Overview

Paint & Paper Library Architects' Gloss is a tough, flexible, and hardwearing water-based gloss paint, perfect for interior and exterior woodwork, furniture, metalwork, and radiators. Its high-gloss finish delivers a sophisticated, durable surface, making it ideal for front doors and high-traffic areas.

With excellent multi-surface adhesion, Architects' Gloss can be used on walls, woodwork, and metal, or combined with flat finishes for a distinctive contrast of sheen and colour.

This self-priming, flexible, water-based alkyd gloss replicates the traditional feel of solvent-based paints while providing long-lasting protection for both interior and exterior applications.

• High-gloss finish for elegant, durable surfaces
• Excellent adhesion on multiple surfaces
• Flexible and hardwearing, replicating traditional solvent-based gloss finishes

Tinted Colour Information

Preparation

Ensure all surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and other contamination.

New Wood

• For softwoods, seal knots with knotting compound and prime with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P.
• Resinous hardwoods require cleaning and treatment with Aluminum Wood Primer (consult product datasheets) before undercoating.
• Ensure timber moisture content is below 15% before painting.
• Do not paint damp wood, as this may cause blistering, flaking, cracking, or premature coating failure.
• Green oak must be weathered for at least 6 months before painting.

Metals

• New ferrous metals should be cleaned by hand or mechanically to remove rust before painting.
• Non-ferrous metals must be pre-treated or primed with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P.

Existing Painted Surfaces

• Remove loose or flaking paint.
• Degrease with detergent (e.g., sugar soap) and rinse with clean water.
• Sand with medium-grade sandpaper to create a smooth, keyed surface and feather edges where paint was removed.
• Make good any repairs and apply Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P. to exposed surfaces as appropriate.

Plastics

• Clean and thoroughly abrade surfaces to provide a key for application.
• For optimal results, prime with Paint & Paper Library Architects’ A.S.P.

Application

Stir paint thoroughly before use and do not apply if ambient temperature is below 8°C. We recommend you performa small test on the surface you are decorating to ensure compatability. For external use, avoid painting if rain or frost is expected during application or drying.

Application with a Brush

• Use a high-quality synthetic brush suitable for the project.
• Condition new brushes by washing in clean water and drying with a lint-free cloth.
• Avoid immersing the brush too deeply or overloading to prevent drips and splashes.
• Apply in even strokes, maintaining a wet edge, and keep final brush strokes in the same direction.
• For intricate items or high temperature/high airflow conditions, extend open time with 5% water or 10–15% water-based paint conditioner.
• For large flat areas, rollers are recommended.
• Lightly rub down between coats to remove dust and achieve a near-professional finish.

Application with a Roller

• Use a short nap wool-blend roller for smooth surfaces; increase nap for textured surfaces.
• Maintain a wet edge and consistent strokes to avoid lap marks.
• In hot or drafty conditions, extend open time with 5% water or 3% proprietary paint conditioner.

Application with a Sprayer

• Conventional spray: Thin with up to 40% water; tip size 1.60–2.00 mm; air pressure 0.28–0.41 MPa (40–60 psi).
• Airless spray: Thin with up to 20% water; tip size 0.28–0.54 mm; pressure at tip 12.6–19.6 MPa (1800–2800 psi).

Aftercare & Storage

Storage

Store unused paint in a cool, dry, frost-free area away from direct sunlight. Ensure tin lids are securely replaced after use. When unopened and stored correctly, the paint is stable for at least two years.

Cleaning & General Care

For light surface soiling, use a dilute lukewarm solution of washing-up liquid and a clean sponge or lint-free cloth. Ensure the sponge or cloth is wet but not dripping, gently wipe, and repeat if needed.

Keep interiors well-ventilated during cooking or other grease-producing activities. Dust surfaces with a soft cloth or paper towel; for DIY dust, vacuum using a soft brush attachment to prevent marking.

Special Care

Avoid placing heavy objects on freshly painted surfaces for at least one week. Frequently used surfaces, such as bookshelves, may benefit from a light application of beeswax polish to prevent long-term marking.

Repairs

Lightly sand the area to be repainted. Apply a suitable primer to any exposed substrate. Repaint “break to break” with one or two coats as required. For standalone items (e.g., window frames or doors), repaint the entire item to avoid colour variation. Spot repairs alone may result in an inferior finish; full repainting of the area is recommended for the best aesthetic result.