Preparing Wood for Painting

All bare wood must be treated with primer even if it is old wood which has been stripped. For a smooth finish rub down with glass paper, fine sandpaper and brush down or clean with a slightly damp cloth. Always brush/clean along the grain. A pink or white wood primer is usually OK. Resinous woods may need aluminium primer. Aluminium primer is also useful for stained surfaces, from nicotine.

Wood knots need to be painted with shellac to prevent resin staining the paintwork. You can also fill cracks and wood knots with woodfiller. Always use the recommended undercoat for your top coat paint. You may need more than one undercoat if you want a smooth wood finish.