Satin or Gloss or Eggshell. What to paint doors and windows

dominoman

Last year I made a vow to paint all the door-frames and window-frames in the house using water-based eggshell. I painted a three so far, but I'm not that happy with the finish. Each one has taken 2 coats and still the original shows through a little.

I'm considering changing to using oil-based paints. Good idea or bad idea?

Also not sure whether to go for Gloss or Satin paint. Is gloss a bit old-fashioned?

And is white still the best colour for door and window frames? Or is an off-white cosier?

So many questions. I just would like to know what others think.
What paint type would you use? Gloss, Satin or Egshell.
And what colour? White, or something different?

Thanks!

Doozergirl

I'd use satinwood. Gloss is too glossy and eggshell, well, it picks up all the dirt.

White is the cheapest choice and I'm not sure I'd be inclined to paint any other colour unless you're planning to paint the whole house in one colour, which would make it easier to tie a different coloured woodwork into a colour scheme.

Grenage

Gloss can be a real winner if done well, but I prefer satin.

I'd go with a decent white, water-based satin.

saverbuyer

My house is all gloss. Looks really well when it's done. I live in an old house and think that gloss suits it. I did get a painter in to do all the work though. Doors, skirting, stairs etc. Used Johnstone's professional gloss.

spadoosh

Oil based will be tougher (more restitant to chipping and marking) but will turn yellow eventually. Gloss seems to be the worst for going yellow satin tends to take a bit longer.

Water based paints are not great to put on and the finish is normally not too great either. They dry quicker and theyre the greener choice.

I wouldnt use eggshell unless its to achieve a 'period' look, coloured or for a piece of furniture.

Basically pick a satin, wont go too far wrong. Water based or oil based, your choice, pros and cons of each.

You can go over water based paints with oil based but not the other way round without keying the area first.

dominoman

Thanks all. I think I'll switch from Eggshell to Satinwood for all the doors and windows then.

I don't know whether the existing paint is oil based or not. Can i just give it a light sand and then paint water-based SatinWood over the top? If I have to use an undercoat then it would be easier to use oil-based instead and avoid the extra coat?

spadoosh

Most eggshells tend to be water based. To check just look at the back of the tin and it will have a green, orange/red or purple circle. Orange/red is oil based, purple is something and the green will mean it is water based. The other way to check is to see what recommendations it gives for cleaning your brushes.
White spirit/turps = oil based
water = water based

Id probably just lightly sand it and paint straight on.

JEN22

I have eggshell stayed white for over 5 years so far

MallyGirl

we opt for Farrow & Ball eggshell but the decorator who just finished our front room had to go for 4 coats - he earned his money as we have ornate skirting, sash windows and fitted bookcases in both alcoves in this room. It is a Victorian property so gloss would look wrong and satin is still too shiny

Waterlily24

JEN22 wrote: »

I have eggshell stayed white for over 5 years so far

Same here, I much prefer the eggshell.

spadoosh

JEN22 wrote: »

I have eggshell stayed white for over 5 years so far

Waterlily24 wrote: »

Same here, I much prefer the eggshell.

That's because it's probably water based, had you glossed or satined using water based they would also stay white but at different levels of shiny.

F&b is a shocking paint imo. OK they have some nice colours but the coverage is shocking (as mentioned) and you need loads of coats to get a decent finish. The prices are laughable too when you consider you can buy b&qs own branded stuff and get better coverage and finish. Out of curiosity, what face did your decorator pull when you said you bought f&b?