What paint to use??

[bexinmex]

We are looking to paint the interior wood panels of our boat but don't know what type of paint to use... should we avoid water based paint due to condensation? Any tips on the best type to use (and preparation) would be gratefully received! Thanks, Becky

[Batavia]

Personally I avoid using water-based paints on wood, as I find it difficult to get as good a finish as I can with an oil-based paint. Also, I don't think that the finish is as durable.

 

I tend to use either Trade Dulux or Crown Oil Eggshell or Oil Gloss (which happens to be what my local paint shop sells). In particular, the Crown Eggshell flows beautifully and is a pleasure to use.

 

Chris G

[David Schweizer]

We are looking to paint the interior wood panels of our boat but don't know what type of paint to use... should we avoid water based paint due to condensation? Any tips on the best type to use (and preparation) would be gratefully received! Thanks, Becky

 

I have only used water based paint on an interior surface once and have to admit, I was not that impressed. It seems to dry very quickly, almost too quickly in warm conditions, which means you have to work fast and cannot go back to fill in missed areas, even a few minutes later. The manufacturers are also still struggling to achieve anything close to a gloss finish in water based paint, which from observation always seems to turn out closer to a satin finish.

 

I would never even consider using water based paint on an exterior surface, and personally prefer spirit based paint for both interior and exterior. I am currently using a spirit based paint on the walls on our boat, but it is getting harder to find especially on the High Street, I get mine mixed at Brewers, who are specialist paint suppliers.(other dealers are available!) All the major paint manufacturers produce a good product, Personallty I prefer Dulux liquid, mainly because I find it has good flow, and is available in more mixable colours and finishes than other manufacturers.

 

To prepare, the surface needs to be clean, dry and free of any grease/oil etc. Abrade lightly with fine sandpaper, finishing with extra fine Scotch pads, before applying any paint, read the re-coating times on the tin and observe them, sanding lightly between coats. Apply at least two coats for durability and depth of colour, if painting onto new wood, prime and undercoat first.

 

Oh, and finally, use a decent brush, I use Purdy brushes which are brilliant and really do not shed bristles, they are expensive although bargain packs can often be found on ebay. Other good (cheaper) makes are Anza or Hamilton perfection. Avoid cheap brushes especially DIY store own brand varieties.

Edited August 6, 2014 by David Schweizer

[FadeToScarlet]

We've used water based paint on interior woodwork- very posh stuff from Farrow and Ball, dontchaknow- and it was easy to work with and get a good result. I like the more satin-type finish it produces, too- and no problems yet, despite one nearly fully painted room being the bathroom.