Finding Healthier Hobbies

Posted on: 10 October 2018

Wood crafts are a fun, budget-friendly alternative for craft enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you want to reinvent an old wood piece or are ready to make a new craft, one of the tasks you'll need to consider is whether or not you want to paint or stain the item. When painting wood crafts, there are a few guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

1. Prep the Piece for Painting

Before you start painting, you need to make sure the piece is prepped. You do not have to apply a primer before painting, but most craft enthusiasts find that priming the wood helps the paint better adhere to the wood and go on more evenly. 

You do need to make sure that the item you want to paint is completely smooth. If you are purchasing a pre-made piece from a craft or hobby store, it is likely ready for painting. Pieces that have previously been painted or consist of unfinished work will need to be prepared for painting.

Should you need to prep the piece yourself, you can do so with a piece of sandpaper. Just rub the sandpaper against the item until it feels uniformly smooth to the touch. Make sure to wipe the item with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust. 

2. Stick with Paints Suitable for Wood

You have a few options when it comes to selecting paint suitable for wood crafts. The best alternative depends on your specific project, budget, and intended design.

Acrylic paint is an excellent selection for wood. It is a water-based paint that is easy to work with and has a short drying time. You can mix different hues together and apply multiple layers.

Enamel paint is another option and works well on larger wooden pieces. However, it takes a longer time to dry, and some people find it is tricky to apply evenly. When it dries, it adds a hard, glossy finish to the item.

If you're unsure of what type of paint to use, visit a store that carries of variety of paint types, such as Koontz Hardware.

3. Keep a Light Hand When Painting

As you paint your craft, it can be tempting to paint using a heavy hand in hopes of providing better coverage. However, it is better to stick with thinner coats and apply multiple layers of paint to obtain your desired results. This guideline also applies to primers and sealants.

You don't have to wait for the paint to completely dry before applying secondary coats. Just make sure that the paint is dry to the touch. Remember, if you are using acrylic paint, it will appear slightly darker once it is completely dry.