On 31 May 2004 17:03:24 -0700, N. Thornton wrote:

From: wanderer )

Each to their own, I guess. I used Weathershield some years ago on my
last place. Stripped back to bare wood, primed, two u/c, and two
gloss
coats - the 'gloss' wasn't, it was more of a sheen, and the whole lot
lasted three years and started flaking off and had to be replaced
with
an oil-based paint that at least lasted for four years before it
needed
a repaint. Personally I wouldn't touch the stuff, but in the end you
pays your money and takes your choice.

What would you use? Pliolite? I dont care whether the finish is gloss
or satin, but I do need maximum life and dont mind paying for it. I
once proposed using car spray paint, but was told it wouldnt survive
the movement of the wood. Its for exterior wood windows.

Well, personally, I'd stick with an oil-based paint, but as to how long
it lasts rather depends on the aspect of the windows, the care taken
with the painting and preparation and probably most important, the
quality of the timber used in making the windows. IF they're made with
poorly seasoned timber, then it makes little difference how much effort
you put into trying to get a decent and long-lasting finish.

If they're all more or less northerly then you might get 5 or 6 years
before it looks tatty, but if southerly and exposed to plenty of direct
sunlight, it'll probably start to look tatty in about 3 years, and
definitely in need of repainting in 5 years.

As to preparation, I'd definitely use some Rustins Knotting if
necessary, nothing like a bleeding knot after a couple of years to spoil
the finish! Have you got a Crown Decorator Centre near you? Probably be
as good a place as any to ask for advice about the best durability of
paint types.