One coat gloss

[Booldawg]

I've rubbed down the woodwork ans now its time to gloss. I'd usually put on the undercoat and then gloss 24 hours after.

With one coat gloss is there any need to use an undercoat?

[ummmm]

Not in my experience. I never used undercoat when using normal gloss....one coat is much better though.

[theshedman]

Hi, you will get a much better finish if you put on the undercoat then gloss and lightly rub down between the two using a tack cloth after sanding to make sure you get all the tiny bits of dust off. I would always go for the oil based ones too as I find they are much better. If you don't use undercoat and just use normal gloss then the colour under the gloss will bleed through in a very short time.

[theshedman]

Hi, sorry I forgot to put you don't need undercoat when using one coat stuff. As you can probably see from my previous answer I don't like one coat very much lol. Proper paint for proper job.

[Booldawg]

Thanks for that. All the wood I'm painting has been white anyway. I was trying to save a few hours as theres at least 4 hours of painting there :-(

[ummmm]

I've done lot's and lot's of painting over the years. I wouldn't use undercoat with one coat gloss.

Why don't you just try it on one section first...

[Booldawg]

I may give it a go. If the wood was previously a different colour I wouldnt be tempted to use it as per Shedmans comments about bleeding over.

Histiorically I've always used the undercoat/gloss combination but I'm doing the hall/stairs/landing. Thats 5 doors, all the skirting, and the bannister.

[The Builder]

Boolders................ try using a little 100mm radiator roller on the doors. Does flat surfaces in a tenth of the time. Try a short-haired gloss roller head.

[Booldawg]

Thanks for the tip Builder. I have a rad roller. May not come in use on the doors as they are panelled but would be good use on the large bannister area. (Is 'bannister' the right term? - its the large wood area that separates the stairs from the landing)

[AlBags]

Ooh .. That's a no no in the period building trade, although some builders use it to speed up a job.
You cannot beat oil-based primer/undercoat on exterior timber .. and it does not fetch up the grain in many woods like acrylic does.
My tip .. use a primer and then a good quality gloss .. not one coat or non-drip. Ultimately a better finish.

[AlBags]

Another thing .. acrylic eggshells and water based satins are mostly far superior to gloss products now.