Emulsion over gloss

Uncle_Cuddles

Hi. Is it okay to emulsion over previously glossed woodwork (skirting board and dado rail). If it is okay, does it need any preparation beforehand (sanding/undercoat)?

SnowyOwl_2

The shine needs to be taken off the gloss, ie sand very well. This will provide a key for the new paint to adhere to. If there are any shiny bits left then the new paint will probably peel and flake - the sanding down is v.important otherwise you'll end up with a less than satisfactory result and an even bigger headache to put right.

Mr_Warren_2

Sanding paint from old woodwork is hard work as most of the time the old paint “clogs-up” the sandpaper. I now use “liquid sandpaper” from any good DIY shop. Just put it on a wet sponge and apply to the paintwork as if washing it. Rinse (I use hot water) and let dry.
The liquid contains microscopic grains that “scratch” the old paint to allow the new coat to adhere. It is sold as a coloured liquid to see where you have been and not. :T

njm_2

I imagine that you wish the skirting board and dado rail to be the same colour as your walls, however using emulsion paint will not provide sufficient protection from any knocks or scrapes and you may soon find the room looking tired and in need of repainting. You can get most colours matched at many of the DIY stores and produced in a number of different sheens (the amount of shininess {light reflection}). If you take your emulsion paint to the store they may be able to use the paint code to produce an exact match.

Since this is MSE - the cheapest way is to add PVA glue, about 1/3 glue to 2/3 emulsion paint worked for me, and mix thoroughly. This will produce a much harder wearing paint that I have used for woodwork, although it will have a slightly higher sheen than the original emulsion.

The most important thing is to ensure the surface is well prepared – as previously stated – I would then apply an oil based undercoat to seal the wood and sand lightly (220 grit paper – sanding pad is even better) before applying the top coat.

Uncle_Cuddles

Thanks everyone!

We actually want to paint the woodword lighter than the walls, so we were thinking of mixing the emulsion we have got with some white we have left over, but we also have half a tin of white gloss, so it is possible to mix gloss and emulsion to make a tougher than emulsion paint?

djohn2002uk

You can't mix Gloss and Emulsion, Gloss is oil based and Emulsion is water based. The finish will be poor.

Peter-Pan_5

To be fair it may be waterbased gloss if you read the back of the respective tins it will tell you if you wash the brushes in water.

The_Biff

I did a room with emulsion all over. The wood work took a few coats but the effect is great. (I've since been offered decorating work by people who have seen it). Next time round - 5 years later the emulsion really went on easily, even though the colour was different.