Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell can be used to refresh existing paintwork or complete newly primed joinery and metalwork. It forms part of the Fastflow range, with alternative finishes and a compatible primer undercoat available for different stages of the project.

Suitability

Suitable for projects including wooden doors, window frames, skirting boards, architraves and other joinery, as well as appropriately primed metalwork. It can be used on new surfaces or existing paintwork that is sound, firmly adhered and correctly prepared.

The following products can help prepare surfaces or provide a different sheen:

Product Use Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss An alternative topcoat where a high sheen is preferred. Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin An alternative topcoat with a higher sheen than eggshell. Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat Prepares suitable surfaces for Fastflow topcoats.

Ensure surfaces are sound, clean and suitably dry before painting. Remove any contamination that could prevent the paint from adhering.

1. Take extra precautions when preparing pre-1960s painted surfaces, as the existing coating may contain lead
2. Remove loose, flaking or poorly adhering paint and feather the edges of sound paint
3. Treat mould, algae and other organic growth with a suitable fungicidal solution, such as Sandtex Fungicidal Wash, then remove the growth following the manufacturer's instructions
4. Fill fixing holes, cracks and shallow surface defects with a Filler suitable for the substrate, then sand smooth and remove the dust
5. Wash remaining sound paint with warm water and a liquid detergent solution to remove dirt and grease, changing the water regularly
6. Wet abrade existing painted surfaces to provide a key, then rinse with clean water to remove all residues and allow to dry

Wood Surfaces

1. Wipe bare timber containing oils or extractives with clean methylated spirits, changing the face of the cloth regularly
2. Sand away grey or denatured wood to expose a sound surface
3. Treat knots with two coats of fresh knotting solution
4. Fill open joints and other defects with a suitable wood filler, sand smooth and remove all dust
5. Prime new bare wood with one coat of Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat
6. On previously painted wood, spot prime bare and repaired areas with Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat

Metal Surfaces

1. Lightly abrade new metal to a bright, unpolished surface, excluding galvanised metal, and remove all residues
2. Pre-treat bright galvanised metal with a suitable T Wash. Blackening of the surface indicates successful treatment. Allow to dry before priming
3. Remove rust and millscale from ferrous metal back to clean, bright metal, remove all residues and prime within the same working day
4. Apply a metal primer suitable for the type of metal being painted
5. After priming new metal, apply one coat of Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat
6. On previously painted metal, remove corrosion and spot prime exposed areas with a suitable metal primer
7. Once cleaned, keyed and dry, bring forward spot-primed areas with Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat, then apply an overall coat of the same product

Always apply to a small test area before starting to check suitability, colour and final finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin throughout the project.

Purchase enough Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell to complete the project, allowing extra for future touch-ups. Combine tins of the same colour before use to ensure colour consistency.

Do not apply if air or surface temperatures are likely to fall below 8°C, or if relative humidity exceeds 80%, during application or drying.

1. Stir thoroughly before painting and regularly during use
2. Apply with a good quality synthetic brush, short or medium pile roller, or airless spray system
3. For airless spray application, dilution may be required. Follow the spray equipment manufacturer's guidance
4. Work steadily to maintain a wet edge, joining each section while the adjoining paint is still wet
5. On wood, finish each section with light brush strokes in the direction of the grain
6. Apply two full coats. Certain colours may require additional coats to achieve complete coverage
7. Allow 4-6 hours between coats at 20°C and 65% relative humidity, ensuring the previous coat is fully dry before recoating
8. The paint is touch dry in approximately 1-2 hours under these conditions. Cooler temperatures or higher humidity may extend drying times
9. Avoid excessive sanding between coats. If light sanding is necessary to remove nibs, clear away all dust before recoating
10. Clean brushes, rollers and equipment immediately after use with clean water or warm soapy water

Please note: Keep newly painted doors and windows open until the paint is fully dry to prevent adjoining surfaces from sticking together.

Cleaning

Once the coating has dried thoroughly, remove everyday dirt and marks with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wash with warm water and a mild liquid detergent, then wipe away any residue with clean water.

Avoid abrasive cleaning pads or harsh cleaning products that could damage the eggshell finish.

Maintenance

Inspect the finish periodically, particularly on exterior wood and metal, and repair any damaged or peeling areas before recoating. Clean the surface, remove loose paint and prepare any exposed wood or metal with the appropriate primer.

Refresh the coating with Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell as required, following the Preparation and Application instructions above. For larger repairs, repaint the complete section to help maintain an even colour and sheen.

Where can I use Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell?

It is suitable for properly prepared interior and exterior wood and metal, including doors, window frames, skirting boards and other joinery. Bare surfaces require the appropriate preparation and primer before painting.

What does an eggshell finish look like?

Eggshell has a subtle, low sheen that is less reflective than satin or gloss. Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell provides an opaque finish for prepared wood and metal surfaces.

Does Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell need an undercoat?

For best results, use it as part of the Fastflow system with Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat. Prime bare wood and spot prime exposed areas on previously painted timber. Bare metal requires a suitable metal primer before the Fastflow primer undercoat is applied.

Can I apply it over existing solvent-based paint?

Yes, provided the existing coating is sound, firmly adhered and properly prepared. Remove loose paint, wash away dirt and grease, then wet abrade the remaining coating to provide a key. Rinse, allow to dry and prime or undercoat as required before applying the finishing coats.

How many coats should I apply, and how long should I leave between them?

Apply two full coats, allowing 4-6 hours between coats at 20°C and 65% relative humidity. The previous coat must be fully dry before recoating. Certain colours may require additional coats for complete coverage, and cooler or more humid conditions can extend drying times.

Why is a water-based paint described as 99% solvent free?

Water-based paints use water as their main liquid carrier but may still contain small amounts of organic solvents. Crown's Breatheasy formulation is 99% solvent free, helping reduce odour during application. Water-based does not necessarily mean completely free from organic solvents.

How do I reduce brush marks when applying this paint?

Use a good quality synthetic brush and maintain a wet edge, joining each section while the adjoining paint is still wet. On timber, lay off with light strokes in the direction of the grain. Avoid excessive sanding between coats.

When can I close freshly painted doors and windows?

Leave doors and windows open until the paint is fully dry to help prevent adjoining surfaces from sticking together. Touch dry does not mean the coating is ready for these surfaces to be pressed together, particularly in cooler or more humid conditions.