Oil-based enamel paint

Overview

Oil-based enamel is a solvent-borne paint that cures to a hard, smooth film. Fine Paints of Europe's Hollandlac range is sold for interior and exterior use. It is the traditional choice for doors and trim where a glassy gloss is wanted. Compared with water-based enamels, it yellows (Sherwin-Williams, manufacturer, says its water-based enamel resists yellowing compared with oil).

Pros

• Smooth, hard, high-gloss film. Brilliant is marketed as marine-quality (maker).
• Interior and exterior use (maker).
• Cleanup and thinning with mineral spirits.

Cons

• White oil enamel yellows in the absence of light (Fine Paints of Europe).
• Slow: Hollandlac Satin cures 14 to 21 days; Brilliant dust-free in 4 to 6 hours, recoat after 16, cure 21 days (maker).
• High VOC; Brilliant listed at 340 g/l (as listed). The maker does not ship some products to certain California counties because of VOC rules.
• Oil paints have VOCs (Real Milk Paint Co. contrast of paint types, a manufacturer view).

Suitability

Doors, trim, cabinets and furniture where gloss and hardness matter more than low odour. Not recommended in dark, enclosed whites because of yellowing.

Coats and application

1. Prime with the maker's oil primer and sand the primer with 220. Fine Paints of Europe says not to prime with shellac or BIN because adhesion is poor; seal knots with shellac first.
2. Apply 2 thin coats; dry overnight; sand 220 between coats (Hollandlac Satin).
3. Cure 14 to 21 days.
4. Clean up with mineral spirits.

Compatibility

Do not use shellac or BIN as primer under Hollandlac (maker). Knots sealed with Shellac are fine. Compare Latex and acrylic enamel paint.

Care and repair

Recoat after scuff sanding. Allow full cure before use.

Safety and environment

Flammable solvents; oily rags can combust. Respirator when spraying. Follow the safety data sheet.

Related

• Latex and acrylic enamel paint
• Milk paint
• Boiled and raw linseed oil