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A Guide To Albany ABX Exterior

October 5th, 2026

Meet Albany ABX Exterior, the new all-in-one coating built to take on almost any surface. This self-priming, water-based, vapour-permeable paint works on timber, masonry, plastic, glass and metal.

This guide covers how to get the best from ABX Exterior, from prep and thinning to spray settings and the mistakes to avoid.  

Albany ABX Exterior

What Is Albany ABX Exterior?

Albany ABX Exterior is a trade-quality, multi-surface paint. It acts as primer and finish in one, so one product covers most jobs.

Product Finishes

ABX Exterior is available in two finishes: satin and matt.

What Surfaces Can Albany ABX Exterior Be Used On?

Formulated for harsh, external environments but also suitable for interior use, ABX can be used on new or previously painted:

  • Timber and cladding
  • Masonry and concrete
  • PVC
  • Glass
  • Ferrous metals such as iron and steel
  • Non-ferrous metals 

Albany ABX Exterior

Key Features of Albany ABX Exterior

  • Base: Water-based
  • Coverage: Up to 12m² per litre
  • VOC content: Minimal
  • Touch dry: 2 hours
  • Recoatable: 4–6 hours
  • Coats: Two recommended; three on ferrous metal
  • Application: Brush, roller, spray or airless spray
  • Thinning: Clean water
  • Clean-up: Warm water and detergent
  • Sizes: 1L, 2.5L, 5L

How to apply Albany ABX

1. Prepare the surface

  • Make sure all surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust, grease and loose or flaking material.
  • Thoroughly abrade previously gloss-painted surfaces, then rinse clean to ensure good adhesion.
  • Avoid inhaling dust and wear a suitable face mask if dry sanding.

2. Stir well before use

3. Apply by brush, roller or airless spray

4. Apply two to three coats as required

On ferrous substrates, we recommend applying three coats to achieve long-lasting anticorrosion protection.

5. Allow drying time

ABX Exterior is touch dry in 2 hours and recoatable after 4–6 hours.

Why choose Albany ABX Exterior?

  • Primer and finish in one: saves time and reduces the number of products you need.
  • Multi-surface: can be used on virtually any surface, outside and in.
  • 15 years of weather protection: designed to last.
  • Stain blocking: traps stains so they don't ruin your finish.
  • Rust inhibiting: superior protection for metals such as iron.
  • Mould resistant
  • Thousands of colours: the tinted range offers 5,223 colours from the Albany colour cards, mixed to order.

Albany ABX Exterior

Mistakes to avoid when using Albany ABX Exterior

  • Painting over rust: Treat rust before painting over it with ABX Exterior.
  • Ignoring mould or algae: Kill any mould or algae on the surface before applying.
  • Skipping knots on timber: Spot prime knots and sap streaks with an appropriate knotting solution, so they don't show through the paint.
  • Applying in poor conditions. Do not apply when air or substrate temperatures are likely to fall below 10°C, or when humidity is above 80% during application or drying.
  • Too few coats on ferrous metal. Use three coats on ferrous metals for optimal rust resistance.
Albany ABX Exterior

FAQs

Do I need a separate primer?

 For most jobs, no. ABX Exterior is self-priming, so preparation is kept to a minimum.

What finish does it give?

ABX Exterior is available in a satin or matt finish.

Why does vapour permeability matter?

A vapour-permeable coating lets moisture escape from the substrate rather than trapping it behind the film, which helps reduce the risk of blistering and flaking.

Performance

How long will it last?

 Albany ABX Exterior will protect surfaces for up to 15 years. 

How does it protect metal?

It's rust inhibiting, giving strong protection on exterior metal such as iron. We recommend two coats generally. For long-lasting, anti-corrosion protection on ferrous metal, apply three.

Does it block stains?

Yes. ABX Exterior traps stains to stop them showing through and spoiling the finish.

Application

How do you thin Albany ABX Exterior?

Mist coat for new or bare surfaces: to seal new or bare surfaces, add up to 1-part clean water to 10 parts paint.

Airless spray: thin by up to 10% (1 part water to 10 parts paint).

What are the best airless spray settings for Albany ABX Exterior?

For best results, use a 515, 517 or 519 tip at 1300–2500 psi (89–172 bar). The pressure depends on the tip you choose and the temperature of the paint.

How do you clean and maintain surfaces painted with Albany ABX Exterior?

Before painting, wash surfaces with warm water and a liquid detergent to remove surface dirt. 

How do you clean brushes and equipment after using Albany ABX Exterior?

Remove as much product as possible from equipment before cleaning. Clean equipment immediately after use with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

How do I apply it?

By brush, roller or airless spray.

What coverage should I expect?

 Up to 12m² per litre, so a 5L tin covers up to 60m² per coat. Actual coverage depends on the surface and how it's applied.

What sizes are available?

 1L, 2.5L and 5L. 

Where to buy Albany ABX Exterior

Albany ABX Exterior is available online and in your local Brewers Decorator Centre. 

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