Water-Based Undercoat

What Is An Water-Based Undercoat?

An undercoat is applied before a topcoat to interior woodwork and metal that provides a layer of protection and an adhesive base before applying the main coat of paint. This is used on surfaces that have been previously painted or primed.

It is not recommended that you mix and match undercoats and topcoats as these are designed to work in unison together.

Paints come in two forms; water-based and oil-based. This refers to the type of solvent used in the paint used in the paint that evaporates as the paint dries. Oil-based paints use an organic solvent, while water-based paints use almost completely water. If you are wondering whether to use an oil-based paint or water-based paint, here are the differences.

Oil-based paint:

• Has a slower drying time of around 12 hours
• High in VOC's
• Can offer higher durability
• Can achieve a higher level of sheen
• Can yellow over time

Water-based paint:

• Quick drying times of around 1-2 hours
• Low in VOC's
• Are not as durable as oil-based paints
• Will not yellow over time
• Maintain their sheen level for longer, although to start with the sheen is lower than with oil-based paint

Traditionally oil-based paints have been higher quality, however due to advanced in technology and new regulations regarding VOC's in paint, water-based paint is now just as high-quality as oil-based paint. Due to its quick-drying and easy clean up using just water, water-based paints are generally recommended for DIY'ers as they can be much easier to work with.

No matter what you opt for, it is important that you use an oil-based undercoat with an oil-based topcoat and a water-based undercoat with a water-based topcoat. Oil-based undercoats are available in a range of paint finishes, including satin and gloss.

Which Paint Brands Offer Undercoats

There are a wide range of trade paint brands that offer water-based undercoats, that include:

• Dulux Trade
• Crown Trade
• Macpherson

Here at Painters World we only stock trade paints. This is due to the fact that trade paint is much higher quality and offers better value for money when compared to retail paint.

Undercoat Colours

It is often commonly done to get an undercoat in a slightly lighter colour than your topcoat so it is easier to see where you are painting when it comes to applying to topcoat however this is down to preference.

Undercoats come in a number of base colours such as white and grey, but can be mixed in almost any colour thanks to our paint mixing service. Getting the same colour or a similar colour will allow you to achieve the best possible finish.

Where To Buy Water-Based Undercoats

Here at Painters World, we offer a huge range of water-based trade paints, primers and undercoats at the most competitive online prices. Not only that, but we offer free next working day delivery on all orders over £50, so you can get the trade emulsion paint you need, when you need it. We also stock a huge range of decorating supplies, including brushes, rollers & fillers, so you can stock up on everything you need all in one place.