Updated Dec 9, 2022 | Posted May 31, 2019 | Product Advice, Professional insight | 8 comments
We all know that oil-based gloss goes yellow very quickly nowadays, especially when used internally. We asked Professionals from The Decorators Forum UK how they work around the problem. Do they use alternative products? Has oil-based gloss had its day? This is what they came back with….
If you asked me which I prefer, it has to be oil-based gloss because it’s harder wearing. I was at a job recently where a painter had used water-based. The paint was coming off the door before he’d even finished the job. It isn’t fit for purpose.
James Hunter
Mostly Satin work these days over gloss. Johnstone’s aqua all day long. Love it. Nice sheen level and and dries quick. The finish is every bit as good as oil-based and it lasts a lot longer.
Derrick Knight
This is a rental property I look after. woodwork done with Zinsser Allcoat water-based gloss 2 years ago. If it was oil based how bad would it be?? The whole lot would be magnolia by now, especially in a hallway.
John Kerry
For me, yes! Oil-based gloss really has had it’s day. It isn’t fit for purpose anymore. Luckily satinwood is a lot more popular nowadays and it lasts a lot longer than gloss. Other than that, there are plenty of water-based options around which are just as good as oil. Paint technology has moved on and I can’t see the point in sticking with outdated products or finishes. Choose something that will not only look good after you’ve painted, but will look good a few years down the line.
Joshua Green
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Gloss is a little bit dated now, and oil-based gloss tends to turn yellow after a few weeks, especially in a hallway. Satinwood looks so much better.
Ian Dodd
I use water-based on mostly all my domestic work but still use oil-based gloss on all my rental work.
Scott Connelly
I always use Dulux trade white oil undercoat and gloss and seems to stay white for years. I’ve never had a problem with it, so I’m not changing now. I’m using the Dulux trade oil base satinwood a lot and that stay white too.
Alan Shorney
For me no-brainer oil-based gloss is still the best option.
Darren Flint
I do about 3 or 4 full rental properties a month for an estate agent on top of normal workload. I’ve taken to Crown fastflow for most work, but can’t see past oil-based satin on the rentals. It’s just the way it is.
Davey Hamilton - Has Oil Based Gloss Had its Day
People don’t ask for gloss much nowadays, it’s usually satinwood. Gloss tends to turn yellow too quickly when used internally.
Paul Oakes
I generally always use Dulux oil-based undercoat and gloss. Or even their satinwood. I’ve never have a problem with it. There’s nothing wrong with using oil-based gloss.
Billy Millward
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Mostly use oil-based eggshell or satinwood. Oil-based is too good to drop, but gloss isn’t very popular any more.
Nigel Moore
Still oil-based for me, because I haven’t found a water-based system that works as well yet. A lot has to do with profit margins being tight and not having that little extra time to experiment. Maybe there are good water-based systems out there. I agree with other comments about most people wanting satinwood instead of gloss now.
Jez Norman
You can’t better the shine on oil-based gloss, just a shame it stinks so much.
Phil Emms
Gloss yellows a lot quicker than satinwood. I generally talk my cusomers out of gloss nowadays.
Duncan Cave
There are some great water-based paint products on the market.
Sam Simpson
I was a stickler for oil-based as I used it through my apprenticeship and beyond back in the 80’s
I tried water-based gloss around 7 years ago and wasn’t impressed. A few years later tried again with johnstone’s Aqua systems, using the specified Aqua undercoat and thought it was pretty good. More recently tried F&B then now using Tikkurila. I learned that the application techniques are different from oil based. As of last month, I now use no oil-based paint apart from floor varnish.
I use water-based because;
1/ no thinners apart from water
2/ No strong odours for us or customer.
3/ washing equipment is easier
4/ extended durability (10-20) for some
5/ better eco credentials
6/ easier application
7/ easier clean up
Stuart Gillanders
I’ve only ever known water-based gloss. so for me it’s a no brainier.
I think some guys who have been in oil-based for years struggle with relearning a new products and techniques.
Ted Teddy
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I use oil-based gloss as I like using it. However, it does yellow fast nowadays.
Kev Donohoe
I give the customer the choice when it comes to gloss, and tell them the pros and cons.
Stuart Baggott
If I’m working on a residential job, I use water-based gloss or satinwood. It just stays white for a lot longer. Commercial/rental I’ll use oil-based.
Darren Walpole
Oil-based gloss hasn’t had its day at all.
Kevin Wood
I have stopped with oil-based gloss inside because all my customers want white longer lasting…an am winning 90% of my jobs for that reason… 👍
Mark Pioli
I’ll use oil if it’s not white. Tried a lot of water-based paints recently, Scuff-x is by far the best I’ve tried. Johnstone’s Aqua is sticky. Helmi is good but coverage isn’t the best. Caparol Aqua PU leaves a lovely finish but is very loose and must watch the runs. Will carry on using both depending on what the job is, although my oil brushes have all gone hard now as not used them for months.
