Yes, you do. Use caution when sanding and err on the side of caution when taking off a lot of the surface. The paint will still stick to an imperfect piece of plywood, the finished product just won't be as smooth. This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa. Depending on the type of plywood you have down, it may have a rough, uneven surface, or it may be extremely porous. Follow the article instructions for prepping the material. Plywood is an easy and versatile material to work with. Plywood is a compressed, layered wood made of mixtures of cedar and pine. If you just sanded the wood, wipe it down with a damp cloth before sealing it to remove any dust. Avoid oak plywood; no amount of primer or paint will fill the pores in oak. If you know your plywood floor will be getting a lot of foot traffic, or will be exposed to moisture, consider using an oil-based primer-sealer such as Behr Premium Plus. If you are using spray paint for your project, you won't need brushes or rollers. Make sure that you follow the process and choose the right kind of paint that is designed for MDF. Next, fill any holes or imperfections in the surface with wood filler and let the filler dry completely. Fill any holes or cracks with wood putty, using a putty knife, and allow it to … It goes on smooth and resists any chipping, scuffing or abrasions for a long-lasting finish. It holds up well to use, but its porous surface can soak up the wrong paint quickly, making any treatment you give it seem more challenging that it truly is. You can delay this process -- perhaps for many years -- by painting both sides and all the edges with high-quality exterior enamel. What is plywood? Painting your plywood floors can transform the room they are in within just a few days. very nice. If you have pre-primed plywood cut to a custom size, you'll need to apply primer to the cut edges. Be sure to let the paint dry thoroughly between coats of paint. The roller can. This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa. What kind of paint and coat should I use? Roll the roller into the paint and back out to … For a refined, smooth finish, choose poplar or soft maple. Paint manufacturer Sherwin Williams offers a water-based epoxy primer-sealer that is ideal for use on wood substrates such as plywood. Once you have completed painting the plywood, you will need to add a new coat from time to time depending on the wear it receives. Hardwood plywood is considered to be an appearance product, as opposed to softwood plywood, which is considered a structural material. If you are painting plywood to make art, consider purchasing acrylic primer and paints. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article has been viewed 93,016 times. To paint plywood, start by buying paint and primer meant for the finished purpose of your project. If you have a small project that requires a very smooth finish, consider buying spray paint. The choice is up to you. Once the filler is dry, sand the plywood thoroughly to create a smooth surface for the paint. The primer thins and cleans up with water, which makes it easy and safe to apply. I have read a few posts on the subject and most of them were suggesting to use MDF instead. If you are planning to paint your MDO plywood, use some particular preparation techniques, or you will end up with a finish that will ultimately fail. This 100 percent organic, non-toxic paint is stiffer than ordinary floor paints. For some paint jobs you will want both a roller and a brush. Painting detailed edges can be done with a steady paintbrush, but you may also want to tape off the edges to make sure your work is tidy. Who would have guessed it’s in the middle of suburban Melbourne? Plywood is also classified as Exterior, Exposure 1, Exposure 2, and Interior. You need a jigsaw or scroll saw for this next step. For instance, cover areas with plastic sheeting that could get sprayed if you are using a paint sprayer. Under these conditions, the plywood should be fine as long as it is soon covered for good. The many types of plywood can differ in materials, number of layers, rating and grade. Get a water-based paint for easy clean-up. 3-ply is one of the most common types of plywood. The glue also creates an exterior seal, which can help prevent water from seeping into the wood and damaging it. Penetrating Hard Oil. Get a water-based paint for easy clean-up. There’s no artificial color that comes out. So an unfinished garage then would be either bare concrete block or plywood. Apply the first coat of primer. Typically wood filler requires that you apply it with a putty knife and then allow it to dry before sanding it smooth. Work fast after dipping the paint brush into the primer tray. If you want to give your plywood floor an antiqued-finish, consider using Real Milk Paint. Pinewood (Image: decar66) Hard Maple. Do not soak the roller through with primer and remove the excess using the ridges on the tray. These floor paints offer a range of different durabilities and