Sadolin Superdec is a widely used retail paint that has been extensively reviewed by professional decorators who have incorporated it into their daily work for years. Known for its durability and versatility, Superdec is particularly favoured for exterior woodwork. However, like any product, it has its strengths and weaknesses, which professionals have experienced firsthand.
Sadolin Superdec: A Review by Professional Decorators
Overview
Sadolin Superdec is a self-priming, water-based opaque wood protection system that provides long-lasting colour and protection for exterior wood surfaces. It’s often praised for its excellent adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to weather conditions. The product is particularly popular for use on exterior windows, doors, and cladding, but it has also been used effectively on other surfaces like uPVC and even certain metals with the correct preparation.
Application and Coverage
From the insights of various decorators, the application process for Sadolin Superdec is generally smooth, with many professionals noting that it “goes on like a dream”. However, some issues have been reported, particularly with the white variant of the product. Many decorators have found that the opacity of the white paint is subpar, often requiring multiple coats to achieve full coverage. For instance, one decorator mentions needing to apply multiple coats, which was a significant concern considering the cost of the product.
Additionally, the product’s drying time has been a point of contention. While the paint touch-dries relatively quickly, the recommended recoat time is 16-24 hours, which can be inconvenient for projects that require a quicker turnaround. This was highlighted by professionals, who noted that the long recoat time can slow down projects significantly.
Durability and Finish
On the durability front, Superdec generally receives high marks. It is lauded for its flexibility, which allows it to move with the wood as it expands and contracts with the weather, preventing cracking and peeling. This makes it an excellent choice for areas exposed to harsh weather conditions. Multiple professionals have noted that the product holds up well over time, maintaining its finish for several years.
However, there is a notable difference in performance between the coloured and white variants. While the coloured versions, particularly black, are praised for their excellent coverage and finish, the white variant has been described as “terrible” by multiple decorators. The new formula, which has been in place since around 2020, seems to have exacerbated this issue, with several decorators reporting that the white paint lacks the opacity and coverage it once had.
Comparisons with Other Products
When compared to other paints like Albany Masterdec, Bedec Barn Paint, and Zinsser Allcoat, Superdec holds its own in certain areas but falls short in others. For instance, Albany Masterdec has been described as having better coverage, particularly in white, and is often cited as a cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality.
On the other hand, Bedec Barn Paint is favoured for rougher surfaces and is noted for being harder, though less flexible than Superdec. This makes it a better option for some decorators who prioritise a more rigid finish over flexibility.
Brush Maintenance
A significant drawback that has been frequently mentioned is the impact of Superdec on brushes. The paint has a reputation for being harsh on brushes, causing them to become stiff and difficult to clean. This issue has been noted particularly with the new formula, leading to additional costs for professionals who need to replace brushes more frequently. Some have expressed frustration with this, stating that even after thorough cleaning, brushes never fully recover from being used with Superdec.
To Summarise…
Sadolin Superdec remains a popular choice among professional decorators, especially for exterior woodwork, due to its durability and flexible finish. However, the product is not without its flaws, particularly in its white variant and its impact on brushes. For those seeking a versatile, long-lasting paint, Superdec is still a strong contender, but decorators might consider alternatives like Albany Masterdec or Bedec Barn Paint, especially for projects requiring white paint or quicker turnaround times.
Whether Superdec is the right choice will depend on the specific needs of the job, but it remains a respected option in the professional community.
I have given my decking ( which is plain without flutes ) a coat of the sadolins extra exterior teak finish. Everytime it rains it leaves marks on the surface – is there anything I can do?
Give the coating a fortnight of dry weather if you can. Solvent-borne alkyds need oxygen to cross-link fully; once they harden, light surface blemishes often wash off with a mild detergent.
Having said that, if you want the stain-and-varnish look to last on a deck you’ll end up chasing blemishes every season.
Two more robust options:
1) strip back to bare timber and move to a penetrating decking oil;
2) abrade, then switch to Sadolin Superdec Opaque — a flexible water-based acrylic/alkyd that copes with standing water and wears away gradually instead of flaking (three-coat system, touch-dry 2-4 h, ~30 % solids, VOC ≈ 51 g l-¹)
Extra isn’t inherently faulty; it’s simply the wrong chemistry for a walk-on surface. You can tidy the marks with cleaning and local spot-repair, but for a deck you’ll save time (and slipperiness) by moving to a product engineered for horizontal exposure – either a penetrating decking oil/stain or an opaque, high-flex coating like Superdec.