How To Prepare Rough Wood For Painting

Cleaning the woods surface is done in a three-way style.

How to prepare rough wood for painting. This type of primer will fill the wood pores and cavities in the wood. You can apply the paint more liberally making sure you really work it in so that it penetrates the wood. Ideally the wood should be painted at its average moisture content for that climate - about 12 for most of the United States 9 for dry southwestern states see Table 1-2.

Find the best tool for your project to give it smooth and clean lines. Use wood putty or filler in holes dents scratches and gouges. Then apply paintable water repellent to the bottom 16 in.

If you are working with a rough wood such as sawn cedar your only choice may be to use a wire brush. Special treatment and steps should also be taken before painting rough lumber to remove any dust or debris stuck between the grain or grooves in the board. Remove as much loose paint as possible.

Scraping scrubbing and sanding. Use a long-handled scrubber brush and a mild detergent to gently scrub away accumulated dirt grime mold and other residue. Sanding is usually a precursor to painting or finishing any type of wood but not when the wood is rough-cut because sanding would compromise the rustic texture.

Keep a wet edge by overlapping as you paint. If youre painting a fence with vertical panels use your brush roller or paint sprayer vertically. Begin by scraping away all the paint in the peeling area.

Exterior painting can make a drastic improvement in the look of your home. Unpainted rough sawn timber will use 30-40 more paint than flat sawn or smooth board. You can opt for spray paint a rolling brush a bristle brush or a foam brush.