Replies

1. 
   saschafer | May 30, 2009 11:21pm | #1

   The absolute best paints for shelving are alkyd (oil-based) paints, as they dry very hard, but they're messy to use and are getting hard to find.

   The next best is a hard acrylic enamel that's specifically designed to be "non-blocking" (which is what the perpetual stickiness of latex is called). Sherwin Williams Pro Classic seems to be the favorite. I've tried it, and it works very well. It also cleans up with soap and water. One thing about Pro Classic: The sheen is a bit less than with other paints, so the Pro Classic semi-gloss is more like the satin of other brands.

   -Steve

2. 
   HowardAcheson | May 31, 2009 09:08pm | #2

   One thing to consider is the that oil based white paint takes on an amber cast as it ages. But, if you want to use it, use a white enamel or a white oil based trim paint. First apply a fast drying primer like Zinsser BIN, then apply 2-3 coats of paint.

   For a longer lasting white, use a waterborne acrylic paint. Waterborne acrylic does not yellow as it ages. Use a gloss or satin depending on the final sheen you want. Again, start with a primer then 2-3 coats of paint.

   Howie.........
1. 
   Frogh | Jun 03, 2009 05:17am | #3

   I don't need any shellac before I paint? I do need shellac if the wood has knots though.
   Ive never used the Zinsser. I'll have to try it.

1. 
   saschafer | Jun 03, 2009 06:15am | #4

   Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based primer. It works very well, and is a good choice under an oil-based paint. It works for water-based paint, too, but I've switched to Zinsser 1-2-3 primer under water-based topcoats, as it's much less messy to use (soap and water clean up). 1-2-3 doesn't seal knots quite as well as BIN does, so for those (or other oily/resinous stains) I'll spot-prime with BIN, and then cover the whole piece with 1-2-3.

   1-2-3 really sticks well to just about any surface, including your hands, so I apply a little bit of "Gloves in a Bottle" before painting, or else I have white splotches on my fingers for the next three days.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   | Jun 04, 2009 02:43am | #5

   Frogh,

   I am a big fan of Target Coatings. Give this link a look.

   http://www.targetcoatings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1303

    

   Bob, Tupper Lake, NY