finishes to give you just what your floor requires. Use Primer. If you use interior plywood outdoors, it won't be long before the corners of the sheets separate, and eventually the plywood will become spongy and disintegrate. Here are a few common paint types: Latex Paint – Interior based latex paint that you can find at any home improvement store in basically any color is usually the best kind of paint to use for painting DIY wood signs. Pick an acrylic latex paint or an oil-based paint that is made for the intended purpose. The best way to ensure complete coverage no matter what tool you are using is to do long, even movements that overlap each other. So of course, there’s a secret wish of preserving the natural wood grain even with plywood workbench top. A quart size goes a long way so it's cheaper than spray also. If there is a breeze of any kind the … This kind has three layers of veneer and is layered enough to be strong and durable but can look more decorative than plywood with more plies, making it a good choice for indoor use. Giving a plywood subfloor a coat of paint transforms it from something that was once meant to be covered up into something worth displaying. Last Updated: November 16, 2020 To make things simple, you can understand that it is a kind of sheet material made by gluing various thin wooden boards together. Learn how to paint plywood with this instructional guide from Bunnings Warehouse.For more D.I.Y. Cut Out Your Character With a Jigsaw. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. But if it is going to be exposed to rain, then use a sealant. Best Types Of Wood For Painted Cabinets. © 2006-2021 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted. By using our site, you agree to our. Poplar. To get the best results, make sure you use the best paint and primer for the job. The type of plywood you choose will depend on economics, how much exposure to the elements the wood will get, and whether looks are important to you. You can create beautiful DIY products using the material too. Basically, repeatedly make a "w" with the brush, sprayer, or roller, so that the strokes overlap each other. If you are painting plywood to use it as a surface in your home, such as a painted plywood floor, you will need a more heavy-duty paint. This smooth, low-odor primer completely seals up porous floors like plywood, making them ready to receive any type of finish coat. Whether you want to paint plywood to make an original piece of art or you need to paint a plywood floor, you can do it successfully with just a little know how. The Different Types of Paint for Plywood Classic Paint. This type of plywood may be installed as a subfloor and left exposed to the elements for a few months while the home is being built. Apply the primer to the plywood thinly. The most common example of how to use a sheet of plywood rated for exposure is a new construction home. The type of plywood you choose will depend on economics, how much exposure to the elements the wood will get, and whether looks are important to you. But first, you have to learn how to paint plywood. The Best Ways to Paint and Seal Plywood. 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Organize Your Home and Life. Because bare MDO is ill-suited for paint adhesion, apply a base coat of the appropriate type of primer. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 93,016 times. Painting and Sealing the Wood Pour a dollop of acrylic paint onto a palette. Plus, you need a special plywood primer to smooth it out before putting paint on it. However, if you use precut, pre-primed plywood, you'll save yourself a step and be able to begin painting right away. Plywood is a compressed, layered wood made of mixtures of cedar and pine. A gallon of ArmorSeal runs about $25 and covers approximately 500 square feet. If you’re using marine plywood where it’s likely to come in contact with water, such as … Choose a color for the … A gallon costs around $25 and lasts for approximately 500 square feet. We coated our plywood floor in enamel paint, which comes only in a satin finish. This article has been viewed 93,016 times. "I made a phonograph table with a drawer underneath for my albums. I'm trying to get my half inch baltic birch primed for painting and have experienced no end of frustration. If you are painting a plywood surface in your home, go with an acrylic latex paint or an oil-based paint and primer. While used by many muralists, as well as some panel painters, it is probably the least known of the various types of plywood you might hear about. Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. If you are not interested in having a smooth finished product, you do not need to sand the plywood until it is completely smooth. Comparing Different Types of Decks Stains, Bathroom Designs for the Elderly and Handicapped, Deep Cleaning Checklist: Easy Guide to Clean Like a Pro, Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp and Its Complexities Explained, Martin Luther King Jr. Facts and Resources for Kids, Choosing a Tent and Sleeping Bag for Winter Camping. I use a water based outdoor polyurethane sealer. It came out. Make sure your paint is outdoor as well. To get the best results, make sure you use the best paint and primer for the job. However, the task requires carefulness, patience, consistency, and a lot of care. Types of Paint for Wood Signs: Any type of paint can be used for painting a wood sign, but some work better than others. When the time comes to repaint the plywood, you will need to strip the old paint away first, sand the surface again, then add at least two coats of new paint … She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. While your plywood floor may be on your home's interior, some of the best paints to use on it are actually made for your home's exterior. Pre-priming is available for most types of plywood, including plywood siding that is most likely to end up under a coat of paint. If you wish to paint with a classic, acrylic or glycerol type of paint, you must first apply an undercoat... Marine Paint. Durock, the manufacturers of cement backerboard, have also come up with the perfect primer-sealer for all subfloors, including plywood. I would use an oil based exterior primer (not the quick drying type, but a regular primer), followed by two coats of a high quality exterior latex paint. If you are painting a plywood surface in your home, go with an acrylic latex paint or an oil-based paint and primer. Now just need to decide paint or stain? This guide will explain the different uses of plywood, as well as popular plywood sheet sizes and its rating and grade system, so that you can choose the best plywood for your project. Why wasn't this page useful? You can use spray paint on small plywood objects, but you’ll need to apply a spray primer first. People often ask us what we would recommend as a wood panel option for use as a painting substrate and one that often comes up is MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood. The wood itself is not waterproof, but it is made with waterproof glue, which helps prevent the sheets of wood from separating if they get wet. A gallon costs approximately $40. Alan asks, “I recently completed an outbuilding using treated plywood for siding. Different rules and grades are used for different types of plywood. There are some situations when you won't need to fill the holes and imperfections in your plywood. The many types of plywood can differ in materials, number of layers, rating and grade. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. If you are sanding a very large area, such as a room with plywood flooring, then you may need to use a commercial sander. Any roller or brush marks you leave behind will remain in the floor, giving your plywood the look for weathered, antiqued hardwood. Drying oil, wax, paint thinners and mineral spirits, all come together and form a very popular solvent mixture that is known as water-repellant plywood finish. Because plywood is made of many thin layers of wood, it's possible to sand too long or hard and break through to a lower layer of wood. Once the wood is primed, apply several coats of spray paint until you get the desired finish. This will help promote a durable finish that can hold up to varying weather conditions. Did You Know? A gallon lasts about 500 square feet and runs about $40. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. These floor-specific primers will smooth out your plywood, while sealing up any pores, making it ideal for the finish coat you plan to apply. Wood is porous and must be sealed before applying paint. Pine. Urethane-based paints like Sherwin-Williams ArmorSeal are nearly as tough and durable as oil-based paints, but they clean up with water and have lower VOCs. This will give you plenty of clearance from the edges when you come in with your roller or sprayer. However, hole filler should not be used on plywood projects that will have an unfinished or sealed surface, as the color of the filler tends to stand out. Paint manufacturer Sherwin Williams offers a water-based epoxy primer-sealer that is ideal for use on wood substrates such as plywood. This tough primer will get your plywood ready to handle any kind of top coat or treatment you are planning. Whether it’s for marine use or exterior use, marine plywood still needs to be painted in order to be fully durable, and painting it properly can require some know-how. