Wood Paint

Both oil and water-based wood paints are popular throughout internal and external woodwork applications. But which is better suited to the needs of you and your specific project?  

Water-Based 

Fast-drying and straightforward to apply, water-based wood paints are a hugely popular choice throughout a range of different woodworking projects. Water-based paints are formulated with a water base (hence the name). This means that odour-pay-off is significantly reduced and clean-up is also far easier with just the use of simple soap and water. 

In terms of longevity, water-based wood paints are highly resistant to cracking and mildew growth, with the colour finish maintaining strong opacity with minimal fading. They generally contain far less toxic ingredients for safer application and lesser damaging environmental impact.  

Oil-Based 

Commonly utilised for its top durability and gorgeous high sheen level, oil-based paint is another practical option for your wood-painting projects. Many homeowners opt for an oil-based paint because of the beautifully slick and hard-wearing finish that it dries to. Oil-based paints tend to dry slower yet harden faster than water-based alternatives, achieving a long-lasting surface layer faster with fewer brush strokes. The application is very smooth with great overall coverage to mask the small imperfections often spotted on wood surfaces.  

There are a variety of different stunning wood paint finishes to choose from, each offering a different look, feel and level of durability for your wood surface.  

Matte 

Perfect for creating a clean, contemporary wood-look, matte wood paints look great once dry and perform well in most rooms of the home. Whilst the end-finish is very slick and pretty durable, matte paint can make marks and imperfections a little more apparent so make sure you consider this when considering your application.   

Satinwood 

A common choice for interior woodwork projects, satinwood paints have a 50% sheen level. This means they are not quite as reflective as full gloss, but still form a bright and durable finish that can withstand the general wear and tear of everyday life. This finish is practical for those who’d like to mask any small mistakes with good coverage. 

Gloss 

Ideal for high-traffic spots such as doors, frames, skirting boards and windows, gloss paints are very durable and long-lasting whilst creating a gorgeous high-sheen look. Gloss is 100% sheen which means the dried finish is very sleek, reflective and resilient.  

Eggshell 

Smooth to the touch and gorgeous to look at, eggshell dries to a fresh, close-to-matt finish that masks minor imperfections well. This attractive wood finish looks great in both modern and traditional interiors but is better suited to internal application in lower-traffic areas.  

When working on any kind of renovation or decorating project, you always want to accomplish the most professional-looking finish. The first step to achieving this is picking a high-quality paint that works well with the wood surface in the surrounding environment.  

Bathroom/Kitchen Cabinets 

Kitchens and bathrooms can be very moisture-heavy areas, dealing with high humidity and water exposure on a regular basis. To withstand these conditions and prevent the growth of mould and mildew, you need to pick durable wood paint that is both moisture-resistant and rot-repellent. An oil-based wood paint in a semi or high-gloss finish will create a smooth, non-porous finish that is easy to clean and prevents splattered liquids/foods from leaking into the wood material.  

Doors & Skirting Boards 

As high-traffic surfaces, you’ll need to ensure the paint you pick for wooden doors, trims and skirting boards will be durable enough to withstand scuffs, cracking, stains, handprints, oil and dirt. A semi or high-gloss paint is the most commonly recommended choice for this. Water-based paints can expand and contract with the door movement to minimise the chance of cracking.

However, oil-based paints will provide an extra level of durability, resilience and moisture resistance if a longer-lasting finish is what you need.  

Exterior Wood (Garden Furniture, Sheds, Playhouses) 

If you are thinking of reviving your wooden furniture set or garden shed with a fresh lick of paint, it's best to pick a specialist exterior wood paint, that is expertly produced for outdoor use. Look for a formula that is anti-scuff, quick-drying, waterproof and resistant to dirt, stains, mould, water and weathering.