Technique for painting water-based gloss

[endecotp]

Dear Experts,

Water-based gloss seems to have improved somewhat since I last tried to use it a decade ago, but it still seems difficult to get a perfect smooth finish.

I am currently using “Leyland Trade fast-drying Plus Gloss New & Improved” (from Screwfix). It looks great as it comes off the brush. But then one of two things happen: if I just leave it I get marks at the ends of the brush strokes, and if I lay-off I get bristle marks. That’s despite working reasonably quickly.

Maybe someone can direct me to a video showing how best to apply this paint?

(Maybe I should try a mini roller?)

Thanks.

 

[Scally-Ho]

I've never used the gloss finish, but the Leyland satin IMO goes on well and gives a good finish with roller and good quality synthetic brush were needed. I did notice the satin could start to dry a tad too quickly, so a very slight thinning soon stopped that. Slowish and careful rollering gave a good finish on doors

 

[endecotp]

Yes, I’ve used water-based satin extensively and am happy with it.

 

[endecotp]

After various experiments I settled on using a foam mini-roller for most of it, applying multiple thin coats. This gives a typical "speckled" result, rather than a mirror-like gloss, but it's easy to apply and much more forgiving than brushing.

 

[opps]

Floetrol will help you maintain a wet edge.

Floetrol | Paint Conditioner | Owatrol Direct

Floetrol is a paint conditioner for water-based paints. It improves the flow of the paint & avoids brush and roller marks. Great for Acrylic Paint Pouring.

www.owatroldirect.co.uk