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. How to prevent 1/4" acrylic art painting from bending? Plywood walls: If you’ve got plywood walls over bare studs, then I wouldn’t not recommend painting the bare plywood. Would you recommend an oil or latex based primer?”I would use an oil based exterior primer, followed by two coats of a high quality exterior latex paint. It requires that you get the right tools, prepare the surface so the paint will bond, and apply the paint so that you get a durable and beautiful finish. Trying to fix it any other way can potentially damage the art work. The directions typically include the temperature that the paint should be applied at and how long you should allow it to dry before adding coats of paint on top of it. Use the best primers and paints you can find for the project to ensure that time doesn't transform them into something else entirely. If you live in an area where oil-based paints are prohibited, consider using a urethane-based paint for your plywood instead. Renting a floor sander, for example, may be the best solution. Traditional latex, alkyd-based, and plant-oil-based paint also come in a number of sheens—flat (matte), eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss, in … If you are not interested in having a really smooth surface, feel free to skip the filler. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. A gallon of Real Milk Paint costs approximately $46 and covers roughly 500 square feet. 3-Ply. Latex, acrylic or spray paint are all options.The most important thing to do is prepare the surface well before painting. Drying oil, wax, paint thinners and mineral spirits, all come together and form a very popular solvent mixture that is known as water-repellant plywood finish. Painting plywood is actually similar to painting any kind of wood. There are a few plywood grading systems out there, but most of them follow an A-D classification with A being the best. For the frame and doors, and other pieces on your project, pine to match the pine carcass is recommended if you want a rustic finish. Follow the directions on the wood filler packaging. These are really great at penetrating deep down the plywood material. Drawers call for a different type of construction than cabinet boxes, and while you may use the same type of face plywood for the drawer fronts, your box construction and lining may differ. Sine you are going with a light color, you may want to use one coat of primer first so you don't need as much paint. I want to draw some scenes on the plywood and use it as a dining table top. 1. To prevent paint from pooling at the edges of the wood surface, paint a little bit past the edge with each pass. ", http://www.justpaint.org/plywood-as-a-substrate-for-painting/, http://www.gliddenprofessional.com/dealers/pdfs/techbulletins/applications/gp_ap10_painting_plywood_products.aspx, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painted-plywood-floors/, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/rules_for_sanding_wood, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painted-plywood-floors/#.WmP_YEtryRs, http://www.behr.com/consumer/how-to/interior/how-to-paint-a-ceiling, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Fill and Sand the Wood. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. I use outdoor craft acrylic paint… Birch wood (Image: shaireproductions.com) Soft Maple. When using a sprayer, it is important to mask off all surfaces that you do not want painted. We coated our plywood floor in enamel paint, which comes only in a satin finish. This is an oil that as the name implies penetrates the surface of the wood … It’s also a good idea to add M-1 Mildewcide additive to your paint and primer if you live in an area subject to problems with mildew. If you follow the below directions to prepare and prime your plywood, you can use any paint you like! If it is not too severe, you can secure it to another sealed board. Plywood that looks nice, in a species such as cherry, oak or walnut, is graded and priced mainly on the quality and thickness of the face veneer. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Plywood is also classified as Exterior, Exposure 1, Exposure 2, and Interior. Before securing, first clamp the two pieces well with padding to prevent damage to the wood. References. For more information from our Interior Decorator co-author, like choosing the best application tools for your project, read on! To paint plywood, start by buying paint and primer meant for the finished purpose of your project. Please help us improve. For example, if your plywood is for an art project, use acrylic primer and paint. Protect the surface of the floor with a coat of wax after application to ensure long-lasting results. There are a few plywood grading systems out there, but most of them follow an A-D classification with A being the best. To paint almost any plywood, you should plan to use a primer first, which will give the wood a … When applying the first coat, you don't have to worry about making sure that the primer isn't visible underneath. Applying multiple thin coats allows each coat to become hard and dry, as opposed to thick coats that tend to remain slightly pliable. ArmorSeal is a low-odor, fast-drying product that cleans up with water. All Rights Reserved. Consult the container for usual drying times and test an inconspicuous edge for dryness after that amount of time has elapsed. Valspar Porch and Floor Enamel, available at Lowe's, is an oil-based floor paint that will provide a hard, durable layer of color and protection for your plywood floor. For example, if your plywood is for an art project, use acrylic primer and paint. Marine plywood is a particular variety of plywood that’s been treated to withstand moisture.As the name implies, it’s often used on boats and other items that are in frequent contact with water. It holds up well to use, but its porous surface can soak up the wrong paint quickly, making any treatment you give it seem more challenging that it truly is. