Suggestions for good woodwork pain

[SootikinAndSweep]

Will be doing lots of woodwork painting soon, is satin a better choice than eggshell? Don't want gloss.

Any recommendations?

[BrownSauceSandwich]

I loooove johnstones oil-based eggshell. It's a bit more fucking about than acrylic eggshell, but the coverage is wonderful, and the finish is perfect... Just the right hint of sheen. And it's reasonably cheap!

[MILdesperandum]

Oh I was going to ask this at some point too (redecoration of new house in mind) BrownSauce - what sort of fucking-about are we talking?

[BrownSauceSandwich]

Oh, not that bad, but cleaning with white spirits rather than water, better ventilation needed, and much longer drying times (16 hour to overcoat rather than 4 hour). But you have to offset all that against the better coverage. I went from dark brown to off-white, recently, and one coat damn near did the job. Two coats and it looks amazing, whereas I swear I'd have needed four coats from any acrylic eggshell I've ever used.

[MummytoMog]

And the best gloss would be? I have acres to do in the extension soon. :(

[MILdesperandum]

Thanks - that makes sense . now just to work out how to give it 16 hours to dry with two little people hanging round...

[PigletJohn]

eggshell holds dirt and marks more than satin. Gloss hold dirt least.

oil based is harder-wearing and shiner than water based

[SootikinAndSweep]

I've painted a couple of cupboards in eggshell, it dried very matt, but with noticeable brush marks even though I thought I was being careful. Is satin any easier to work with? Sounds like Brown Sauce has discovered a miracle product though!

[PigletJohn]

maybe thin it a little, and stir very very very well

Are you using a soft, old brush that's big enough? An old, well-cared for brush paints better than a new one because the bristles wear into a taper. Even using it for the primer and undercoat will help a bit (and dispose of any loose bristles)