Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Aug 30, 2002 03:41pm | #1

   If you like the colors that paint should be fine. Maybe the finish you want is eggshell.  Does it come in that?  If not Home Depot carries Ralph Lauren and all those--get it mixed to your exact desires. But I think eggshell is a lovely tone.  Be sure to prime your fronts first--preparation is everything.

   Gretchen
1. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 31, 2002 05:14am | #2

   ive always prefered Pratt and Lambert Paints. But almost any place that has competent workers can make the color you wish to obtain.

2. 
   luna3 | Aug 31, 2002 01:15pm | #3

   Hi Gretchen,

   I hadn't considered eggshell. Now you got me thinking again! I guess I'll truck in to the big city and go to HD although I'm not a fan of the place. Thanks!

1. 
   Gretchen | Aug 31, 2002 03:17pm | #4

   Eggshell is not singular to HD paints--most paints come in that finish.  As I am sure you know it is not flat and not shiny--actually "satin" in a way which is why I suggested it.  But a "total" paint store should be able to give you the exact color you want--not just what that brand has in the can.Gretchen

1. 
   DP | Aug 31, 2002 05:09pm | #5

   The last Consumer Reports review of paint rated Lowe's Valspar American Tradition as their top choice.

1. 
   RLMillard | Aug 31, 2002 07:31pm | #6

   I have used the Valspar paint on several projects, and I highly recommend it, but as far as I know it is only available in latex not oil. I could not agree more about priming. The key to a good finish is an alkyd primer applied to the bare wood and carefully sanded, then cleaned, and followed by the top coat. You could probably tint your primer to match the top coat, to give both, a preview of the finish color, and easier coverage of the finish coat.

2. 
   luna3 | Sep 01, 2002 12:34pm | #7

   Thanks for the feedback. Finally went with Pratt & Lambert. It is getting difficult to find oil based these days, everything is going over to water based and acrylic. I live in the hills and and our local selections are limited. If you want to buy a cow though...

   I'll probably prime with shellac and go with two caots of paint. Now I've got to settle on a complimentary stain for the tops and feet.

1. 
   Egg | Sep 01, 2002 05:07pm | #8

   Do not be afraid of the waterborne and acrylic.  Over the years the technology of these finishes has improved dramatically.  Today they are every bit as good as the older oil based finishes and a lot easier to clean up.  A lot of the pro's use oil because it is costs less.  Never buy cheap paint, you get what you pay for.

2. 
   bill_1010 | Sep 02, 2002 05:23am | #9

   Never buy cheap paint, you get what you pay for.--previous poster

   Amen to that, cheap finishes are just that. CHEAP. might as well not have a finish

3. 
   TheOldTimer | Sep 02, 2002 06:46am | #10

   I just completed a  cabinet project and painted it with water base enamel.  The project turned out beautiful and without a flaw.

   The primer was regular Zinsser Kills which was sprayed on with a HVLP spray gun.  The Kills was thinned with mineral spirits and Naphtha until it atomized well.  I sanded between coats and checked for imperfections.

   The water base paint was high gloss black latex enamel which was thinned until it atomized.  Thinning the paint requires more coats but it dries so fast that the whole project was completed in a day.

   Good Luck

   The old Timer

4. 
   Biscardi | Sep 03, 2002 05:52am | #11

   We are painting our new house with the American traditions paint. It is very good- maybe the best I've used. The Valspar New Constuction primer is also very good- you could almost use it instead of paint.

   Frank

5. 
   Gretchen | Sep 03, 2002 06:22am | #12

   We are painting our new house with the American traditions paint. It is very good- maybe the best I've used.

   With all due respect, how do you know this.  We had our house painted 4 years ago professionally.  The painter showed up with a paint I had NEVER even ever heard of. I questioned him about it--he said it was good.  It has been unbelievably good!  But , I had to wait 4 years to say that.Gretchen

6. 
   Biscardi | Sep 03, 2002 05:35pm | #14

   Gretchen,

   I guess you are right. We'll have to see how it wears. I meant that the paint goes on smoothly and covers quite nicely as does the primer. The last time I did any new construction painting it was a mess and I had to use three coats.

   Frank

   PS With a two year old in the house it may be a moot point.

7. 
   Gretchen | Sep 03, 2002 07:04pm | #15

   We have one house surface--and as you would know it is at our back door, our principal entrance--that was new construction.  Whatever happened 24 years ago paint just will not hold--we had to paint almost every two years even with good priming (I thought).  It has now been almost 4 years for this paint--I had never heard of it and haven't again but I am amazed.Gretchen

8. 
   TheOldTimer | Sep 03, 2002 07:21am | #13

   Hi Frank:

   I will have to give it a try if I can find it here in the Phoenix AZ. area.  When I lived in Illinois I could find everything but as they say, We are not in Kansas any more.

   Take care Frank and nice hearing from you again:

   The old Timer