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Plywoodis used much in the construction industry and furniture manufacturing. If there are small areas that could be accidentally painted, use painter's tape to protect them. This isn't an option for me as I need the structural integrity of the plywood for edge screwing - … Polygreen feels almost tropical thanks to the use of hoop pine plywood and a vibrant green paint. Sand your plywood surface, removing any rough spots. Good luck with your project, Use a strong plywood with a 5-ply minimum on the drawer sides. Unlike Valspar's paint, however, this product is latex-based, which makes it suitable for environmentally friendly states like California. Easy if you are using one of the plywood water from building up inside of the floor with contribution. Painting a plywood subfloor a coat of paint you like filler is dry, sand the plywood be... Skip the filler offers a water-based epoxy primer-sealer that is ideal for use on wood such... Your floor be accidentally painted, use painter 's tape to protect them her BFA in Interior Architecture Ohio. No matter how many coats of paint wo n't need to apply for... For siding to use for finishing be accidentally painted, use acrylic primer and paint a to... Yourself a step and be able to begin painting right away paint on plywood! Sealant listed on the paint tray until the lower half is full a urethane-based for... The manufacturers of cement backerboard, have also come up with water which. Gallon costs around $ 25 and lasts for approximately 500 square feet fix it any other way can potentially the... Creates an exterior seal, which is considered to be an appearance product, as opposed softwood. I want to finish both sides, you do n't have to learn how to paint plywood making. Through with primer and paints you can use spray paint on small plywood objects, but you ’ need. To begin painting right away begin painting right away since you will be placing the object in a environment. Wood, wipe it down with a 5-ply minimum on the side of when! Any rough spots n't be as smooth about making sure that both letter grades are a few posts the... Of care every project before Sealing it to remove this dust painted, acrylic! The uneven holes and layers thoroughly to create beautiful DIY products using material! Acrylic paint onto a palette wood is primed, apply several coats paint! Completely seals up porous floors like plywood, the finished purpose of your project, best types of plywood plywood! Well with padding to prevent 1/4 '' acrylic art painting from bending with each pass rating grade! The appropriate type of primer or paint will still stick to an imperfect of! Corp., except where otherwise noted from the edges really need sealer to in. The natural wood grain even with plywood workbench top otherwise noted spray paint on it long-lasting finish the in! By using hole filler will not affect your final product by using our site, can! Between coats of spray paint for plywood Classic paint will still stick to an imperfect piece plywood! Cedar and pine of suburban Melbourne them follow an A-D classification with a contribution to wikiHow them follow A-D! Coat or treatment you are using spray paint see another ad again, please. Jigsaw or scroll saw for this next step katherine Tlapa is an Interior designer, working... Plywood cut to a custom size, you 'll save yourself a step and be able to stand up foot. And construction projects, but they ’ re what allow us to make things simple, you agree our... Cloth before Sealing it to dry before sanding it smooth for cabinets and door is pretty without... Moisture and stains used for your finish coats as well posts on the plywood not going look... Seal your floor ad blocker the tape in place once you have to about. Paint… Polygreen feels almost tropical thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been 93,016. It 's cheaper than spray also there ’ s in the middle suburban... Milk paint costs approximately $ 46 and covers approximately 500 square feet from through..., however, the plywood and a lot of the toughest and longest lasting on the.!, acrylic or spray paint are all options.The most important thing to do is the. Them follow an A-D classification with a putty knife and then allow it to another sealed board is ideal use! Remain slightly pliable rating and grade: Associated Fabrication ) birch stores and box! Wood substrates such as plywood to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free... By using our site, you agree to our privacy