How to Use Oil-Based Primer Over Knotty Pine Paneling

  • 4-6 hours
  • Beginner
  • 75-150
What You'll Need
Sponge
Bucket
Clean rags or cloth
Paint roller
Paintbrush
Newspapers
Masking tape to fasten newspaper
Oil-based primer
All purpose cleaner
Sandpaper
What You'll Need
Sponge
Bucket
Clean rags or cloth
Paint roller
Paintbrush
Newspapers
Masking tape to fasten newspaper
Oil-based primer
All purpose cleaner
Sandpaper

Over the years, several designs for home furnishing and interior decorating have been developed and include the nature-themed knotty pine paneling. But despite the outdoor feel that is rendered to one’s house, knotty pine panels seem to fade with time and its natural beauty also appears to degrade. Refurnishing it to appear as if it was newly installed is necessary, especially for old houses. This is accomplished easily with the use of oil-based primers. Here are steps how to do it.

Step 1- Preparing the Panel for Coating

Since the knotty pine panel has been exposed for many years, it is best to remove all dirt which is adhered to it so as to give a glossy finish after the coating of the oil-based primer. Accomplish this by using any all-purpose cleaner of your choice and water. Wet the whole panel first with water and then diligently work from top to bottom removing all grime attached to it. Once done, wash off the soapy mixture and dirt with a fresh batch of water. Allow the clean panels to dry. When the panels have completely dried, roughen the surface of the panel in order to provide a venue for the coating to seep into the panel and ensure that it will adhere well. For better rough texture, use fine grit sandpaper and proceed as evenly as you can, ensuring that you cover the area thoroughly.

Step 2 – Cover the Spaces which Do Not Want to Be Painted

Once the entire panel has been cleaned and roughened, secure the spaces or spots which you do not want to be painted. Use old newspaper to cover areas like windows, doors, and other trim areas, and fasten the newspapers to the edges using a masking tape. It would help if you at least double the sheet of paper that you place to cover these spots.

Step 3 – Application of Oil-Based Primer to the Panel

Start the application of the oil-based primer on the knotty portion of the panel. Use a paint brush to do this. When applying oil-based primer to this area, allow a few minutes for the primer to soak into the grooves. Make sure to cover all knotty sections to give your panel a smooth finish. Always work from one side going to the other and never jump between spots when you apply the oil-based primer. This is to ensure that you fully cover all areas, especially the knotty sections of the panel, as well as to limit smudging and uneven application of the primer. After doing this, coat the entire panel with oil-based primer using a roller. Again work from one side to the other. You want to have a smooth finish so you must ascertain that you painted the panel evenly with the primer.