Sand bare new wood smooth, remove dust, then apply primer, undercoat and two topcoats for a lasting, even finish.
PW-01Protect the area and ventilateLay dust sheets under and around the wood. Open a window or door, as primer and paint fumes build up quickly in a closed room. If the wood is fixed in place, mask off nearby walls, floors or glass with low-tack tape.
PW-02Sand the bare woodSand with 120-grit sandpaper first, always working with the grain, not across it. Follow with 180-grit to smooth out any scratches. Ease over any sharp edges or corners as you go, as paint doesn't hold well on a knife-edge.
PW-03Remove all the dustVacuum the wood and surrounding area to lift loose dust. Wipe over with a tack cloth or a lightly damp cloth to pick up the fine dust a vacuum misses. Let the wood dry fully before you paint, especially if you used a damp cloth.
PW-04Apply wood primerBrush on one even coat of wood primer, working with the grain. This seals the bare wood so the undercoat and topcoat go on evenly and don't soak in patchily. Leave to dry for the time stated on the tin, usually 2-4 hours.
PW-05Key the primer coatOnce the primer is fully dry, sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper just to knock back any raised grain or brush marks. Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth. Do not sand hard enough to cut back through to bare wood.
PW-06Apply undercoatBrush on one coat of undercoat in the colour that matches your final finish. This builds a solid base and stops the primer showing through. Let it dry fully, then check the coverage in good light and add a second coat if any primer still shows.
PW-07Apply the first topcoatBrush or roll on your chosen finish paint, working in the direction of the grain in long, even strokes. Don't overload the brush, thin coats dry better than thick ones. Leave to dry fully before the next coat, checking the tin for the recoat time.
PW-08Sand lightly and apply the second topcoatOnce the first topcoat is dry, sand very lightly with 320-grit sandpaper to remove any nibs or dust specks, then wipe off with a tack cloth. Apply the second topcoat the same way as the first. This gives a smoother, more durable finish than a single coat.
PW-09Clean up and leave to cureClean brushes and rollers according to the paint type, water-based paints rinse out with water, oil-based paints need white spirit. Remove masking tape once the final coat is dry to the touch, pulling it away slowly to avoid lifting the paint edge. Leave the wood to cure fully for a few days before heavy use, even though it feels dry sooner.