Painting dado rail

[Nineball]

I'm currently painting over a dark wooden dado rail. I'm using standard Dulux gloss but it has had 3 coats now and will require more.
I have only done a small area at the moment to test how it looks but if I like it I'll want to do the whole house!
Is there anything I can do to save me having to do 4/5 coats?
Would a coat of matt white help first, maybe give the gloss something to hold to?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Nineball]

I have 3 floors so was trying not to have to sand it down if poss to save time...

 

[Doghouse Riley]

I've always found if you're painting a darker shade over a lighter colour, the smoother the surface, the more coats you'll need.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Are you trying to only use gloss without undercoat? Undercoat is very important and gives the base to build on?

Zinsser is excellent and will give a good base to build on.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Nineball]

Thanks for the advice, will look at trying that. Cheers