We all know, when decorating, the beauty is all in the details. Choosing to finish, paint, glaze or leave wood alone makes a big different in your home as well as in the longevity of a piece.
To Paint Or Not To Paint?
It is true there are some types of wood that are beautiful on their own. Leaving them alone allows them to age naturally and beautifully. Wood such as Accoya, Cedar and other hardwoods can be left with a simple sealant and stand on their own as stunning natural pieces.
But if you’re after a certain look for your home finishing and painting is the best option to get your piece to integrate with your home. Using quality sealants, finishes, glazes and hardware not only finishes a piece beautifully but also can give them durability, dimension and personality.
Stains, finishes, and glazes can be color matched to your desired effect and décor. Even faux finishes or combinations such as ‘peel off’, rub through, crackle, glazed and distressed finishes can be chosen to create endless custom finishes particular to your interior design.
It’s All in the Details…
If you do choose to paint you have to pay attention and take your time. Good surface preparation and good brushing technique are essential.
You can’t just slap on paint and call it a day. A coat of paint won’t fill or hide cracks, chips and other surface defects, and it won’t smooth an existing rough surface. To start you have to fill and smooth the woodwork first and wash the woodwork with a TSP solution (or TSP substitute) to remove grease and grime.
Examine the surface for loose and cracked paint that’ll need scraping and use a spackling putty for chips and scratches. Finish up the prep work by lightly sanding all areas. Use 180-grit paper or the fine sanding sponge. This will smooth out previous brush marks and scuff the surface to help the new coat of paint stick. Then wipe down the whole surface with a damp cloth to remove all the dust.
Finally don’t undermine all the time and effort you’ve put into the prep work by using cheap brushes and paint. When painting, the longer the paint remains wet, the better it flows and flattens, leaving a smooth surface. We recommend that you use an additive that slows down the drying process and helps the paint lie smooth. (Floetrol is one common choice). Here’s where the good brush pays off. The paint will flow smoothly onto the surface with little effort on your part.
Whatever you choose, make sure you know what you’re doing or consult with a professional. We promise, we know what we’re doing and may have ideas and options you haven’t thought of. So take your time and do the research because the devil is in the details.