Many traditional wardrobes, as well as other pieces of fine furniture, are made of natural wood such as pine. However, not everyone likes the deep colors of traditional pine, and owners of pine wardrobes may choose to paint over the wood. Preparation is key to ensure a smooth, evenly painted finish that will hide even the darkest knots in your pine wardrobe. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wipe down the pine wardrobe with a rag dampened lightly in mineral spirits to remove dirt, dust, oil, wax or grease. The surface must be completely clean for a properly painted finish.
2. Roughen the pine surface with medium-grade steel wool or sandpaper. Rub across the grain, and then with the grain, to open the pores of the wood and make it accept paint. Remove residual sanding dust from the surface by wiping with a tack cloth.
3. Repeat the sanding process with fine-grade sandpaper and wipe again to remove all dust.
4. Paint on a coat of white shellac as the base coat for your painting project. Use a paintbrush and smooth, even strokes, overlapping strokes by ¼ to ½ inch to avoid brush marks. The shellac will seal in the pine's sap and moisture, preventing it from leaking through your paint. Allow the shellac to dry completely before continuing.
5. Coat the wood with a layer of filler, which will close the pores of the wood, creating a flat, smooth surface on which to paint. Thin out the filler per product instructions, then spread the filler in a thin, even layer across the entire surface of wood with a paintbrush.
6. Observe the filler as it starts to dry. When you can see the filler begin to look flat or dull in some areas, wipe across the grain, and then with the grain, with a clean rag to remove excess filler that has not been absorbed into the pores. Allow the filler to dry completely for 48 hours before continuing.
7. Pour enough paint to coat your pine wardrobe into an empty can or bucket and thin it with one part turpentine for every 10 parts paint. Brush this mixture onto the wardrobe in a smooth layer, coating the entire piece. Allow this coat to dry completely before continuing.
8. Sand the surface lightly with extra-fine sandpaper and wipe away the residual dust with a sanding cloth. Apply a second coat of paint directly from the can, without thinning. When this coat has dried completely, sand again and apply a third coat. Apply more coats if necessary to achieve your desired color.
9. Finish your pine wardrobe by brushing on two coats of enamel paint, either clear or matching the color of your base paint. This will protect the finished wardrobe from staining and damage. Sand with extra-fine sandpaper and wipe down the surface between coats. Allow the final coat to dry completely before using the wardrobe.
Tags: pine wardrobe, your pine wardrobe, before continuing, completely before, sandpaper wipe, your pine
