In the last article, we discussed the prep work you need to do if you want to paint woodwork like a professional. Now, we are going to talk about the actual painting process – how to apply the paint and the final steps needed to complete this project.
Woodwork Painting Stage 3: Applying the Paint
When painting – regardless of the kind of surface you are working on, you should use a paint pail instead of dipping the brush directly into the paint can. Fill the pail with paint which is around 1-inch deep.
Why do you need to do this?
This is to avoid accidentally dipping the paintbrush too deep into the paint can, as this can result in smudges on the wall or drips all over the floor.
For the painting strokes:
Long strokes from the top going down are recommended, and dabs should be avoided. A properly loaded brush will have a “smooth feeling stroke”. Once you feel the brush dragging, it means you need to reload it with some paint. With practice, you will become more consistent with the thickness and evenness of the paint.
Take note:
The brush stroke should run parallel to the wood grain. So, make sure that you check the surface you are working on before applying the paint.
When working on a huge surface like a wooden wall, it is best to divide it into sections or areas.
Coat an area with numerous brush loads of paint and smoothen them out within one minute by running the tip of the brush over it. This technique is what’s called tipping.
Keep in mind:
Having more paint on your brush lets you coat the woodwork faster. However, make sure you do not load too much paint on the brush so it would not drip. Repeat this process with other areas until you cover the entire surface.
You are going to apply several coats of paint (perhaps, at least two). So, see to it that you paint in thin layers for the initial coat.
Let the paint completely dry before applying the next coat. See to it that you follow the indicated drying time by the paint manufacturer. Also, sand the surface in between coats.
Woodwork Painting Stage 4: The Finishing Touches
After painting the majority of the wood, the last parts you would need to paint are the corners and/or trims. In most cases, these parts are painted using a different colour – think of wood panels on walls.
In this task, what you want to have is a sharp, clean line. To achieve this, you can either use the masking off or cutting in techniques. If you are not yet confident with your painting skills, the safer option is to mask it off.
How do you do this?
Put painter’s masking tape on the part of the woodwork that you want to protect. Make sure that the paint under the tape is completely dry. Apply the same painting process mentioned above on the area you want to paint. Let the paint dry and carefully remove the tape after.
Cutting in is the preferred method of professional painters mainly because it is the fastest way to accomplish this task. However, this requires a lot of skill and control. It is definitely a technique reserved for professionals and not recommended for beginners.
Once you’re done painting all the areas, the next step is to clean up. If possible, ensure that the painted woodwork is allowed to dry overnight or longer without being touched or used. Letting the paint fully cure is one of the secrets to having a durable finish.
Without a doubt, the comprehensive guide we have created can help you paint woodwork like a pro.
It should be noted, however, that following these painting tips is not a guarantee that you would be able to complete this task without any errors and come up with a perfect finish. Remember, painting is an endeavour that requires know-how to achieve excellent results in a hassle-free manner.
Suffice to say, it is always a smart decision to hire professional painters if you want the paint job to have a flawless finish.
Need help painting your kitchen cabinets and other woodwork in your house? Call us today on 086 608 1817 / 085 139 0233 to learn more about our painting services.
