Painting internal and external woodwork and sash windows

[happyon]

We have a lot of painting to do in our extension. The walls will be white as will woodwork, but not sure about what paint to use for wood as in doors, skirtings, ledges, etc... Gloss seems a bit too stark, especially for my beautiful new windows, but I need something hard wearing and non-yellowing. Likewise for upside fascia boards. Any suggestions much appreciated.

Outside and on windows, oil gloss paint does not yellow as the sunlight keeps it white. A gloss oil paint and undercoat system, preferably with aluminium wood primer, is most durable.

Fascia boards will be damp on the back so you might like a microprous breathing paint system.

Indoors you can use water based paints if you want, they are less durable and less glossy but dry quicker and do not yellow. You can have eggshell if you don't mind it showing dirt and fingerprints and needing to be repainted to stay fresh.

Treat windows as external because they will be subject to water penetration and runoff from condensation on the glass.

Thanks Piglet. It seems that you think gloss is better for wood indoors and out. I don't want eggshell on windows as it's too grubby so perhaps gloss would be best. Do you think it looks ok in a Victorian house with traditional sash windows or too stark?

Victorians used gloss paint, it is quite normal.

Thanks!