[Track]

I'm new to painting wood, although I have some experience painting walls.

I like to use white wood/metal paint or just simple glaze to give the wood a deeper color and sheen.

But no matter how much I sand it (with my Bosch professional sander), then wipe and wash it under water..

After I paint, once it's dry, it's always extremely grainy and no longer smooth.

If anyone could help me with this, I would appreciate it very much!

 

[Millertyme]

If you are using a water based latex paint the water in the paint will raise the grain. Some woods, such as southern yellow pine, will raise grain more than others. switch to an oil based paint and use a good primer also. After the 1st coat a light sanding with 220 grit sand paper will also help.

 

[user1007]

It does sound like you are trying to skip the primer. This is especially important for new wood. I like solvent based alkyd primers designed as enamel underlays. You can paint either oil or latex finishes over them.

 

[Track]

It does sound like you are trying to skip the primer. This is especially important for new wood. I like solvent based alkyd primers designed as enamel underlays. You can paint either oil or latex finishes over them.

Hah.

What is this "primer"? I'm not aware of it.

 

[user1007]

Hah.

What is this "primer"? I'm not aware of it.

Primer has the sole purposes, in this case, of sealing the wood, blocking stains from knots, etc. and bonding a nice uniform layer of film to the surface. This film, especially if something like an enamel underlay, evens out the wood surfaces and provides something the paint will adhere too perfectly.

Typically, a professional paint job consists of a coat of primer and two coats of finish.

I like solvent based alkyd primers for new wood but their are latex primers that work just as well. You cannot usually put oil based finishes over latex primers though. You can put either oil or latex over alkyd.

 

[Track]

Primer has the sole purposes, in this case, of sealing the wood, blocking stains from knots, etc. and bonding a nice uniform layer of film to the surface. This film, especially if something like an enamel underlay, evens out the wood surfaces and provides something the paint will adhere too perfectly.

Typically, a professional paint job consists of a coat of primer and two coats of finish.

I like solvent based alkyd primers for new wood but their are latex primers that work just as well. You cannot usually put oil based finishes over latex primers though. You can put either oil or latex over alkyd.

No, I'm definitely using latex paint, which I guess you could call my 'finish'.

Could you link me to a 'primer'? I'm having small difficulty finding some. Do they come in different colors, or is it like silicone?

 

[jsheridan]

I'm new to painting wood, although I have some experience painting walls.

I like to use white wood/metal paint or just simple glaze to give the wood a deeper color and sheen.

But no matter how much I sand it (with my Bosch professional sander), then wipe and wash it under water..

After I paint, once it's dry, it's always extremely grainy and no longer smooth.

If anyone could help me with this, I would appreciate it very much!

I figure I'll be the first, surprisingly, to ask the question, in a loud voice, Why are you washing wood under water?

 

[Track]

I figure I'll be the first, surprisingly, to ask the question, in a loud voice, Why are you washing wood under water?

:laughing:

I can't think of a better way to remove the saw-dust left on it.

 

[DangerMouse]

I use water to raise the grain for final sanding, but MY question would have to be: Why aren't you using a filler if you have heavily grained wood? (oak, for instance) Fill, sand and paint and you'll have a glassy finish!

DM

 

[DangerMouse]

:laughing:

I can't think of a better way to remove the saw-dust left on it.

They have this MARVELOUS new invention now called a "vacuum cleaner"!

DM

 

[bobtheblindguy]

I wouldn't run water over the wood to remove sawdust. That definitly will raise the grain. A vacum like DangerMouse suggested to get the majority off then wipe the wood with a tack cloth. You can find them in any paint dept. A good sealer is important. Go to your local paint store ( not home center) and ask for a good latex sealer for wood. After priming you could go over it with some fine steel wool 000. This will help smooth out the grain that the sealer raised. Then paint.

 

[Track]

I use water to raise the grain for final sanding, but MY question would have to be: Why aren't you using a filler if you have heavily grained wood? (oak, for instance) Fill, sand and paint and you'll have a glassy finish!

DM

I'm confused as to what a "filler" is.

I hear the words "sealer", "filler", "primer", "varnish", and I just don't know how to make heads or tails of it.

They have this MARVELOUS new invention now called a "vacuum cleaner"!

DM

You know, you don't have to use sarcasm. I understand your message perfectly, I swear.

I wouldn't run water over the wood to remove sawdust. That definitly will raise the grain. A vacum like DangerMouse suggested to get the majority off then wipe the wood with a tack cloth. You can find them in any paint dept. A good sealer is important. Go to your local paint store ( not home center) and ask for a good latex sealer for wood. After priming you could go over it with some fine steel wool 000. This will help smooth out the grain that the sealer raised. Then paint.

I just didn't think that a cloth could remove 100% of the tiny wood particles, where as water always could. I did not think of the fact that it could raise the grain from inside the wood..

I don't know what would constitute a "local paint store" in Manhattan. I just go to Home Depot, and usually I find what I need.

Steel wool, huh? I have some, but never thought of using it.

Would it have the same effect of fine-grit sand paper?

Really, what I'm looking for, is leaving a wallpaper-smooth feel, almost plastic-like on my wood, using white paint.

 

[DangerMouse]

..........................

Dm

 

[Red Squirrel]

Ahh, Home Depot. Are you using Behr paint? If that's the case you can prime while you paint and paint while you prime!

I don't have any experience with that paint but I think the others can outline some of their experiences.

To brush off saw dust I usually just use a brush. A vacuum will work good too (probably better).

 

[DangerMouse]

Sorry about the sarcasm. Google paste wood filler. Follow the directions and it'll be smooth as glass.

DM

 

[user1007]

I bought Benjamin Moore products inside of higher end hardware stores up and down both sides of Manhattan. The units were more than a paint department.

 

[Track]

Ahh, Home Depot. Are you using Behr paint? If that's the case you can prime while you paint and paint while you prime!

I don't have any experience with that paint but I think the others can outline some of their experiences.

To brush off saw dust I usually just use a brush. A vacuum will work good too (probably better).

No, I'm not using Behr. Now that you mention it, I remember the commercial. :laughing:

I would rather do it properly my first time. So, I need a primer and then paint.

Sorry about the sarcasm. Google paste wood filler. Follow the directions and it'll be smooth as glass.

DM

Don't worry about it. The internet makes people feel closed in.

When I google "wood filler" all I get is that product that fills in damaged wood.

 

[Brushjockey]

I just have to say- you're looking for a glass like finish a pro would have to work at , and you haven't a clue. Sorry to be blunt, but you have set your sights pretty high...

 

[chrisn]

I just have to say- you're looking for a glass like finish a pro would have to work at , and you haven't a clue. Sorry to be blunt, but you have set your sights pretty high...

I have been painting for 30+ years and still cannot get a glass like finish without a sprayer. Rinsing wood under water certainly would not help the situation

 

[Track]

I just have to say- you're looking for a glass like finish a pro would have to work at , and you haven't a clue. Sorry to be blunt, but you have set your sights pretty high...

I disagree. There is nothing here that tells me that there is a specific skill that needs to be honed to get a smooth finish.

It's all about technique and I'll find it.