Collection: Woodwork Paint

A range of different finishes are suitable for painting woodwork but the most common is a satin finish. A satin finish sits between matt and gloss in sheen level and is hardwearing so is perfect for wood projects in high traffic areas. Our most popular satin woodwork paints are the Zinsser Allcoat Satin, Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin and Johnstones Aqua Guard.

There are also woodwork paints available in matt, eggshell & gloss finishes giving you plenty of choice.

A constant debate between decorators is whether to use water-based or oil-based (solvent-based) paint when painting wood surfaces. There are positives for both and ultimately it depends on preference.

We would always recommend choosing a water-based woodwork paint as it won't leave a strong odour after painting and also it won't yellow over time which are both disadvantages of oil-based paint.

Benefits of water-based wood paint:

• Dries Quickly
• Leaves low odour
• Won't yellow over time - less maintenance
• Quick and easy clean-up

Benefits of Oil-based wood paint:

• Extremely durable
• Smooth flow making it easy to apply 

Due to the durable nature of woodwork paints, your wooden surfaces should last many years without the need for repainting. This does depend on the wooden surfaces likelihood of receiving bumps and scrapes over time.

It also depends on the paint used previously. Oil-based paint may need repainting as it has started to yellow. Ultimately, a variety of factors can when woodwork should be painted.

To prepare wood for painting:

1. Clean the surface to remove dirt, grease, and dust.
2. Sand the wood to create a smooth surface and improve paint adhesion.
3. Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler, then sand smooth once dry.
4. Remove all sanding dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth.
5. Apply a suitable primer, especially on bare wood, and let it dry before painting.

The chances are yes they will require at least one of the two but they are used for different reasons. Primers are key to be used if the condition of the woodwork you are painting isn't good. Stained, or powdery surfaces should be painted with a primer prior to the use of traditional woodwork paint. 

Primers should also be used on bare wood as they promote the adhesion of woodwork paint giving you a much higher quality finish. We stock a large variety of primers at Decorating Centre Online.

Undercoats should be used on previously painted surfaces as they create a neutral base for new colours to be used. Undercoats provide a strong barrier for your woodwork and give a professional looking finish.

Wall paint isn't designed to withstand the wear and tear that wood surfaces often experience. For woodwork such as doors, trim, cabinets, or furniture, it's better to use a wood-specific paint (such as satin, semi-gloss, or gloss), which provides a harder, more durable finish.