Using Paint On Your Woodworking Projects - Practical Tips

When it comes to finishing off your woodworking projects, the very idea of paint may seem like something of a “dirty word”, and in the case of woods like oak, cherry and even maple this is probably true. However, not all woods that you might choose to use for your woodworking projects will always be equal. In the case of more inexpensive woods like pine or even reclaimed wood, paint can be used to enhance and complete your project.

Using paint on your woodworking projects is, however, not quite the same as painting a wall in your home. With this in mind, here are some practical tips to help you.

Prepare the surfaces properly
The key to any good paint job is to prepare the surface that you plan to paint properly. When the surface isn't prepared properly, the paint will really show all of the imperfections. Make sure that you correct any problem areas, even if it takes a while the end results will be worth it.

Sanding
Start by sanding carefully. You will need different sanding blocks for contoured and flat areas. You should also make sure that you lightly round any sharp edges. This will help the layers of paint to adhere, as sharp edges are more prone to catching. Catching can result in paintwork looking prematurely damaged.
Any defects in the wood should be filled and then sanded. Ensure that all the loose surface dust is also removed.

Primer
Don’t worry about any scratches the sanding process makes in the wood; these will be covered during the next step, which is to apply a coat of primer. Use a natural-bristle or synthetic-bristle brush and apply a coat of primer to the surface and edges. The end grain will need two coats, which should be applied between 5 and 10 minutes apart.

The primer should be left to dry, preferably overnight, for the best finish. Another light sanding followed by a touch-up of any areas that have flaws is recommended in order to ensure the quality of the finish.

Painting
The first step of painting wood is to select the right paint for the job, not just the colour you choose but also the finish. Picking the correct type of brush and a good paint tray are also essential to help you achieve the best look possible for your project. It is always best to pain in long, even strokes and never start right at the edge of the wood. Start painting a little way in and work the paint towards the edges, as this will help to prevent drips.

For larger projects, work in manageable sections to avoid drag marks and uneven painting. Remember that two thin coats of paint will achieve a much better end result than one thicker coat, which will not only take longer to dry but may also sag as it does.

Your project is worth taking time over in order to achieve a great finish to the paint. Therefore, make sure that you prep properly and don’t rush.