How to Paint Rough Cut Lumber
Painting rough-cut lumber adds durability and attractiveness to any wood project. Rough lumber is not sanded or planed to be smooth. There may be splinters, raised knots, and ridges in the wood that make painting the lumber more difficult. Proper techniques for painting rough lumber keep the paint from chipping and cracking soon after application.
Tools Required:
- Paint
- Primer (optional)
- Paint brush
- Rags
- Sandpaper (80 - 120 grit)
- Pressure washer or garden hose
- Work outdoors, if possible, to protect yourself from harmful paint fumes and for easy cleanup after the wood is sanded.
- Set two or three 2x4 planks out on your surface to hold up the lumber to allow it to dry. You can substitute two sawhorses for the 2x4 planks, if you have them.
- Spray the lumber with a garden hose or preferably a pressure washer until clean and allow the lumber to dry.
- Sand the lumber with the grain, not against it, until the wood is smooth enough to hold paint.
- Lay out all of the pieces of lumber that will fit on the 2x4’s or saw horses, leaving at least a one inch gap between pieces.
- Primer the lumber using a course paint brush, if desired. Primer will allow the paint to hold to the wood more effectively, and will weather protect the wood.
- Paint the lumber with a course paintbrush applying a thin layer of paint to only one side at a time. Take time to paint the edges and sides of the boards. Allow to dry. Flip the boards after they are dry and repeat the thin coat of paint process, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly.
- Flip the boards back over and apply another layer of paint, then allow to dry. Repeat this process of laying the paint on in very thin layers until the lumber is completely covered to your satisfaction.