Good Paint for Painting Wood

Preparing the Wood

• In some ways, the preparation of the surface is just as important as the paint itself. You can use the best paint ever made, and if it is applied to a surface that isn't properly prepared, it will not hold up well. Paint needs a surface that it can stick to, so dirt, previous coats of paint or a finish on that surface need to be treated. Prepare wood by washing an existing surface, sanding it and patching any holes or cracks.

Primer

• The final step of preparing a wood surface for a coat of paint is to use a primer. This seals the surface material and provides an even surface. Some paints don't stick well to wood, and a primer will provide a new surface to which the paint can adhere. Choose a primer that has been specifically formulated for use on wooden surfaces. Because wood is porous and can expand in different conditions, the primer should offer a level of flexibility.

Oil-Base Versus Water-Base

• Paint is made of three basic elements: the pigment, the binder and the base. The pigment is the color, the binder is what helps that pigment stick to the surface and the base keeps everything in liquid form. Once applied, the base evaporates away, leaving the pigment bound to the surface. Paints that use a base made from petroleum products are said to be oil-base paints. It takes longer for these to dry and they are harder to clean up, but they are more durable. Water-base paint dries quicker and is cleaned easily with soap and water. Either oil-base or water-base paint will work on a wooden surface, depending on the primer and the use of the surface.

Binder

• The binder in paint holds the particles of pigment together and helps them adhere to the surface. Many paints are named based on the binder in them. Water-base binders are usually acrylic or vinyl while oil-base binders are natural oils or synthetic resins. Binders also give the final finished look to paint. The gloss of a paint is determined by how much binder is in the paint compared to the amount of pigment. For example, a high gloss paint has a shiny surface, while a flat paint has a low-reflective surface. The binder in paint will adhere to properly primed weed, though the use should also be considered.

Use of Surface

• The ultimate use of the surface being painted is actually more important that the surface material itself. Paint used on wood surfaces that are exposed to the elements, like outdoor furniture or outside structures, needs to withstand temperature changes and precipitation. Oil-base paints work well for these surfaces. Conversely, water-base paint works well for indoor use such as door frames and furniture. Water-base paint dries quicker, is easier to clean up and has less odor than oil-base paint. Also consider the painting of wooden floors which requires paint to be durable enough to withstand foot traffic. The paint also should not be too glossy or the surface might be slippery.

Crafts

• Not all painted wood is found in building materials. Crafts made of wood also need to be painted. Most craft stores and suppliers offer a variety of water-base paints that will work on wooden surfaces. Acrylic craft paint can be used to add color to a piece or give it a finished look. It will also work on metal, fabric and ceramics.