Has Oil Based Gloss Had its Day
Dave Pearce
I’ve just used oil-based paint on 2 jobs internally in the past 8 years. Otherwise everything is water-based. Customers love the lack of smell and longevity of finish. 😉
Steve Trebilcook
Oil-based gloss is still great for me. If it yellows then get called back for more work, lovely jubly.
John Wild
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Dulux trade oil-based satinwood for me. Went back to a job a few weeks ago to do another room. 2 years on and the woodwork still looks fresh
I’ve heard the Dulux diamond water-based satin is decent stuff. But I don’t fancy changing my system, considering I’ve never had a problem with oil 🤔
Adam Atkins
I’m going to do a test. I’m going to paint half at door at my house in oil-based gloss and half in water-based and see what happens.
Daniel Shaun Critchley
Crown water-based Fast Flow for me, love the stuff!! I’ve only ever had one problem and that was a dodgy batch that they replaced and refunded. Apart from that, spot on stuff, love it. Haven’t used oil-based gloss for about three years now. It’s had its day unfortunately.
Simon Blanchett-Parker
I still use a lot of oil but starting to get into water-based. I used the Dulux undercoat and gloss, it was quite impressive.
Noel Prendergast
Only really recommend water-based gloss for interiors now after I went back to a huge staircase I had done 3 months earlier & it had already started yellowing. I was mortified but luckily the client had supplied the paint.
Still use oil-based Satinwood though, it stays white a good long while still.
Paul M Chapman
I chop and change. I prefer to use oil-based gloss, but will use water-based if there is lack of or no natural light.
Mark Barton
I don’t use water or oil-based gloss. I tend to go with oil-based satinwood instead.
Daniel Street - Has Oil Based Gloss Had its Day
Updated Dec 9, 2022 | Posted May 31, 2019 | 8 comments
As an experienced professional in the field of painting and decorating, I've encountered and navigated through the ever-evolving landscape of paint products and techniques. My firsthand expertise stems from years of practical experience, staying updated with industry trends, and actively participating in forums and discussions such as The Decorators Forum UK. This extensive knowledge allows me to offer insights into the preferences and challenges faced by professionals in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Oil-Based Gloss vs. Water-Based Alternatives:
- The debate revolves around the longevity and performance of oil-based gloss compared to water-based alternatives.
- Professionals express concerns about oil-based gloss yellowing quickly, especially when used internally.
- Water-based options like Johnstone’s Aqua and Zinsser Allcoat are praised for their quick drying time, nice sheen level, and durability.
- Satinwood is highlighted as a popular choice due to its longevity and resistance to yellowing.
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Preference for Oil-Based Gloss:
- Some professionals still prefer oil-based gloss due to its perceived durability and hard-wearing nature.
- Dulux trade oil-based undercoat and gloss are mentioned as reliable choices that stay white for years.
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Emergence of Satinwood:
- Satinwood is increasingly preferred over traditional gloss for its aesthetic appeal and longer-lasting finish.
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Advancements in Paint Technology:
- Paint technology is acknowledged to have evolved, with water-based options deemed as good as, or even superior to, oil-based products.
- Professionals advocate for staying updated with modern products and choosing finishes that not only look good initially but also maintain their appearance over time.
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Challenges with Oil-Based Gloss:
- Concerns are raised about the tendency of oil-based gloss to yellow quickly, particularly when used internally.
- Some professionals attribute the decline in demand for gloss to its dated appearance and the prevalence of better alternatives.
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Water-Based Paint Advantages:
- Water-based paints are favored for several reasons, including easier cleanup, extended durability, better eco credentials, and the absence of strong odors.
- Application techniques for water-based paints are noted to be different from those of oil-based paints.
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Customer Preferences:
- The shift in customer preferences is highlighted, with many opting for water-based solutions for interiors, driven by factors such as lack of smell and longevity of finish.
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Product Recommendations:
- Various water-based paints like Johnstone’s Aqua, Farrow & Ball, and Tikkurila are mentioned, each with its specific qualities and application requirements.
- Professionals recommend specific products based on their positive experiences, emphasizing the importance of finding a system that works well.
In conclusion, the discussion among professionals in the article reflects the dynamic nature of the painting industry, with a range of opinions on the continued relevance of oil-based gloss and the growing popularity of water-based alternatives, particularly satinwood. The choice between these options is influenced by factors such as personal preference, customer demands, and the evolving landscape of paint technology.
