There is no doubt that wood embellishments can make all the difference to a house’s interior and exterior. But just as well-finished woodwork adds to a property, not much says “neglected” like a peeling front door. Previously we looked at stripping wood. Here we talk about covering old paint, and filling wood for a good finish.
Covering Old Paint
There are some instances when you won’t be able to strip existing paint. If your wood is too rough, the paint is ingrained into the wood, or the wood has been stained at some point, painting over the old paint is probably your best option. The key is to make sure that the paint is smooth. If there are lots of chips and the paint is peeling, your best option is to strip off as much paint as you can. Once the majority of the paint has been removed, sand down the surface get it as smooth as possible. If the old paint is in good condition, lightly sand the surface to help the new paint to adhere well, before sanding down and applying a coat of primer, followed by your chosen colour.
Painting Natural Beams
Natural wood, such as beams, can be challenging because the wood is often uneven and flaky. Trying to sand or fill uneven edges can result in crumbling. One option for preparing wooden beams is to apply a layer of clear, matt varnish. Cover the surface of the beam, overlapping slightly onto the adjoining ceiling or wall. This will seal the wood, allowing you to paint as normal.
Priming And Filling
Rather than filling your wood before priming and painting, it can help to prime first, then fill and, finally, paint. This is because primer provides a better surface than natural wood for paint as well as filler to adhere to. What’s more, priming your wood first helps you to see the areas that need filling more easily. Before you start, make sure that knots are coated with knotting solution to prevent them from showing through. Apply your primer evenly and allow to dry. Once the primer has dried, it will be easier to see holes and dents that need to be filled using a filling knife and wood filler. Allow your filler to dry completely before sanding over the surface for a smooth finish. If the holes or dents were particularly deep, you may need to refill and sand again.
Once you have finished filling and sanding, use a clean cloth or vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust, before painting as normal.
This extra attention to detail and prep work will help you to achieve a professional finish that will stand the test of time, protecting your woodwork from the elements while looking great!
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