How to Paint Very Old Wood
As wood ages, it can become a real eyesore. Fortunately, a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate old-looking wood as long as it's not rotten. However, when painting very old wood, careful attention must be paid to preparation. With patience and the proper techniques, your old wood can shine like new. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pressure washer
- Rags
- Metal putty knife
- 80- to 120-grit sandpaper
- Razor blade
- Latex caulk
- Caulking gun
- Blue painter's tape
- 5-gallon bucket
- 2 paint roller covers
- Roller frame
- 3- to 4-inch paintbrush
- Latex primer
- Latex paint
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a pressure washer to clean any dirt, dust and cobwebs from the old wood. Set the washer on a low setting and stand several feet from the surface or you risk damaging the wood. Skip this step if the old wood is indoors--use a wet rag instead. Allow the wood to dry completely before continuing.
-
2
Use a metal putty knife to scrape away any loose or peeling paint. Use 80- to 120-grit sandpaper to sand away any remaining loose or peeling paint and to smooth down any rough or splintering areas of the wood. Sand with the grain of the wood--never against it.
-
-
3
Use a razor blade to cut the tip off the tube of caulk. Insert the tube into the caulking gun. Use the caulking gun to apply caulk to any cracks or holes in the very old wood that you would like sealed.
-
4
Use blue painter's tape to cover any areas you don't want painted. Attach a cover to a paint roller frame. Screw the roller frame onto a rolling pole. Use the metal putty knife to open the container of latex primer. Pour the primer into a 5-gallon bucket, filling it about halfway.
-
5
Dip the roller into the primer. Use the roller to apply primer to the very old wood. Smooth away any runs or drips with the roller. Continue applying primer until all of the wood is coated. Use a paintbrush to apply primer to any areas that proved inaccessible to the roller. Allow the primer to dry, per the directions on the can.
-
6
Wash the bucket, roller frame and paintbrush with warm water. Use your fingers to massage away the primer. Shake the paintbrush vigorously to remove excess water. Dispose of the used paint roller cover.
-
7
Repeat steps 4 through 7, using paint instead of primer. Allow the paint to dry for two hours. Apply another coat if necessary. Remove the blue painter's tape and dispose of it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always use care when scraping and sanding old loose paint from very old wood, or the wood may crack and chunks can come loose. Take your time and don't be overly aggressive as this can lead to damage.
Never use spackle to try to fill cracks in old wood. Caulk is a much better option as it's flexible and won't crack or split in changing temperatures.
Very old wood must be sealed with primer. Never attempt to paint very old wood without priming it first.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
