Whether it is your home furniture or a little outdoor work, painting wood and metal surfaces can change the appearance and feel of them. Getting a pro-looking finish, however, comes down to technique, tools and products. So, if you are a DIY newbie, or you’ve painted thousands of surfaces and walls, you will want to ensure your wood and metal surfaces are treated as they should be, so we have put together this guide to get you started on the best practices for painting wood and metal surfaces to suit the properties of the UK climate. Using Nevis Paints, you get beautiful, durable results every time.
Why Proper Preparation is Key
Preparation is everything before you jump into the world of painting. These surfaces such as wood or metal should be properly cleaned and primed to ensure that the paint sticks and lasts longer.
For Wood Surfaces:
- Smooth the Surface: Wash off dirt, grease, and old paint with a mild detergent and water. For tough stains, you may want to use a wood cleaner.
- Sand the Surface: Use a fine grit paper to sand the surface of your wood to get it nice and smooth. This helps the paint stick better and removes rough spots.
- Repair Cracks and Holes: Fill in the wood with a wood filler. Sand the area again once dry for a seamless finish.
- Apply a Primer: Primer is important on wood, particularly if it’s porous or previously coated with dark paint. It guarantees uniform coverage and adds to the durability of the paint.
For Metal Surfaces:
- Get Rid of Rust and Dirt: Clean up rust and dirt with wire brush or sandpaper. For areas with heavy rust, consider applying a rust remover.
- Using a Degreaser: There are often oil or grease residues on the metal surfaces. Degrease them for proper paint adhesion.
- Use a Metal Primer: Metal surfaces need a rust-inhibiting primer. It prevents rust from forming again in the future and gives the topcoat a solid surface to grip to.
Choosing the Right Paint
Prepping your surface is just as important as choosing the right paint. For wood and metal surfaces, the paint type will affect the finish type and durability.
For Wood Surfaces:
- Exteriors: Use weather-resistant paints to withstand the UK’s capricious weather. Use paints with UV protection to prevent fading.
- Indoor Wood: Water or oil-based paints (varnish depending on finish requirement) Water-based paints dry more quickly and emit fewer fumes, while oil-based paints provide a smoother, more-resilient finish.
For Metal Surfaces:
- Metal Outside: Consider optional paints made for metal, including devices or anti-rust paints. These offer superior protection from moisture and corrosion.
- Interior Metal: Use acrylic or latex-based paints for indoor metal surfaces. They dry quickly and are simple to clean.
Whether you are looking for the right paint for metal or wood surfaces, you can browse the complete range of Nevis Paints designed to offer you just the perfect finish.
Tips for Getting a Perfect Shine
Once your surface is prepped, and you have selected the right paint, it’s time to get to work. Here are expert tips to make sure your results look yard sale, not garage sale:
Use the Right Tools:
- Brushes: Synthetic brushes for water-based paints and natural bristle brushes for oil-based paints.
- Rollers: Smooth surfaces use a foam roller; rough surfaces use a textured roller.
- Sprayers: For bigger or more complex spaces, a paint sprayer can achieve a blank, streak-free finish.
Apply Thin Coats:
Refrain from applying thick coats of paint, which can result in drips, uneven drying and less durable finish. Instead, do two or three thin coats and wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Follow the Grain:
Always paint with the direction of the grain of the wood. The technique produces a smoother finish and allows the paint to permeate the wood fibers.
Maintain a Wet Edge:
Keep a wet edge while painting to avoid visible brush marks or overlaps. It means working quickly and merging each stroke with the one that came before it dries.
Sand Between Coats:
For a super-smooth result, sand between coats with very fine-grit sandpaper. This process eliminates any imperfections and helps the next coat adhere better.
It’s also worth checking out these 10 tips for painting in the UK climate.
The UK’s variable and damp weather conditions can make it difficult when painting wood and metal surfaces. Here are a few ways to push past those obstacles:
Choose the Right Time:
Don’t paint on rainy or very humid days, because moisture affects the adhesion of the paint, as well as the drying time. Desirable weather is dry, mild (10°C and 25°C)
Protect Your Work:
If you are painting outside, lay tarps over your work area to keep it even dry in the rain or dew. For indoor jobs, use ventilation to help dry coatings faster and minimize fumes.
Opt for Weather-Resistant Products:
Take care and spend on top-notch, weather-rated paints and primers, particularly for the outside of your home. We have various products designed with the UK’s challenging climate in mind at Nevis Paints.
Keeping Your Painted Surfaces in Tip Top Shape
Wood and metal surfaces need to be maintained to keep them looking fresh and snappy.
For Wood Surfaces:
- Look for cracks, peeling paint once a year.
- Descale with a gentle soap and H2O to remove gunk and dirt.
- Repair any compromised areas quickly before they worsen.
For Metal Surfaces:
- Make sure you are inspecting for rust or corrosion regularly.
- Wash with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt.
- Make sure protective layering is intact with a new coat of paint or sealant as required.
Why Choose Nevis Paints?
Painting Professionals is a trusted name in UK Providing a high quality paint and advice. Whether you’re take on a small DIY project or a big renovation, Nevis Paints continues to provide you the tools and products to help you achieve that professional finish!
Use these techniques and tips and refinish your wood and metal surfaces with confidence. With the proper preparation, products and a services, you’ll relish a flawless finish that ages beautifully.
