Painting Woodwork: Tips, Materials, and How-Tos

The very first thing, and one of the most important steps, is to cover all the floor and any furniture if any is in the room. Make sure everything is away from the woodwork to be painted.

First thing is the preparation. This includes priming the woodwork which means to cover all the woodwork with an oil based primer such as Kilz or Zinzer. Make sure to let the primer dry completely.

The next step is to putty the holes if any are in the woodwork. This includes all nail holes and/or any other holes noticeable. Be sure that the putty is dry before moving on to the next step. Make sure to use painter's putty, spacklelite, or wood filler.

Third is to sand it with sand paper, sanding sponge, or palm sander (electric). The third step is best to do with a sanding sponge or sand paper.

Once you have sanded it, go over it and dust it. This can be done with an old paint brush or duster brush.

Make sure all nails are set meaning they are recessed below the wood's surface. If you can feel it, it is not set enough. This procedure requires a nail set and a hammer.

The next step in preparation is to caulk all the cracks in the woodwork. After putting the caulk on use your finger to smooth it out so that the caulk will seal. It usually takes about one hour or a little longer to dry depending on the room temperature and how thick the caulk is.

Now you are ready to paint. The best way to do this is a brush if you are doing this to an old house. A new house can be sprayed.

One tip for painting is that if you are right handed go left to right and vice versa if you are left handed. This way you are not reaching across your body.

Another way to make it a little easier for you is to begin at the door to the room and go around the room (using the tip above) until you get back to the door.

It is always going to take one coat of primer and two coats of paint if you want to do a good job. Always paint a little bit and then step back and look at it. Unless you have been doing this for years, it may be a good idea to have an extra set of "eyes" handy to help you look. Make sure there are no runs and the paint is smooth with no brush marks. Look also for any spots you might have missed.

Let the first coat dry. Depending on temperature, etc., this usually can take up to two or more hours. If at all possible, let it set over night and dry. Then put the second coat on.

After the second coat has dried, go back and look at it again touching up anything you might have missed.

To make things a little simpler here is a list of materials you will need:

Drop cloths or other to cover floor (do not use plastic as they are very slippery); primer (Kilz or Zinzer); nail set and hammer; putty (painters putty, spackelite, or wood filler); sanding sponge or sand paper; dust brush or old paint brush; caulk and caulk gun; wet rag(s); buckets in which to put your paint (a small cut pot is the best for this); brushes (use a China bristle brush for primer and nylon bristle for latex paint or now you can buy brushes that are made for both); paint thinner, water, and wire brush for clean up.

If this is the first time you have ever painted it would probably be best to go to a direct paint store, since they will be able to give you any information you need. Just be very careful and make sure you shop around for the best prices.

Good luck!

Source:

Having a husband who has been painting for 30 years

Personal experience