Coloring wood is very easy if the wood is properly prepared. Some types of wood will stain if they are covered with wood stain so they must be conditioned first. Wood paint needs to be applied evenly and wipe off any excess. After the wood paint has dried, add a sealant to protect the wood. Double check to make sure the wood conditioner, paint and sealant are all compatible so you get a beautiful finish.
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Part 1 of 4: Choosing Wood Paint and Conditioner
Step 1. Choose a compatible wood paint and conditioner
You should use paint and conditioner with the same basic ingredients. If you're going to use oil-based wood paint, choose a conditioner and sealant that's also oil-based. Water-based wood paint requires a product that is also water-based to complete it.
- This ensures that each layer works together to produce a smooth finish.
- Purchase wood paint and conditioner at a hardware store or the internet.
Step 2. Choose an oil-based wood paint and conditioner to highlight the wood color
Oil-based paints are more popular, and are generally easiest to use on wood. This product also goes deep into the wood so that it gives a clear and beautiful color. Although easy to apply, they do not protect the wood, so you will need to cover it with a sealant if you use an oil-based paint.
- Oil-based paints are great for softwoods, such as pine or birch.
- Oil-based paints usually require 1-2 coats.
Step 3. Choose water-based products for eco-friendly options
Water-based paints are easy to clean and more mildew resistant. This product will not produce as vivid color as an oil-based product, but the color will last longer.
- Cedar, spruce, and redwood (Scottish pine), all go well with water-based wood paints.
- Water based wood paint and conditioner dries quickly.
- You will need a wood conditioner if you choose a water-based paint, as this type of paint makes the grooves in the wood clearer.
Step 4. Choose a gel paint for a color that settles on the wood surface
Gel paint does not penetrate the wood surface, which means some of the wood pattern will be visible but most of it acts as a paint layer. This type of paint is good for wood types that usually stain when painted, such as maple, pine, cherry, and birch.
- Gel wood paint is also suitable for vertical surfaces such as doors or cabinets because it doesn't seep or splatter a lot.
- Be careful when using gel wood paint in recesses as it tends to collect in these areas and is difficult to remove.
Step 5. Test wood paint on used wood to test the finish
Find a small lump of wood that is the same type as the wood to be painted, if possible. Pat the paint on this wood using a rag to judge whether the color is light or dark.
Testing the wood paint before applying will allow you to see how the paint will look on various woods before using it in your project
Part 2 of 4: Sanding and Conditioning the Wood
Step 1. Scrub the wood with 120 grit sandpaper
Rub the sandpaper on the wood according to the groove. After you smooth the entire surface of the wood evenly, remove the resulting dust with a rag
- A 120 grit sandpaper will help you to get rid of any stains in the wood caused by dirt.
- You can dampen the cloth before wiping the wood dust, if you prefer; just make sure the wood is completely dry before processing.
- Fill any holes or recesses in the wood using wood putty that matches the color of the wood before sanding, if desired. You can buy wood putty at a building materials/panglong store or on the internet.
Step 2. Replace with 220 grit sandpaper to produce an even surface on the wood surface
Scrub the wood again with sandpaper, this time with a higher grit. Repeat the same process as with 120 grit sandpaper, and scrub the entire surface of the wood before removing any wood dust generated with a rag.
- 220 grit sandpaper is a finer roughness and produces a very smooth surface.
- You should always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Step 3. Apply a thin layer of conditioner to the surface in the direction of the groove
Dip a natural bristled brush, washcloth, or sponge in wood conditioner and work it evenly over the wood. Coat the entire wood surface with an even layer of wood conditioner.
The wood must be clean and dry without any other coating before applying wood conditioner
Step 4. Wait 10-15 minutes for the conditioner to absorb and wipe off the rest
Use a clean rag to gently wipe away excess wood conditioner. Wipe in small movements, following the direction of the wood groove.
Read the wood conditioner application guide to see how long the product needs to sit on the wood. Follow these guidelines for best results
Step 5. Let the conditioner dry for 30 minutes and paint the wood within 2 hours
Set a timer and set it to go off in 30 minutes so you know when the conditioner is dry. Try to paint the wood within 2 hours of the conditioner drying for best results.