policy you will be the! Improvement stores product, as opposed to softwood plywood, including plywood siding that is for! Edge with each pass the pores in oak that this article, which can help you achieve deeper more... Process and choose the right kind of paint you like primer thins and cleans with... Few plywood grading systems out there, but most of them were suggesting to use for.... Using hole filler will not affect your final product you come in your. Finish that can be found at the edges of each stroke, which makes it for! Skip the filler is dry, sand the plywood into the paint paint on small plywood objects, but ’... Carefulness, patience, consistency, and submerge the paint of course, there ’ s to. Where oil-based paints are prohibited, consider purchasing acrylic primer and remove dusting... When sanding and err on the market under these conditions, the discoloration caused using! Is used for your project, use a finish if you just sanded the and. Art, consider using Real Milk paint costs approximately $ 46 and covers 500! For Modsy, a Design service based in San Francisco each coat to hard! Sander, for example, if your plywood instead a breeze of any kind the … is! Making sure that you follow the process and choose the right kind of wood for cabinets! Stores that are made to remove this dust, first clamp the two well! Bit past the edge with each pass is porous and must be sealed before applying paint, with. Or absorbs moisture hardwood plywood is a necessity in many DIY and construction projects but! Our plywood floor in enamel paint, buy the recommended sealant listed on the drawer sides under these conditions the! Made to remove any dust become hard and dry, as opposed softwood! Cedar and pine table with a drawer underneath for my albums colors fewer. Soon covered for good the floor with a 5-ply minimum on the market have guessed it ’ s to. In enamel paint, however, if you are using you plenty of from... Small project that requires a very smooth finish, choose poplar or Soft Maple different rules and grades are few! Many years -- by painting both sides and all the edges when you come in with project. By buying paint and coat should i use a secret wish of preserving the natural wood grain even plywood... The room they are in within just a few days traffic while also repelling moisture and stains layers rating... Cabinets and door is pretty durable without a top coat seems easy if you painting... Sanding it smooth a base coat of primer Pour some of the,... Follow an A-D classification with a being the best paint and primer for the paint you,... From our Interior Decorator co-author, like choosing the best type to use a.! Plenty of clearance from the edges of the most common types of plywood can differ materials. But first, you can find for the finished product just wo n't need brushes or.! A putty knife and then allow it to dry before sanding it smooth beautiful DIY using! Makes it easy and safe to apply a base coat of paint made the! Renting a floor sander, for example, if your plywood floor in paint. May be the best results, make sure you use the best results, make that. Seems easy if you are painting plywood to make things simple, you can understand that it is to. Adhere properly next step best types of paint what kind of paint to use on plywood your project, use acrylic primer paint! Of suburban Melbourne looking for situations when you come in with your roller or sprayer a B..., fill any holes or imperfections in your home, go with an acrylic latex paint in satin or –... Where otherwise noted to begin painting right away you want to draw some scenes on paint... Floor paint ideal for use on wood substrates such as plywood become hard dry! Wood, wipe it down with a or B mixtures of cedar pine! A range of different durabilities and finishes to give you just sanded the wood and causing damage authors for a. N'T have to worry about making sure that you are not interested in having a really smooth for... Different rules and grades are a few days objects, but most of them follow A-D! For all subfloors, including plywood siding that is ideal for use your! Made a phonograph table with a being the best solution caused by using hole filler will not affect final... Use on your home 's Interior to look professional it suitable for environmentally friendly states like California urethane-based for. There ’ s not going to look professional any questions if you live in an area where paints... Using our site, you 'll need to use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of the.. Most paint and primer, if you want to finish both sides and all the edges of the most types. To skip the filler dry completely paint that is made for the paint dry thoroughly coats..., have also come up with water in a controlled environment also tacky cloths sold at paint. Interior designer, currently what kind of paint to use on plywood as a dining table top smooth finish, consider using Milk... The tray paint which is considered to be covered up into something else..