Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Prepare the wood before painting
• Method 2 of 2: Protect the paint with a clear coating
• Tips
• Necessities

Paint that is not properly applied to wood surfaces can flake over time. This is especially true for wooden items that are often used, placed in the sun, or not properly prepared and painted anyway. Preparing the wood well before painting and then coating the painted wood will maintain the quality of painted wood items for years to come.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Prepare the wood before painting

1. Clean the wood with a wet cloth. Leaving dirt or other particles on the wood will prevent it from properly absorbing the paint, primer and coating. Wipe the wood with a damp cloth and then apply the coating.
   • Use a tack cloth to catch any residual debris. Tack rags are made of gauze-like materials that have been treated with a tacky substance. You can buy them at almost any hardware store.
2. Apply two coats of coating to the raw wood. Paint a thin coat of glossy acrylic coating on the wood with a damp sponge or brush. Let the coating dry and then apply another coat to the wood. Lightly sand the wood after the second coat of coating has dried to remove the excess, then wipe it off again with a wet rag and tack cloth.
   • Use a sponge for wood surfaces with grooves and curves and a paintbrush for flat surfaces.
   • The sandpaper should be about 220 grit.
   EXPERT TIP

   Apply a coat of primer to make the paint adhere to the wood. The use of primer creates a surface on which paint can adhere because the wooden surface regains its texture (ridges and dents).

   • An acrylic gesso is probably the best choice for using primers.
   • You only need to apply one coat of high quality primer; at a lower quality a second coat may be required.
3. Let the wood dry and cure. You need to give the primer time to dry so that the paint can adhere as well as possible. This can take several hours. Once the primer is dry to the touch, you can start applying the paint.

Method 2 of 2: Protect the paint with a clear coating

1. Choose a coating based on polycrylic. Wax-based coatings give wooden surfaces a smoother finish, while polycrylics give a shinier surface. Water-based polycrylic coatings are the most versatile.
   • Clean, sand and wipe the wood before applying the coating.
2. Use a sponge, cloth or paintbrush to apply the coating. Dip a damp sponge, cloth or paintbrush into the coating and apply a thin coat to the wood. Let the coating dry completely.
   • Cloths are more commonly used for wax-based coatings, sponges for polycrylic coatings applied to surfaces with grooves or curves, and paint brushes for flat surfaces.
3. Apply a second coat of coating. After the first layer of coating has dried, repeat the coating application process with a sponge, cloth or brush. This ensures complete protection of the painted wood.
4. Let the coating cure for two to three weeks. Just because the surface of the wood feels dry to the touch doesn't mean it's completely dry. After application, allow the coating to dry and cure for two to three weeks. Do not place anything on the surface as this may cause damage or imperfections.
   • In hot or humid weather, it can take longer for the coating to dry and you should therefore let it cure for a longer period of time.

Tips

• Apply coating, paint and primer by always painting in the direction of the wood grain.

Necessities

• Washcloth
• Tack cloth
• Sandpaper
• Sponge
• Paintbrush
• Coating
• Primer