Plywood Finishing Tips
Plywood's versatility and low cost help make it one of the most popular building materials. It's often used for different interior and exterior purposes, which determine the method of plywood finishing. Finishing plywood requires more preparation than finishing solid wood, but you can do the task well with a little work and know-how. Does this Spark an idea?
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Determine the Use
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Plywood finishing varies, depending on whether it will be used for the interior or exterior. There are different finishing methods for interior purposes but only one method for exterior purposes.
Determine the Plywood Finish
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Plywood has different finishes and grades. Some have a sanded finish; others have a rough finish. Expensive types of plywood with a veneer finish are ideal for interior applications. Sanded finishes are often repaired with synthetic putties. If you plan to use a clear coat or wood stain finish on sanded plywood, look for the smooth type of wood with minimal repairs. Sealant or stain will not penetrate areas repaired with putties. Rough plywood should be painted; it can't be finished with clear coat or stains. There won't be putty repair issues with veneers, which can also be finished with different clear coats, stains or paints.
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Choose the Finishing Material
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Choose your desired finishing material based on the kind of plywood finish. Finishing materials for sanded plywood include opaque or semitransparent stains, paint or clear coats. Primer and paint are recommended for rough plywood. For exterior purposes, choose from primer or topcoat paint or opaque stain. Whether using sanded or rough plywood, choose pure acrylic resin latex for long-lasting performance.
Preparation
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When finishing plywood, tape areas that should not be painted. Put cloth around and underneath the plywood to be painted.
Finishing the Plywood
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For interior applications, always use two coats of any finishing material you have chosen. For exterior applications, apply two coatings of opaque stain. Do not use a sprayer in plywood; it doesn't allow wood penetration. Always use a brush for smaller areas or a roller for larger areas.
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References
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