Christian McArdle wrote:
I really do *not* think that in the majority of cases it is necessary
to strip the old gloss off something before re-painting. Where did that
idea come from?

Exactly. It isn't necessary, but it looks much better. Have you not seen 100
year old architrave looking like a blobby mess because all the delicate fine
mouldings are encased in 20 layers of gloop.

Of course, but that has not very much to do with your statement that
it is a "cheap bodge" to paint over old gloss. It isn't in the large
majority of cases. Your 100 y.o. architrave probably looked fine
intil about 1975.

Of course, but that has not very much to do with your statement that
it is a "cheap bodge" to paint over old gloss. It isn't in the large
majority of cases. Your 100 y.o. architrave probably looked fine
intil about 1975.

I'm just used to houses built around 1880-1910. They ALL have/had blobby
mess architraves. Even my "old" 1986 built hutch had issues with overpainted
gloss, with the crevices looking less than sharp.

Christian.

Christian McArdle wrote:
I'm just used to houses built around 1880-1910. They ALL have/had blobby
mess architraves. Even my "old" 1986 built hutch had issues with overpainted
gloss, with the crevices looking less than sharp.

I can't quarrel with you, it does happen - much of the problem is due
to poor/no preparation, and more is due to the use of "one coat" and
acrylic paints, and poor technique. I've spent a fair time "burning
off" paint from from mouldings; the finished effect is quite satisfying.