Order of painting

[missieb]

My DIY book says I should emulsion before glossing.
My logic says it would be better to gloss first so that I can put masking tape on the edges and then do the emulsion (easier to wipe mistakes off). Surely if I do it the other way round I run the risk of the masking tape lifting the emulsion off when I remove it.
Does anyone know why it is recommended to emulsion first?

[Robinia]

I think it's because you're likely to splash your new gloss with the emulsion, especially if you use a roller.
You can do whatever suits you best....I do. I won't send the decorating police round... ;o)

[oldwoman]

Gloss first, emulsion is easier to wipe off.

[missieb]

Thank you for your replies. I've concluded too it's easier to wipe emulsion off gloss than gloss off emulsion. Interesting females all seem to have the same logic!

[BillyBB]

Bin the book.

[kwicky]

Have you ever tried to paint emulsion on top of gloss paint? I would not recommend it!

[Alibobs]

I would always gloss first but we have used a professional decorator several times who glosses last - he has a very steady hand though unlike me

[thermidor]

In the oldne days when emulsion was just that (totally water based) it would not cover gloss (like trying to get water to cover an oily surface in a smooth layer). But these days with vinyl emulsions that are full of surfactants and thinkening agents, emulsion covers gloss really well. I ALWAYS gloss first, then mask and emulsion. You get much better edges. If you emulsion first then mask - the gloss tends to creep under the masking tape and spoil the crisp edges. My Dad, however, is a gloss last guy. Then again he prefers tinned ham to real ham and thinks that young people have no respect for the old ways . . . . .

[scotty]

Hi there , your book needs binning !! You should always emulsion first,after you have prepared the woodwork ( sanding down,filling, caulking etc)then cutting in around the woodwork as neatly as possible, then roller the walls with your emulsion. When the emulsion is dry ,apply undercoat and when dry apply gloss. You do need a steady hand to do this , but after a while you will get the hang of it. As Zebuk says , your gloss brush should be a sensible size i.e 1 and ahalf or 2 inch ,but no bigger and it will get easier once you get the hang of it. I have been a decorator for 24 years and this is not only the right way but it will give you the best finish if you take your time and don't rush. Good luck.

[snodhutch]

definitely emulsion first and gloss last