If you want a woodwork paint that is tough enough for doors, skirting, staircases and furniture but without the smell and slow drying of oil-based paint, Caparol's Capacryl PU enamels are hard to beat. They are water-based polyurethane-acrylic paints – the polyurethane adds extra scratch and impact resistance.
Capacryl PU Gloss vs Satin vs Matt
| Product | Finish | Use | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PU Gloss | Gloss | Interior & exterior | Doors, windows, railings, uPVC – classic high shine |
| PU Satin | Satin | Interior & exterior | Skirting, doors, furniture – wet scrub Class 1 |
| PU Matt | Matt | Interior only | Modern flat look for furniture, panelling and doors |
For busy areas, Caparol recommends the Satin or Gloss for their extra scratch resistance.
Capacryl PU technical specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base | Water-based polyurethane-acrylic |
| Coverage | Approx. 100–120 ml/m² per coat (about 8–10 m²/L) |
| Dust dry | 1–2 hours |
| Recoatable | 10–12 hours (brush) |
| Fully dry | 48 hours |
| VOC | Max 130 g/L (EU limit 130 g/L) |
| Safety | Safe for children's toys (DIN EN 71-3) |
| Substrates | Primed wood, metal and rigid PVC |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray |
| Colours | White, or mixed to order |
Why choose Capacryl PU?
- High scratch and impact resistance thanks to the polyurethane content.
- Non-blocking – painted doors and windows will not stick shut.
- Resists household cleaners and disinfectants.
- Low odour and water based – easy to live with during painting.
- Breathable – lets moisture escape from timber.
- Toy safe to DIN EN 71-3, so ideal for children's furniture.
One note from Caparol: Capacryl PU in white is not recommended for radiators.
The right primer
Prime bare wood, metal, uPVC and difficult surfaces with Caparol Capacryl Haftprimer. Haftprimer can be tinted towards your topcoat colour for better coverage. Read our full Haftprimer guide for details.
How to paint a door with Capacryl PU
1. Prepare
Remove handles and fittings. Clean, then sand existing paint to a dull key. Fill dents, sand smooth and dust off.
2. Prime
Spot-prime bare areas, or prime the whole door if it is a new or difficult surface, with Haftprimer.
3. Topcoat
Apply two thin coats of Capacryl PU. On a panel door, paint the panels first, then the muntins (centre verticals), then the rails (horizontals), then the stiles (outer verticals), laying off in the direction of the grain. Allow 10–12 hours between coats.
4. Let it cure
It is fully dry after around 48 hours. Treat it gently for the first few days.
Frequently asked questions
Can Capacryl PU be used on uPVC?
Yes. Prime rigid PVC with Capacryl Haftprimer, then apply PU Satin or Gloss.
Can Capacryl PU Matt be used outside?
No. PU Matt is interior only. Use PU Satin or PU Gloss outdoors.
Is Capacryl PU good for kitchen cabinets?
Yes. It resists household cleaners and has high scratch resistance. Prepare and prime properly first.
Can Capacryl PU be tinted?
Yes. We mix it to order in a wide range of colours, as well as white.
Buy Caparol Capacryl PU from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Caparol Capacryl PU to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Caparol range.