How To Paint Raw Wood

Sand the surface of the wood.

How to paint raw wood. If it is splotchy then apply a second coat. Be sure to hit corners. Apply the first layer of finish satin semi-gloss or gloss and allow it to dry.

An aluminum wood primer is recommended when the wood is to be exposed to moisture. I isolated the quarters for the pic below to show pure raw wood on the left picture taken on the back of the board raw wood satin poly in the center and raw wood dead flat varnish satin poly on the right. The brush strokes will resemble the raised surface of wood grain.

This will keep spilled paint from spoiling the bottom surface. Let the first coat dry completely then rub it down gently with fine grit sandpaper. They smell less as well as leaving your brushes easier to clean.

Now apply the first coat of primer and let it dry. If theres any old paint or stain on the wood scrape it off using a metal scraper or wire brush. Depending on the color you may only need one coat.

Water-based primers are more common. Brush the primer on in the direction of the grain. Fill all those nail holes as well as any other imperfections with wood filler.

They do carry a pungent odour but dry very quickly and will not let the knot bleed through the top finish coat. When the wood filler has completely dried sand it smooth using fine-grit sandpaper. Wood primer can be either water or solvent-based.