How to paint raw wood

Wooden furniture may be aesthetically pleasing but it may also not mesh with the style or colour of your room. Painting raw wood is an easy fix and not a complex task – here’s how to do it efficiently.

You will require:

• Sandpaper
• Damp rag
• Paintbrush
• Wood paint
• Dust mask
• Protection goggles
• Wood primer

1. Put on your dust mask and goggles and then begin with sanding. Sanding the untreated wood enables you to create evenness and remove splinters for a smooth finish.
2. You should then wipe off the surface with a damp rag, removing dust from sanding and foreign particles.
3. If you are not too sure about the type of wood that you have, rather spend a little extra and opt for the stain blocking type as some wood release excessive tannins. The wood primer can be applied with a paintbrush or paint roller. It will block moisture (moisture contributes to warping) and seals the surface for extra durability. For optimal coverage, you should paint against the grain of the wood.
4. Thereafter you should apply your chosen paint using a brush or paint roller. As the primer has already been applied, you don’t have to worry about the direction of your brush stroke, however, maintain a consistent direction to ensure that you get even paint coverage.
5. After the paint dries, you should assess if there are any bare spots. If this is so, you should then apply another coat.