Can someone recommend a paint additive please?

[dazzystar]

Hi All,

I'm using Leyland Trade Multi-Surface Paint (acrylic) for all my doors, trims, etc. but I'm not particularly happy with the finish I'm getting with a brush. I've seen on YouTube people using Floetrol but I need to order and wait for it until next week whereas I'd rather pick something up from Screwfix or Toolstation tomorrow if possible. Can someone please recommend an alternative paint additive please?

Cheers
Daz

 

[Wayners]

Stop using a brush..
Use Uni-Pro High Tech Micro-Fibre 6.5" 4mm Nap and buy the yellow matching handles.

Even better if you remove door and lay down as no runs..
You can fix legs on ends and flip door and paint door both sides straight away.
You probably aren't getting the paint on thick enough. You need a good thick coat so it settles Vs thin brushing out and patchy.
5 mins per door per side so no skinning of the paint.
I've always said. If you get a paint run on door when hung, then you are just over where you should be with thickness.

 

[dazzystar]

I tried with a mini roller too. The paint starts to dry so quickly even though the bathroom isn't even warm! I'm using the Fortress Trade Short Pile gloss roller sleeve (woven microfibre).

 

[Wayners]

Paint should stay wet for about 5 to 10 mins.
You can add a splash of water to it which will slow it down
If you have a 4 or 6 panel door you can paint the panels and let them dry and then paint the rest...
It's a common problem. People including trades don't get the correct thickness of paint on.
It's good to have a gauge then read the spec which I think is about 80 Microns.
I bet you are less than 40 Microns.
When you test and get it right you will be good. It's just a case of being shown or finding out so you know.

You use a gauge. Here.

Stainless Steel Wet Film Thickness Gauge 25-3000um High Accuracy Paint Varnish Measurement Tool with Mil Scale for Coating Thickness : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

Shop Stainless Steel Wet Film Thickness Gauge 25-3000um High Accuracy Paint Varnish Measurement Tool with Mil Scale for Coating Thickness. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

amzn.eu

 

[dazzystar]

I've ordered some Floetrol which hopefully comes tomorrow and I'll add 7%-10% and use the mini roller I've got. I'll make sure to use more than I'd normally would. I'll report back. Not taking the door off though.

 

[opps]

A bit late now but the London based Leyland SDM chain of stores sells Floetrol. They also sell Owatrol oil (the version for oil based paints).

Decorating & DIY Store Locator

DIY and Decorating specialists. We have a range of products available for DIY, Decorators and professional tradesmen. Find your nearest DIY and Decorating store here.

leylandsdm.co.uk

AFAIK, Floetrol is primarily propylene glycol. I always add some Floetrol when working with waterbased paints on woodwork.

I spent the best part of 20 years painting new bookcases/wardrobes etc., I used to use Anza paint pads and Purdy Sprig Elite bushes. The units were raw MDF. The paint pads enabled me to have minimal tramlines (brush marks). The customers wanted the doors to look like wood rather than MDF. I hate rolled finishes on such units (no offence intended to anyone who uses them- just my personal taste). You can't create subtle brush marks where the door styles meet the rails when using a roller unless you drag a brush over the rolled finish, and that ain't gonna work unless you use an additive such as Floetrol (when using water based paints).

The cabinet maker that used to recommend me did so because he wanted to units to look as good as possible. When he retired he asked me for advice with regards to painting the panelling he installed in his hallway. I recommended Floetrol, he baulked at the cost. I gave him some propylene glycol which I had purchased years earlier to see if it was as good as Floetrol. I had never gotten around to using it. He said it made a massive difference with regards to maintaining a wet edge. From memory, it is up to 4 or 5 times cheaper than Floetrol. Personally, I still stick with the Floetrol because I cannot afford to use a product on site that might not be up to scratch.

Edit... at one point, the company that used to distribute Owatrol (US) products in the UK were pushed out of the equation by Owatrol (according to folk law). Often happens when US firms use a distributor and then gain market share. The distributors, Geedon, started to market another version of Floetrol. It was a thinner blue liquid. From memory It was called XIM extender.

Benjamin Moore have their own version

Benjamin Moore Paint Extender - 1 Quart (946 ml)

Benjamin Moore Paint Extender is designed to improve the application of Benjamin Moore’s waterborne paints. Buy all Benjamin Moore colours on Next Day Paint. Next Working Day Delivery available

nextdaypaint.co.uk

Best of luck