What Can You Use to Make Oak Wood Paintable?
- Oak wood varies in colors from white to yellow shades that resemble the color of honey and even to pink. This wood is resistant to moisture, strong and long-lasting, therefore a wise choice for furniture and other woodworking projects. Oak is a hardwood that adapts well to finishes, such as paint and stain. Streaks of black, yellow or green are often apparent in red oak. Consumers who do not care for the color or grain of the wood find that painting the oak gives it the look they desire.
- A detergent that is not soapy is effective in removing dust, dirt and greasy residue from oak. Fill a bucket with the detergent solution by following the directions of the label and mixing it with warm water. Have another bucket handy with clear water to rinse the cleaning solution. Use a scrubbing sponge to rid the oak of debris. Oily residue and dirt prevent the paint from adhering to the oak properly. Allow the oak time to dry completely before continuing the process.
- Sanding the oak roughens the surface to allow the paint to stick to the wood to provide a long-lasting finish. Although this is an arduous task, it is vital to a smooth, painted finish. Use a fine-grit sandpaper on a sanding block until the oak looks dull. Sand detailed areas in the oak by folding the sandpaper and using your fingertips to apply the pressure. Get rid of any debris from the sanding process by using a vacuum with a brush attachment; otherwise the debris makes the paint look rough.
- The final stage of making the oak paintable is to fill in holes and crevices in the surface. A lightweight spackling compound -- available at discount, hardware and home supply stores -- fills the cracks and other depressions in the oak. Press the spackling compound into the areas with a putty knife, and then create a smooth surface by pulling the blade of the knife toward you. Wait for the spackling compound to dry according to the label directions. Sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper if the area is raised. Dust the oak again before using the primer and paint.