Courtney Jenner's Wild World of Writing

How to Properly Paint Bare Wood

1. Sand the Surface
   1. Lumber is often coated in a glaze for protection. Sanding will remove the coating and help the paint to adhere.
   1. Sanding opens the grain of the wood. This helps with adhesion of the paint.
2. Seal the Knots
   1. Knots can show through a fresh coat of white paint and can eventually ruin your finish.
   1. Seal the knots with a primer.
      1. A spray primer gives the benefit of sealing with an oil-based product without the cleanup.
3. Smooth the Surface
   1. A primer will fill the grain for a smoother topcoat.
      1. Note: Bare wood soaks up paint. Don’t worry if the first coat or two look uneven.
   1. Lightly sand the surface once the primer has dried.
4. Consider Tinted Primer
   1. A topcoat painted over primer will achieve better color with fewer coatings.
   1. A darker color painted over tinted primer will be darker with fewer coatings.
5. Choose the Right Color Base
   1. An expert at your local hardware or paint store can recommend the best base for your chosen paint color.
      1. This will give your color the foundation for greatest results.