Encouraging brush marks to 'flow out'

[curium]

I'm painting the woodwork in my hallway - architraves, door-linings, stair string and banister.

I'm using Dulux Primer/Undercoat & Dulux Diamond Satinwood - both water-based paints.

I'm keen to get a good finish so wanted to get some questions answered.

1. Given the warm weather recently, would it be a best to water down the paint to prolong drying times and help the brush marks flow out?
2. When applying paint, it's tempting to lay it on thick to get good opacity - Is it always better to spread it out then, when it dries, apply another layer to improve the opacity
3. Is it necessary to sand between each coat, or just the final coat and what grade sandpaper should I use, P180?

Cheers!

 

[dcdec]

P180 is a bit coarse for rubbing down between coats, i use a bit that i've already used so its 'broken in'. For best results wet abrade.
Acryllic paints are harder to use, i think floetrol is the answer for you or do some research as to the best wb based paints as agreed by decs. If i was doing satin i'd use sikkens BL satura, bit pricey but worth it. The whole sikkens range of finishing coats is superb (don't know about the wb gloss), i've been using them for a couple of years now and there is no better (at least until the dutch launch FPE)

 

[curium]

P180 is a bit coarse for rubbing down between coats, i use a bit that i've already used so its 'broken in'. For best results wet abrade.
Acryllic paints are harder to use, i think floetrol is the answer for you or do some research as to the best wb based paints as agreed by decs. If i was doing satin i'd use sikkens BL satura, bit pricey but worth it. The whole sikkens range of finishing coats is superb (don't know about the wb gloss), i've been using them for a couple of years now and there is no better (at least until the dutch launch FPE)

I've bought some Oakey Wet & Dry Sanding Pads, fine (220) and medium (180). I'm applying 3 coats of the primer/sealer and 2 coats of the satinwood.

What I want to know is, should I be sanding between every coat or once i've completed the 3 coats of primer/sealer and before the final coat of satinwood?

Cheers!

 

[misterhelpful]

Ideally, sand lightly between each coat but it's not essential.

You can do it the way you describe and get the same results, but you may need to rub a little harder to remove any paint build up over 'nibs' from previous coats.

 

[opps]

DC is correct- if you want the paint to flow you need something like Owatrol- it is propylene glycol based. It will ****** the rate at which the water in the paint evaporates, allowing you more time to move it around.

Personally I wouldn't try waterbased primer and top coats- the level of suction after the primer would be too high- ie the first top coat will suck in to the primer. The issue is lessened with subsequent top coats.

As an aside I like Dulux but find that there is too much laytex in their primer (making it a mare to sand)- I now use the inferior Leyland primer which is more than half the price BUT i then use oil-based Dulux Trade over it. The Leyland will sand very nicely using P180 silicone carbide (dry). The best brand of paper is National Abrasives- sold at Selco under their own name.

The problem with wet and dry sanding is that the water will raise the grain.