Paint can give a beautiful finish to wood and paintings. Before applying it on the wood you have to sand the surface and clean the workspace; spread it in several thin layers, waiting for each to dry perfectly before applying the next. To varnish a painting, let it dry completely and then brush it with the paint; for many paintings one layer is sufficient, but you can add more, as long as you wait until the previous one is perfectly dry.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Wood for Painting
Step 1. Smooth it out
This way you will remove any imperfections and defects before applying the paint. If the item doesn't have a finish, use 100 grit sandpaper and work along the grain of the wood; gently sand until the surface becomes smooth.
If the item has been stained, use 240 or 280 grit sandpaper
Step 2. Clean up the workspace
The paint offers a very nice and durable finish, but easily attracts dust, lint and other impurities when still fresh; plan to treat your item in a clean place where you won't be disturbed.
- If possible, plan to paint it in a different place than where you sanded it;
- If you use the same room instead, use the vacuum cleaner carefully (do not sweep);
- Also wet the floor before starting so that the dust does not rise.
Step 3. Get the necessary materials
You only need a few basic tools to paint wood, and all are readily available at the hardware store. Make sure you have:
- Paint (read the label carefully to make sure it is real oil-based paint and not polyurethane);
- A brush (preferably of natural bristles);
- A stir stick;
- A large transparent graduated cup with notches clearly visible on the side;
- Thinner (turpentine or white spirit);
- Rubber gloves and a respirator (optional).
Step 4. Mix the paint thoroughly
Do not shake the jar, but open the container carefully and use a stick to mix; work slowly and gently - you do not have to introduce air bubbles into the product.
Step 5. Dilute the paint
In a graduated cup, pour enough paint to apply the first coat; the exact dose depends a lot on the size of the object, but in general it is recommended to start with a small amount, as you can always add more. Afterward, pour some thinner directly onto the paint and mix it carefully.
- Experts recommend using 20-25% thinner for the first coat of paint and 5-10% for subsequent coats.
- For example, if for the first layer you fill the graduated cup to 3/4 of its capacity, add the diluent for the remaining quarter; for subsequent layers, you can pour 9 parts of paint and add 1 of thinner.
Part 2 of 3: Apply the Paint to the Wood
Step 1. Brush the paint onto the wood
Dip the tip of the brush into the diluted mixture and gently apply it to the object. Work following the grain of the wood and proceed in a single direction. Start from a corner and paint a surface of 0.1m2; when finished, move the brush and treat the adjacent area the same size. Do this until the entire surface is covered.
- Keep dipping the brush into the paint to keep it wet all the time.
- If you want to protect yourself from fumes and paint splatters, wear rubber gloves and put on a respirator.
Step 2. Refine the layer while the paint is still wet
Brush the surface over to smooth it out and prevent bubbles and streaks from forming. Hold the brush perpendicular to the wood and lightly rub the tip over the entire surface to be treated; again, remember to follow the direction of the wood grain.
Step 3. Apply two thin coats of paint, then smooth the surface and apply another
Most projects require several layers of product. Wait for each to dry completely; it may take at least 6 hours, but it is more likely to take 24 or more. After applying the second coat, sand the object with 320 grit sandpaper; scrub away the residue and spread at least one more layer.
- The paint is dry when it is not tacky to the touch.
- If the sandpaper starts to get clogged with residue, it means the paint hasn't dried completely.
- For projects that require light coats, for example you only need to finish an object, a single coat of paint may be sufficient, but the more demanding tasks, such as painting a piece of furniture, also require five applications.
- Wait for the final layer to season for several weeks before using the item.
Part 3 of 3: Painting a Painting
Step 1. Wait until the painting is perfectly dry
If you try to apply paint to a painting before it is completely dry, you could mess up and possibly ruin the work. Oil paintings also need several months to be ready, while acrylic ones dry perfectly within 24 hours.
Step 2. Clean up the workspace
The paint attracts dust and other impurities, so you need to get rid of them as much as possible by using the vacuum cleaner in the area where you plan to paint; avoid sweeping, otherwise you just throw up even more dust.
Close doors and windows to prevent other particles from entering
Step 3. Get the necessary materials for your project
A large, soft brush is recommended. To prevent impurities from adhering, use one exclusively for this operation and not for painting; also remember to clean it after use. You also need a quality paint for artistic use (for oil or acrylic paintings, depending on the type of painting you made) and a shallow pan to pour the paint into.
Step 4. Prepare the paint
Open the jar, mix the contents gently but very carefully and then pour it into the shallow container; dip the brush in the paint and rub it on the rim of the container to remove any excess.
Step 5. Apply it to the painting
Work flat so the paint doesn't run. Brush the artwork with long uniform passes first vertical and then horizontal; apply only a thin layer.
Step 6. Apply a second coat if desired
One layer is sufficient for most paintings; However, if you want a thicker finish, wait 24 hours for the first to dry well and then apply the second. For the second layer, pass the brush horizontally and not vertically, as you did for the first; this way you get perfect coverage.
- If you have forgotten some spots during the first application, do not touch up until all the color is completely dry.
- If you want to get a very thick layer, you can apply a third coat of paint, but wait for the second one to be perfectly dry.
Advice
- The varnish works best on coarse-grained wood, such as oak, ash or walnut.
- Wood varnish has a low degree of toxicity, but its smell can be very strong; work in a well-ventilated area.
