Undercoat...

[ummmm]

Can I just use emulsion on an untreated door?

[The Builder]

I've seen this done, with no problems, but, it's kind of frowned on by the "old school".
Also ......Only if it's bare wood.......... AND ........... you want to finish it in emulsion. Don't use it as an undercoat for oil paint.

[ummmm]

So I can't gloss over it?

[theshedman]

Hi, the proper answer would be no as emulsion does not adhere properly to wood. The finish will not look as good either as it would if you primed undercoated and glossed. Often if you use emulsion then gloss, when you come to do it again and try sanding it the paint will peel. Seen it done before and had to put it right when it has gone wrong. I am one of the old school as The Builder would say and like to use the right paint for the material it is going on.

[ummmm]

Ok...I've seen that happen as well. Didn't know what caused it. I'll get some proper undercoat tomorrow :-(

[TonyV]

If it's untreated ie bare wood - you need to prime first or get a combined primer / undercoat. Not to forgetting to apply Knotting first to stop any knots present to prevent them from "bleeding" though your paint. Take it is an internal door?

[ummmm]

Yes it's an internal. So prima, then undercoat, then gloss. Gosh, that's a lot of work for one door :-(

What about a door that's been varnished?

(this house is a mish mash of doors)

[TonyV]

As with most jobs - There's a right and wrong way IMO. For a door thats been previously varnished, rub it down with some medium grade Aluminium oxide paper, wrapped around a cork rubbing block to "break" the surface and give a key for the paint to adhere to(take it you don't have access to a power sander) clean off dust with a "Tac" cloth or cotton rag (ideally something lint free ie not paper towel dampened wth white spirit, then undercoat and topcoat. Depending how fussy you are about finish, I would recommend a light sanding with fine paper between coats.


And this thread cropped up today coincidentally on another forum I look at. I find oil based paints easier to work with - good luck

http://www.diynot.com...iewtopic.php?t=261140