Surface Preparation :
Like all painting exercises it is important that surface preparation be properly planned and executed as it directly affects the end result. In case of wood the surface preparation depends on whether the wood is unfinished wood, painted wood or varnished wood.
During the surface preparation exercise it is recommended that you wear safety goggles and a mask to avoid being exposed to unnecessary dust. Sand paper, Sanding Block, Cloth, little water and a stiff brush should be kept handy for the exercise.
First Primer Coat :
Primer coat is essential, especially when the walls to be painted are stained, porous, has water damage or mildew; or when we are painting a light colour over a dark colour or vice versa. Primers help provide a smooth surface, making the surface less absorbent, thus increasing the spreading capacity of the paint.
Primer helps give uniform colour and texture to the finished paint, and provide better adhesion to the top coats. Choose Primer to the kind of paint you are using, primarily consider their demarcation for oil-based and latex paints.
Apply the first coat and allow it to dry before application of putty coat (if required) or paint coat.
Unfinished Wood :
Painted Wood :
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To prepare the surface of painted wood, start by washing the surface with soap and water, followed by thorough rinsing with clear water to remove any remaining dirt, grease or residue. |
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Gently sand the dry surface to buff away any loose chips of paint. Take care to sand the surface along the direction of the grain.
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Wipe the surface down with a damp rag or cloth to carry away any dislodged chips or splinters. |
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Fill all holes and imperfections with a suitable wood filler. After drying the excess lumps should be removed by strokes along the grain pattern. Sand again to level all undulations and clean the surface with a cloth. |
Varnished Wood :
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Varnished surface require a bit more vigorous sanding than unfinished wood, or painted wood surfaces.
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Start preparing the wood surface by washing, rinsing and drying the varnished wood surface in a similar way as done for painted wood. |
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Rough sanding will degloss the varnished surface, scoring and making it slightly uneven so that the primer can grab firmly on the surface.
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Further sand the deglossed area and wipe down with a damp cloth to remove the gritty, dislodged scraps of varnish. |
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Fill all holes and imperfections with a suitable wood filler. |
Primer Coat :
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Primer coat is essential for the paint to stick well on the wooden surface. Correct primer is vital for a smooth, long lasting and elegant finish. Primers help make the surface less absorbent, thus increasing the spreading capacity of the paint. They also give uniform colour and texture to the finished paint, and provide better adhesion to the top coats.
Apply the primer on the surface of the wood just as you would apply paint. After application allow the primer to dry for 6-8 hours. Remember that depending on the colour of the original wood and the colour of the new paint, two coats of primer may be necessary. Apply the second coat exactly like the first and then leave it to dry for another 6-8 hours.
It is important to select the primer which is complementary to the finish coat product selected.
Finish Coat :
- ood finishes are generally categorized as Clear or Opaque finishes.
Opaque Finishes:
For Opaque finishes you can choose traditional enamels (J&N’s Brolac Polyurethane Enamel, Umbrella Synthetic Enamel and Pearl Lustre are in this category). You can brush paint or spray the enamel on to the primed wooden surface. But care must be taken that sufficient time is provided for the enamel paint to dry out. Depending on the requirement 1-2 coats of paint can be applied, but given sufficient time for the first coat to dry completely.
After allowing the paint to dry, it is advisable to paint all horizontal surfaces with a polyurethane finish to protect the surfaces from wear and tear.
Clear Finishes:
Opaque Finish requires different category of paints (J&N’s Wood Glow Melamyne, J&N’s Wood Glow N.C. Glossy Lacquer). They can also be applied directly by brush or sprayed onto the surface. Again care must be taken to allow complete drying of a coat before another coat can be applied. Use 1-2 coats as per you requirement.
After allowing the paint to dry, it is advisable to paint all horizontal surfaces with a polyurethane finish to protect the surfaces from wear and tear.
