Whether it’s furniture or a fence, the proper painting technique will give you an attractive and durable finish. Painting wood is different than painting any other material, however, so handling each step properly is key. Here’s what you should know about painting wooden building materials.

How Do You Properly Paint Wooden Building Materials?

1. Sand the Wood

Whether you’re repainting a surface or covering fresh wood, it needs to be sanded first to smooth out the area. Start with a sandpaper that has a grit between 280 and 320, and then use a lint cloth to remove all the loose sand and dust. Repeat the process with a fine-grit paper of 180 and reuse the lint cloth. Sand by hand when you have any pieces with an uneven surface since this allows you to conform the paper to the surface.

2. Prime the Wood

Use two coats of white alkyd undercoat primer. Allow it to dry for three to four hours, and then sand it with a 220-grit paper after each coat. If you expect the building materials to be outdoors in the elements or otherwise exposed to moisture, use an aluminum wood primer. Keep in mind that if you use an oil-based primer, the paint should be oil-based as well.

3. Paint Multiple Layers

Apply your layers of paint, and sand gently in between each coat for a smooth finish. Stick the brush around a quarter of an inch into the paint each time you reapply it; keep the edge constantly wet to avoid lap marks. Apply the paint to the wood in short strokes that are parallel with the grain. Only add one layer at a time, allowing it to dry for three to four hours between each coat.

A high-quality painting result starts with the best building materials. Huber Lumber is the full-service lumber supply team for homeowners and contractors throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. These professionals have over 110 years of combined experience in home improvement supply, so they can help you choose the right materials for your project. Visit them online or call (513) 731-4035 to learn more about their products.