Coming back to it

[The Eaststander]

Ten years ago I moved into an apartment, and since then, there has hardly been a need for any DIY, save for putting emulsion on walls. Recently, I decided to undertake two projects renovating some furniture for a friend - just a quick sand, primer and two top coats.

Coming back to this after a long break, I have noticed a few changes. Firstly, it appears all paint is now water-based (presumably an EC thing). I thought this was great - no messing about cleaning brushes in white spirit. However I suspect this may be the cause of my problems. I now find it impossible to paint without leaving brush strokes - lots of them. Also, when overlapping with a section that has been painted only a couple of minutes before, I find this section has already started drying, and my overlapping strokes ‘tear up’ the previously applied coat. The end result, compared with what I used to achieve, looks awful.

I’m guessing that this is all due to the paint drying too quickly. I have memories of having to leave it overnight before recoating, whereas the instructions now say recoating is OK after three to four hours. I also have memories of painting and watching the brush strokes flatten out before my eyes, leaving a perfectly smooth coat. This no longer happens.

I’ve been using decent quality brushes, with Crown Primer, flowed by F & B Estate Eggshell, or Crown Satin finish.


Is it just me? I’d appreciate any advice.

Steve

 

[Robbie uk]

You need good synthetic brushes. I use Purdys or Proform Blaze. Work fast. You can put an extender in the paint to keep it wet longer. Xim, or owaltrol.