Whether you’re painting an outdoor project or a craft project, SnodCraft has a few helpful hints.
Prepare the surface: Apply a good wood sealer to raw wood. We seal all SnodCraft projects with J.W.etc. White Lightning mixed with a light tan acrylic paint *(other recommendations mentioned below). Allow to dry at least an hour and then sand the surface with 250 grit sandpaper until smooth. Sand only in the direction of the wood grain otherwise you will scratch the surface of the wood! The applied sealer brings up the grain in the wood and sanding the raised grain is the first step toward a smooth finished project.
For an outdoor project whether raw wood or previously painted, sand the project then apply a good quality primer to the surface; allow to dry and then lightly sand again. We recommend standard house paints for all outdoor projects.
Use high quality acrylic paints, sealers and varnishes for your indoor craft projects. *We recommend Delta Ceramcoat, DecoArt Americana, or Folk Art acrylic paints and their corresponding sealers and varnishes. All are available at your local craft store. Pour out small portions of paint at a time and add a few drops of water to any portion that presents thick. Careful with the water though, it is very easy to add too much!
Use a high quality artist’s brush – don’t skimp. Select a brush that is made especially for acrylic paints. We recommend Loew/Cornell, Golden Taklon, or Papillon brushes. (Papillon brushes are an exclusive brush available through our Artist’s Club link.) Select a paint brush that corresponds with the size of your project; use the short handled brushes verses the long handled ones for the best control. Besides, long handled brushes are designed for an artist painting while using an easel. We don’t recommend the use of sponge brushes because there’s a tendency to pick up too much paint.
Avoid loading the paint brush with too much paint. When the brush is overloaded it is impossible to smooth out the paint on the surface, and often leaves ridges that you cannot get rid of later on. It’s impossible to have a smooth finish with a heavy application of paint, so for those velvet smooth finishes apply several light coats of paint verses one or two heavy muddy coats of paint! Brush on the paint with long brush strokes – long brush strokes are another positive step toward your desired smooth finish.
Whether craft project or outdoor project allow each layer of paint to dry, and then lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper. Wipe surface with a clean dry rag then apply another coat of paint. Continue in this manner until you are satisfied with the coverage.
When you have completed your project it is just as important to apply a light coat of varnish verses a heavy coat. Two or three light coats of brush-on varnish (needed with craft acrylic paints/not needed with house paint) will bring out the colors and seal all your hard work. SnodCraft adds an additional layer of spray-on matte finish varnish after the brush-on varnish is completely dry. We find this final varnish application secures a good hard finish that will last for years.
We hope these suggestions help smooth your way toward many fun painting projects. Happy Painting!
Tags: educational, painting, paints, projects
I thought you had to use only a certain kind of wood for outside birdhouses to last? I painted some for the outside and they are now coming apart from the weather and that is probably primarily because I did not prime the wood first or use standard house paints. I also like the way you said to use short handled brushes versus long handled ones. I also didn’t know that. All of the stuff I paint are for outdoor use.
You say that the piece should be sanded between coats. I only sanded between the first coat and second coat. I also now know that if I use house paint I don’t need to varnish at the end of the process. Do I still need a layer of spray-on matte finish varnish at the end?
Thank you for the time it takes to write out these instructions. They are very helpful to the novice!
Good Question! You are right, certain woods make better outdoor birdhouses. We’d suggest cedar if you like the weathered unpainted look. We used cedar fence planks for ours – cut to size of course. Another suggested wood is exterior plywood, or even interior birch plywood, but the key to a lasting finish no matter the type of wood (except cedar) is primer first, and then an application of house paint. No varnish, spray-on or other is needed when you use house paint. Sanding after the 1st and 2nd coats of paint works. If it still has rough places after that – sand some more! Thanks for your questions and comments. Loved hearing from you! Best regards, Donna