Hi Windowwashers
We use the old flocked Vikans and the new monofilament Vikans, none of which damage wooden frames. It's the pure water that leaches oils from putty, strips paint layers down over time and strips stained wood.
I agree if the paint is applied properly it will last a lot longer, but panel pins and hinges will show accelerated signs of rusting with pure water.
Most properties have a lick and a promise paint job which deteriorates quickly.
We are by the coast and salt plays an important part.
We use proper quality resin after Merlin RO so we're not cutting corners and producing water with carbonic acid content.
As I said earlier in my post, what do you do long term when the customer has to paint more often? We get round it by saying modern paint without the lead doesn't have the staying power like the old stuff. But overall we are not happy doing wooden frames with WFP and would rather see them done trad. Trouble is my chaps earn too much WFP and won't go back to trad so we always target UPVC.
Chris