Well a decent brush is a must, such as ProDec ones! Keep a pot of water to slightly dip brush in every now and then to keep the flow of paint smooth as w/b can get bit thick and or clog brush.
Slightly wet your brush before use and clean it regularly during use.
Wipe over your woodwork with a damp cloth first. It helps the water-based paint to flow. Keep your brush wet too.
Slightly dampen the surface prior to painting. Use a brush that holds its shape, holds a good amount of paint and evenly applies the product. Preferably a brush with filaments that aren’t tapered.
Always give the surface a good key, particularly previously painted surfaces. Use the correct Undercoat. Most water based paints are a two part system.
Clean your brush regularly throughout the day when it begins to clog it only takes a couple of minutes and you will get a better finish . Expect to apply 4 coats, at least 2 of the top coat. Advise that the paint will take a week to fully cure. Carpets shouldn’t go down before this time. Not practical, but keeps you covered
Dampen the surface before applying the paint. Keep everything wet. Water is your friend.
Firstly, use the best synthetic brush you can get hold of.
If you dampen the surface to be painted this can aid the flow of the paint and keep an open edge.
Use a 4inch Two Fussy Blokes 5mm sleeve. No need to lay off perfect finish every time.
Tips for using waterbased paint on woodwork
Dampen the wood before applying the paint and work quickly, best I can do sorry 😉
When using both don’t drag it out too much as brush strokes will appear. Put plenty of paint on your brush.
Just slap it on. Never over-work water-based paint, or you’ll make it worse.
On large areas, slightly dampen the surface first and always use the recommend undercoat.
Always keep the brush wet, spray a mist of water on the surface if necessary but most importantly of all using the right brush is key.
Spray a fine mist of water before applying your paint.
Don’t play around with it too much and don’t go over bits when it’s drying .. add some water or additive to help it flow and keep a wet edge
Tips for using waterbased paint on woodwork
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