How to Paint Cypress Lumber

Paint can make any piece of furniture look new.

Cypress lumber is often used for construction projects due to its hardness, density and workability. Untouched, cypress has a yellow tone with red or olive hues. It can easily be painted to have any color, but it is important to follow some crucial steps in order to to do the job properly. These instructions will help create a high-quality finished product.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Brush
• Paint

Instructions

How to Paint Cypress Lumber

1. Check the wood for any irregularities before starting the painting process. Irregularities, such as nail holes and unclean surfaces, should be cleaned. You can use a wood filler to fill the nail holes. It is important to keep the lumber in good condition before applying any paint.

2. Choose a primer and paint type that are compatible with each other. Oil-based alkyd primers are the most common and are compatible with most paint types. Also, choose a high quality 100 percent acrylic or latex paint. These paint types will minimize long-term degradation.

3. Apply the primer to the entire surface of the lumber. Proper application of the primer will help ensure better adhesion of the paint to the cypress surface, increase paint durability, and provide additional protection. Thus, the primer is an essential part of producing a high-quality finish.

4. Compensate for any variable conditions while painting the lumber. For example, temperature, dew, fog and rain can all influence the quality of the final product. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to deal with extraneous variables.

5. Paint the lumber with two coats of the finish paint being used. Apply the paint using a brush for a more uniform coat. If you have used an oil-based primer and are applying a latex top coat, use a separate brush for the latex paint. Allow the first coat to completely dry before applying the second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Using high quality primer and paint will help improve the look of the paint job compared to using low-grade products. If the finished product is being used outside, consider using a light colored finish in order to minimize shrinking and warping. This is because lighter colors reflect more heat than darker colors. If ever in doubt, follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations on properly applying the paint.

• Avoid breathing in fumes from the primer or paint products. This can be detrimental to your health. If you can't perform all painting outside or in a well-ventilated room, you should consider using a properly rated respirator.

References

• Cypress Info: About Cypress
• Cypress Info: Painting Cypress