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Discussion Forum

Painting handrail and balusters

RSmout | Posted in General Discussion on November 17, 2006 01:38am

Looking for opinions based on experience.

We have a new railing in our laundry room made from paint grade maple. The installer suggested we use oil-based paint to finish it.

I want a high gloss finish for several reasons. I think the oil based paint will give a much better finish and will last longer.

DW wants to use water based paint because it’s easier to clean up from painting and doesn’t stink as bad while it’s drying.

What do you all think? Water-based or oil based paint?

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  1. saulgood | Nov 17, 2006 02:50am | #1

    Here's why you're right:

    1.manufactureknows best.

    2.Oil based paint will level better, which means it will look better and be easier to keep clean.

    3. Oil finish will probably be tougher than any waterbased you'll use, and this is a handrail. 

    4. Solvent based paints aren't that hard to clean up, you just keep it neat and ony need a fraction of the solvent you would compared to water.

    5. Temporary smell and longer drying time are a small price to pay for long term benefits mentioned above.

    Here's why DW is right:

    She's DW. 

  2. DonCanDo | Nov 17, 2006 03:14am | #2

    I agree with everything posted by saulgood.  And I'd like to add a few things.  Don't forget to prime it first.  Use an oil primer, especially if the topcoat will be oil.  And you can buy a decent oil brush for less than $10 and just dispose of it when you're done.  And finally, there are low odor oil paints available.

    On the other hand, latex paints are pretty good these days and will probably hold up just fine.

  3. User avater
    Matt | Nov 17, 2006 03:16am | #3

    One thing about a high gloss finish is that it will show any and every imperfection in the peice.  If the peice is very high quality work, this won't be an issue.

    Sounds like you are gonna be doing some painting :-)

  4. IdahoDon | Nov 17, 2006 04:37am | #4

    It's not a simple question since not all oil paints would work well, nor would all latex.

    If you go to a paint store; no not Ace Hardware, etc.; you can get a premium water base that will work 95% as well as a good oil.  It's what we use on gloss trim.  Use flotrol with any waterbase paint.  If you get a top-quality trim paint you'll be able to wet sand inbetween coats with 320 grit to get rid of irregularities. 

    If you go the oil base route use a flow additive as well.  A good paint store can set you up with a paint that fits your project.

    As others have said, surface prep is key with gloss paints of either kind.  You'll want to use a sandable primer after carefully filling and sanding irregularities.

    You'll also want to use a thin line of caulking at any joints that aren't tight or it will look like a diy job.

    Best of luck

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  5. paintguy | Nov 17, 2006 04:52am | #5

    As far as latex coatings have been improved they still cannot equal the durability of an Alkyd.

    We did all of the birch woodwork in an entire house last year with oil-based paint. The homeowner wanted the smoothness and hard wearing qualities of oil instead the faster drying latex.

    Plus the fact that I haven't seen a "high gloss" latex that comes near the sheen of alkyd.

    I won't try to convince you it is as easy to work with, throw the applicators out and buy some air sponges, but it is a finish you will not regret after the fumes go away.

    Jon

    "There is no good answer to a stupid question"
    Russian saying

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