Odourlite Undercoat

Undercoat paint is a preparatory coating applied before the final topcoat. It helps cover the underlying surface, improves colour uniformity and creates a smoother base for the finishing coat. On bare metal, a suitable primer is normally applied first, followed by the undercoat and then the topcoat.

Typical order: Primer → Undercoat → Topcoat

A primer is applied directly to a bare surface to improve adhesion and provide initial protection. For metal, it can also help protect against rust. An undercoat is applied after the primer to improve hiding, build and smoothness before the final topcoat.

For the Odourlite system, bare ferrous metal requires a suitable metal primer before one coat of Odourlite Undercoat. The undercoat then prepares the surface for Odourlite Gloss Finish or Odourlite Soft Matt Finish.

Yes, provided the existing coating is still firm and compatible. The surface should be cleaned, dried and lightly sanded to remove loose paint and improve adhesion. Any exposed or scraped metal areas should be spot-primed with a suitable metal primer before applying Odourlite Undercoat.

The product is recommended for primed wood, primed metal and previously painted surfaces.

An uneven or patchy finish may be caused by differences in surface absorption, poor preparation, insufficient coating thickness or inadequate coverage of the original surface. Dirt, grease, rust, old flaking paint and an unsuitable base coat can also affect the final appearance.

Using the correct primer and undercoat helps create a more uniform surface before the topcoat is applied.

Odourlite Undercoat contains pigments and mineral extenders that help cover the underlying substrate and reduce visible colour differences or minor imperfections. Its build creates a more even layer for the finishing coat, helping the final colour appear fuller and more consistent.

This provides a sound foundation for Odourlite Gloss Finish or Odourlite Soft Matt Finish.

An undercoat fills and evens out minor surface variations, creating a more consistent base for the topcoat. It also helps the topcoat bond properly, reducing the risk of a thin, patchy or uneven finish.

For best results, allow the undercoat to dry fully and lightly sand it where needed before applying the topcoat.

Odourlite Undercoat is specially formulated for use with Odourlite Gloss Finish or Odourlite Soft Matt Finish as part of a complete wood and metal coating system.

It may be compatible with certain other topcoats, but this should not be assumed. Check the recommended coating system for the intended topcoat or consult Nippon Paint before application, especially when combining water-based and solvent-based products.

Ensure the wood is dry and free from dirt, grease, dust and other contaminants. Sand the surface until smooth, then remove all sanding residue.

For previously painted wood, scrap away loose or defective paint and lightly sand the remaining sound coating to improve adhesion. Any exposed or repaired areas should be spot-coated with the appropriate undercoat before the full coat is applied. Refer Technical Data Sheet

The metal must be dry and free from grease, dirt and other contaminants. Remove rust and mill scale from ferrous metal using sandpaper or a wire brush, then clean away all dust.

Bare or scraped metal areas should be coated with a suitable metal primer, such as Red Oxide Primer, before applying Odourlite Undercoat. Light sanding between coats can help improve adhesion. Refer Technical Data Sheet

Bare ferrous metal requires a suitable metal primer before Odourlite Undercoat to support adhesion and corrosion protection. Nippon Paint’s recommended metal system consists of one coat of Red Oxide Primer, one coat of Odourlite Undercoat and two coats of the selected Odourlite topcoat.

For bare wood, a separate primer is generally not required in the standard Odourlite system. Apply Odourlite Undercoat to the properly prepared wood surface, followed by the selected Odourlite topcoat. Certain timber types or surfaces that are highly porous, resinous, stained or previously treated may require additional preparation or a specialised coating system. In these cases, consult Nippon Paint for the most suitable recommendation.

Allow approximately eight hours before applying the Odourlite topcoat. The undercoat is touch-dry in around 30 minutes and hard-dry in approximately six hours under the stated test conditions.

Drying may take longer in areas with poor ventilation, high humidity, low temperature, heavy paint application or excessive thinner. Refer Technical Data Sheet

One coat of Odourlite Undercoat is recommended, followed by two coats of either Odourlite Gloss Finish or Odourlite Soft Matt Finish.

Additional preparation or spot-coating may be required where the surface has repairs, exposed areas or strong colour variation.

Odourlite Undercoat is designed as part of a complete low-odour wood and metal coating system. It provides good hiding and build, creates a smooth base for the finishing coat and is formulated without added lead and mercury.

It is suitable for interior and exterior wood and metal surfaces when used with the appropriate primer and Odourlite topcoat.

Odourlite Undercoat uses an oil-modified alkyd formulation with pigments and mineral extenders that provide good hiding and build. It also uses a de-aromatised hydrocarbon thinner system, helping reduce the strong paint smell commonly associated with conventional solvent-based coatings.

Although it is low in odour, good ventilation should still be maintained during application and drying.

Choose Odourlite Gloss Finish for a smooth, shiny appearance, or Odourlite Soft Matt Finish for a softer, low-sheen look. The recommended application is one coat of Odourlite Undercoat followed by two coats of the selected topcoat.