Part 3 of 4: Applying Paint
Step 1. Scrub the wood with 220 grit sandpaper
Once the wood conditioner is dry, use 220 grit or higher sandpaper to remove any wood dust from sanding.
- Try to use sandpaper with a grit less than 220 so it doesn't scratch the wood.
- Remove any hardware that is on the wood so that it is ready to be painted.
Step 2. Use a rag or brush to rub the paint over the wood
Stir the wood paint until evenly distributed using a wooden or plastic stirrer. Dip a cloth or brush into the paint and work it over the wood at a time until it's completely covered in paint. Make sure you rub the paint in the direction of the wood grain.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from wood paint
Step 3. Apply wood paint in a thin and even layer
Apply the paint with a brush or cloth in long strokes on the wood. You don't have to try to get a perfect finish right now because most of it will be wiped off later. Focus on making sure there are no large streaks or splashes on the wood.
Continue to rub long and slowly to even out as much of the paint color as possible
Step 4. Wipe off the remaining paint after 5-15 minutes, depending on the desired shade of color
The longer the paint is left on the wood, the darker it will be. Use a clean rag to lightly wipe off excess paint and follow the direction of the wood grain. Do it thoroughly so that the paint layer is thin and even on the wood.
- It's best to wipe the paint off as soon as possible. You can add a coat of paint later if the color is too bright, while removing paint that is too dark is much more difficult.
- Pay close attention to any darkened or blotchy areas, and wipe with a cloth so that the color is even.
- You can use some washcloths
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for 4 hours before applying the next coat, if desired
Lay the wood in a well-ventilated area and leave it for 4 hours to dry. If you want to add another coat of paint to darken the color, apply it in the direction of the wood grain, wait 5-15 minutes for it to absorb, then wipe again with a clean cloth.
- Repeat as many times as needed until you get the shade you want.
- Make sure each coat of paint is completely dry before applying the next coat.
- After you have waited 4 hours and feel the paint has dried, the wood is ready to be applied with sealant.
Part 4 of 4: Sealing Wood
Step 1. Choose a cover layer to protect the wood
You don't have to seal the wood, but it is highly recommended that the wood be durable and strong. Protective coatings such as polyurethane work well and can be purchased at most hardware stores or the internet. Use a wooden or plastic stirrer to slowly and gently mix the cover paint.
- Protective paints come in various types with varying luster, ranging from matte (opaque) to high gloss (very glossy).
- Try not to shake the cover paint can so that bubbles don't appear.
- Once you've applied the sealant, you can't add any more coats of wood paint so make sure you get the shade you want before applying the cover paint.
Step 2. Use a natural bristle brush to apply the sealant to the wood
Dip the brush in the sealant can, and run it over the wood in the direction of the groove. Apply a thin coat of paint over the entire surface of the wood evenly.
Please test the sealant on the used wood first before applying it to the project, if you wish
Step 3. Wait 3-4 hours for the sealant to dry before sanding again, if desired
If you let the cover paint dry for 4 hours and it looks perfect, congratulations! If not, use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the outer layer of the wood before wiping with a clean cloth.
Apply an additional coat of paint to strengthen the protection and shine (depending on the type of sealant) on the wood
Step 4. Apply a second coat of sealant and allow to dry completely
Repeat the process of applying the sealant in the direction of the wood groove and thinly and evenly. Wait 4 hours for it to dry, and determine if the wood still needs an additional coat or not.
- Usually, people apply two coats of cover paint to the wood.
- Once you have decided that the finished product is satisfactory, wait 48 hours for it to dry completely before using it.
Tips
- Woods such as birch, maple, cherry and pine can be difficult to paint and sometimes stain and require a conditioner.
- Test your chosen wood paint on used wood if possible.
- If the wood already has another layer, remove it first with a scraping product.
- It's a good idea to work outdoors, but if you can't, protect the floor of your garage, shed, or other workplace with a cloth mat or plastic sheet.
