Overview

Paint & Paper Library Architects' ASP is a versatile, water-based all surface primer designed for exceptional adhesion on interior and exterior surfaces. Suitable for woodwork, metal, glass, tiles, and building plastics, this high-opacity, low-odour primer creates a durable base and can even be applied over existing aged alkyd finishes.

Tinted to match your chosen topcoat, it improves coverage, enhances colour depth, and delivers a smooth, long-lasting finish. Quick-drying (touch dry in 2 hours) and eco-friendly, Architects' ASP is easy to use and ideal for both professional and DIY projects.

• Adheres to wood, metal, glass, tiles, building plastics, and more
• Tinted to your topcoat for superior coverage and colour accuracy
• Eco-friendly, water-based, low odour and quick-drying (touch dry in 2 hours)
• Excellent adhesion - ideal even on existing aged alkyd coatings
• Forms a durable, flexible, high-opacity base for long-lasting results

Tinted Colour Information

Tinted paint is custom mixed in house at Next Day Paint using our Paint & Paper Library tinting machine. We mix the paint on site, which means we can offer our usual fast delivery with no extra delay.

Tinted Colour Match paints can't be cancelled or returned as they are tinted to order.

A tinted primer can be used to help obtain the true depth of colour for your top coat or to reduce the amount of coats required when a drastic colour change is occurring. A tinted primer will not necessarily be the same colour as your selected topcoat. It will be tinted towards the topcoat colour and generally lighter in shade. For example if your topcoat is black your primer may be a shade of grey. If you are unsure about when a tinted primer is required please contact us and we can advise further.

Preparation

All surfaces should be clean, dry, sound and free from dust, grease and contaminants before painting. Remove any loose material and ensure the substrate is fully prepared for optimal adhesion and finish.

New Wood

• Seal knots on softwoods with a knotting compound to prevent staining, then prime with Architects’ A.S.P.
• Resinous hardwoods should be thoroughly cleaned and primed with a suitable product before undercoating (refer to product data sheets for details)
• Ensure the timber moisture content is below 15% prior to painting
• Do not paint damp wood, this can cause blistering, cracking, flaking and premature coating failure
• Green oak must be weathered for at least 6 months before painting

Metals

• Clean new ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces by hand or mechanical abrasion to remove all rust and contaminants
• Bare or corroded iron and steel must be treated with two coats of Architects’ A.S.P.

Existing Paint Finishes

• Remove all loose or flaking paint
• Degrease using a detergent solution (e.g., sugar soap), then rinse with clean water
• Thoroughly sand to create a key and a smooth, defect-free surface, feathering edges where paint has been removed
• Make good any repairs, sand again if required, and prime exposed areas as appropriate

Plastics

• For long-term performance, clean and abrade all plastic surfaces to form a good key before applying primer

New Plaster Walls

• For plaster skim, allow at least 4 weeks to dry thoroughly
• Prime with a mist/primer coat by thinning the paint with 5–25% (v/v) clean water, depending on porosity
• Cut in using the same dilution for consistency and good flow
• For fully plastered walls, allow 6 months for complete drying before using Architects’ A.S.P.
• Not suitable for lime or natural plasters

Existing Plaster Walls

• Lightly wash to remove dust, laitance or surface contamination
• Apply a primer coat thinned by 0-25% (v/v) clean water, depending on porosity
• Finish with at least one full coat as required
• Not recommended for previously painted lime or natural plasters

Application

Stir thoroughly before use. Do not apply when the ambient temperature is below 8°C or if there is a risk of rain during application or drying. Apply generously to achieve a smooth flow, taking care to avoid runs and sags.

Application with a Brush

• Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush sized appropriately for the task.
• Condition new brushes by washing in clean water and drying with a lint-free cloth before use.
• Avoid immersing the brush too deeply, keep paint out of the ferrule and prevent drips by not overloading.
• Apply with even strokes, extending only as far as you can maintain a wet edge.
• For the best finish, keep final brush strokes in the same direction and do not go back over paint that has begun to dry.
• For intricate work or when working in high temperatures or fast-drying conditions, add 10–15% (v/v) of a proprietary water-based paint conditioner to extend open time.
• Lightly sand between coats to remove dust and surface imperfections for a near-professional finish.
• On large, flat areas, roller application is recommended.

Application with a Roller

• Use a short-nap wool blend roller for smooth surfaces; increase nap length where necessary for textured substrates.
• Maintain a wet edge and ensure final roller strokes run in the same direction.
• Avoid rolling back over paint that is already drying, as this can cause flashing and lap marks.
• In hot or fast-drying conditions, open time may be extended with 10-15% (v/v) proprietary water-based paint conditioner.

Application with a Sprayer

Conventional Spray:

• Thin with up to 40% (v/v) water
• Tip size: 1.60–2.00 mm (62–78 thou)
• Air pressure: 0.28–0.41 MPa (40–60 psi)

Airless Spray:

• Thin with up to 20% (v/v) water
• Tip size: 0.28–0.54 mm (11–21 thou)
• 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. Always ensure tin lids are replaced correctly and firmly sealed after use. When unopened and stored as directed, this product will remain stable for a minimum of two years.

Cleaning & General Care

For light marks or general surface soiling, clean using a dilute, lukewarm solution of washing-up liquid and a clean sponge or lint-free cloth. Wring out excess water so the cloth is damp, not dripping. Gently wipe the area, repeating as needed.

To help prevent long-term build-up:

• Maintain good ventilation during activities that create grease or moisture (e.g., cooking)
• Collect dust at source during DIY where possible, or vacuum thoroughly
• Always use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming near painted surfaces to avoid marking

Special Care

Avoid placing heavy objects on freshly painted surfaces for at least 7 days. Frequently used surfaces, such as bookshelves, may benefit from a very light application of beeswax polish to reduce marking over time.

Repairs

Lightly sand the affected area and apply a suitable primer to any exposed substrate. Repaint “break to break” with one or two coats as needed. Please note that spot repairs may be visible, resulting in a less uniform finish.