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TM Interiors Guide to:
Preparing & Painting Wood
 

How To Prepare and Paint Wood: 5 Simple Steps To Get You Started

Painting wood furniture is a great way to freshen up the look of your space and make it feel like new. Painting can also help protect your furniture from damage and spills. One of the common problems people have with painting is not knowing what type of paint to use. There are many brands and varieties on the market, varying in price and coverage. The key to picking out a paint is understanding what type of surface you're painting, as well as what type of finish you want: matte or glossy, oil or water-based, sheen level, and so on. Here, are 5 steps to get you started on this project!

 

Step 1: Gather the right tools

The first step when painting wood is to gather all the right tools:

  • Clean Sponge
  • Rag or Old Towel
  • Bucket
  • Sandpaper or Abrasive Paper
  • Good Quality Paint Brush
  • Foam Roller (optional)
  • Paint 

 

Step 2: Choose Your Paint 

Your next step is to decide what type of paint you want to use. There are many different types of paint available on the market, so you’ll need to decide on the sheen level (matte or gloss), type (water or oil) and brand. For the best results make sure to use a high-quality paint.

Check the paint is suitable for wood and calculate how much paint you need by multiplying the surface area by the number of coats.

Designers Guild Paint Chart

 

Step 3: Prepare the Surface

Now it’s time to prepare the surface. If your wood has been previously surface treated or painted you will need to lightly sand the surface to make sure that your paint can bond with it. It’s important to use good quality sandpaper, like the ones made out of silicon carbide. This is to prevent deep scratches in the wood itself. When sanding, it’s important not to press down hard on the surface, but to gently rub the surface of the wood with a circular motion.

Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or grease. You can wash the surface of your furniture with soap and water to remove grease and any dust from sanding. Make sure you pay attention to any nooks or crannies that may have dirt or dust in them. After that, allow the surface to dry completely.

Step 4: Prime the Surface

After sanding the wood, it needs to be primed. Priming is an important step that ensures your new paint will adhere well and last a long time. There are two types of primers: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based primer is more durable and has a thicker finish, while water-based primer is easier to use and dries quickly.

There are many types of primers that are designed specifically for different types of surfaces like plastic, metal, or fiberglass, so make sure you choose a wood primer. You can also use a general-purpose primer which has been labelled as suitable for wood.

To apply the primer, take your brush and paint a thin layer of primer onto the surface. Allow the primer to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying another coat. Check the paint tin to see if your primer needs longer to dry between coats.

Once you have applied one or two coats of primer and allowed time for it to dry, it is time to start painting your color of choice!

Step 5: Paint It! 

Once you have selected your paint, you'll need to apply at least two coats of paint for a smooth finish. Make sure you leave enough time for drying between coats.

It's as simple as that, follow our 5-step guide and you will be painting wood like a pro in no time. 

 

 

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