How to Choose Wood Paint?

Paint is available in many styles and finishes. There are flat paints, gloss paint, satin paint, acrylic paint and more. To find a good paint for wood look over the paint can to see if it is intended for wood. You can also ask for help at a hardware store. Some paint is not intended for wood, as there are paints specifically for metal or plastic.

• Decide on the type of wood that the paint will be applied to. Different types of wood will hold paint differently. Knowing the type of wood that the paint will be applied to will help to better decide the paint. A hardwood will hold paint better than a softwood.


• Choose the type of paint that will be used. Satin paint for instance will stick to wood better than acrylic paint.


• Find a paint that will withstand the outside weather if it will be applied to a wood that is outside. This is considered an exterior paint.


• Choose a paint that is thick and that will easily cover the wood. Be sure to get in all of the cracks and holes. Also be sure to stir the paint, if not it can leave uneven coats and or thick clumps of paint.


• Choose an oil base paint if at all possible. Oil base paints are more prone to withstand water and the elements of the weather and are better suited for wood surfaces. When using oil base paints be sure to use the appropriate paintbrush. Some paintbrushes will hold all of the oil base paint into the bristles of the brush and not allowing any of the paint to be smeared onto the woods surface.