When we talk about repainting, it doesn't mean that you just slap on a coat of new paint and the job is done. The paint will peel and chip and it will not last. In order to achieve the best possible result and a long lasting coat of new paint, there are certain steps to adopt and follow.
In this share, we are concentrating on the repainting of Wooden Surface which included any type of furniture, door, door frame and skirt board.
STEP 1: CLEAN
No matter what kind of surface you are going to repaint, the first step is always to give a good cleaning to the surface. Get rid of the dirt and grease from years of use. This process not only gives you a clean surface to work on, it also allows you to have a good visual access on the surface. (Fillings maybe needed before the repaint)
STEP 2: SAND
JustpaintHK always emphasises on Sanding! Sanding can rough up the wooden surface so the primer can adhere better. Remember, you are just looking to rough up the surface a little, do not over sand or gouge the surface. A medium-grit sandpaper with a sanding block can do the job properly. If the wooden surface has a glossy finish, your aim is to remove the finish. Depends on the glossy finish, 80-grit or 150-grit sandpaper recommended.
STEP 3: CLEAN AGAIN
Sanding leaves a lot of residue on the surface. It is important to clean and remove any residue on the surface before you proceed to the next step. You can use a vacuum and a clean cloth to remove the residual grit. JustpaintHK recommends the use of a tack cloth which works best with the tiny residual grit.
STEP 4: PRIME
Now you can prime the surface with the primer, please refer to https://www.justpainthk.com/post/primer for the correct type of primer. Primer's adhesive quality ensured the proper adhesion of the paint, it also seals off the wooden surface and enhances the waterproofing effect of the paint.
Let the primer dry according to the instructions on the tin, do not leave the primer dries more than the stated time before you apply the paint. If the primer dries out too thoroughly, it won't bond well to the paint. Then sand the primer gently to remove any drips and imperfections before applying the paint. JustpaintHK recommends the 220-grit sandpaper for primers. Lastly wipe clean the surface to remove the sanding dust before proceeding to the next step.
STEP 5: PAINT
Use semi-gloss latex paint to paint the wooden surface. This finish makes the surface much easier to clean compares to the flat finish. The semi-gloss finish also provides a clean look and the reflective appearance which everyone craved on wooden products. 2-3 coats of paint are necessary for a professional looking result. Remember, always allow enough time for the paint to dry and do not skip the sanding and cleaning between each coat. JustpaintHK recommends the 220-grit sandpaper for paints.
STEP 6: PROTECT
Here comes the final step, apply a thin coat of glossy lacquer to seal and protect the wooden surface. The glossy lacquer comes in different names with different brands, but they all serve the same purpose, to seal and protect the wood from moisture and oils. When applying lacquer, make sure you apply quickly for a thin coat, never over-brush the coat. You can always add additional coats later to even out the finish. JustpaintHK always recommends the use of high-quality natural bristle brush for all the painting projects to avoid loose bristles. As a reminder, remember to follow the instructions on the tin.
Above are the procedures for repainting a wooden surface, which include the use of primer, paint and lacquer. If you want to show off the beauty of the unique grain of natural wood, another procedure should be adopted.
How to refinish an OLD SOLID HARDWOOD FRONT DOOR
A Solid Hardwood Front Door with its unique grain effect is always a massive plus in a design perspective. It has an authenticity and romance that is impossible to replicate with any other materials. A well maintained solid wood door also increase the value of your property by giving a luxury aesthetic. So it is worth to refinish an old solid hardwood front door rather than replacing it with a Hollow Core Door or an Engineered Door which normally comes with a lower cost.
PREPARATION
In order to achieve the best refinish result, I recommend to remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat. This move gives you a horizontal, rather than a vertical surface to work on, makes the refinish process smoother and easier for you. Remove all the hardwares from the door, then start cleaning the door which is a good chance for you to have a good access on the condition of the surface. I do not recommend the process of filling the imperfections on a Solid Hardwood Door. The fillings normally destroy the natural grain patterns of the wood, they may also create a colour differentiation after the staining process, which makes the imperfections become even more imperfect. Sometimes the imperfections on a solid hardwood is a plus in a designer's eyes. For some imperfections caused by human error (included all kind hardwood furnitures), they may even preserve a memorable memory for the owner.
SANDING
This is the most crucial process, you should take time to sand and prepare the wood very well before proceeding to the next step. A medium and fine grades of sandpaper are generally used in refinishing furniture and antiques. Medium 120-grit and 150-grit are normally used for removing old finish and scratches. Fine 220-grit is used for a final light sanding to provide a smooth surface for staining. So start with a medium grit sandpaper to remove all the old finish, and finish the sanding with a 180-grit for a fingertip smooth surface. For an especially smooth finish, you can consider a final sanding with the fine 220-grit. Always sand in the direction of the grain, sanding against the grain will create scratches which will be particularly noticeable after staining. Now vacuum away all the sand dust and wipe down with a tack cloth to ensure a dust free surface for the next step. A perfectly clean surface is critical to the success of the application of stain.
POPPING
This process open the pores of the wood, even out the rate of absorption. Allows the wood to take stain evenly and deeply, creates a much more uniform stain coat. You can buy a pre-stain wood conditioner or use water for Popping. If you use a pre-stain wood conditioner, just follow the instructions on the tin and wipe off the excess after the recommended drying time with a clean cloth. As a reminder, always work in the direction of the grain. If you decided to use water, wipe the surface thoroughly with a wet (not damp or dripping) cloth. Once the water has completely dried on the surface (wait for every bit of the surface area to dried, do not rush if you want a uniform stain coat), you are ready for the next step. To be honest, there is not much technique on popping. You just have to pay particular attention, not to miss any spot on the wood during popping, so the whole surface can absorb the stain evenly and deeply.
STAINING
First of all, we need to understand what is staining? Staining means adding colour to bring out the grain pattern in the wood. This process dramatically and permanently changes the wood's appearance, so it is important to test a stain before applying. Test the stain on an area of the hardwood that won't show. You also have to make sure the pre-stain, stain and the protective finish are compatible. (water-based to water-based, oil-based to oil-based) Water-based stains dry in 2-4 hours, oil-based stains take longer time to dry. JustpaintHK recommends the use of water-based stains for its easy handling. Stir the stain thoroughly before applying, do not shake the tin because you don't want to work with stain full of air bubbles. Apply stain with a brush or a rag, be careful with the timing. The longer you leave the stain on the wood, the deeper the tone will become. You can get you desire tone by timing it during the stain test. Divide the door into small sections to work on, stain, time and wipe off to create an even stain effect. Wipe off the excess stain in the direction of the grain with clean rag, this will guarantee the stain gets into the wood and shows off the grain. Make sure you completely wipe off the excess stain and allow enough time for a complete dry. (Follow the instructions on the tin) A second coat of stain can be applied if you want a deeper tone, sanding is not required between these coats.
PROTECT
After the stain is completely dry, lightly brush on a clear top coat to provide protection. Follow the manufacture's label for drying time, wait for a complete dry and apply a second coat. For a better finish, lightly sand the top coat with fine 220-grit sandpaper. This will ensure good adhesion of the succeeding coat. JustpaintHK recommends the use of Lacquer for this protection process. We love lacquer's quick drying and superior clarity.
For our viewers in Hong Kong, it is quite difficult to buy wood stains because traditional hardware stores do not sell those. You can try to get them along Lockhart Road in Wan Chai or from online stores.
© 2018 Alexander CW Hung