Paint Interior Woodwork: 6 Tips

How To Prep Wood for Painting

A coat of paint won’t fill or hide cracks, chips and other surface defects in the wood, and it won’t smooth an existing rough surface. You have to fill and smooth the woodwork first.

Wash the woodwork with a TSP solution (or TSP substitute) to remove grease and grime. Mix according to the directions on the package and scrub with a sponge or rag. Be sure to rinse well with clear water to remove residues.

Scrape loose and cracked paint off the wood

Next, examine the surface for loose and cracked paint that needs scraping. Many scraper types are available, but a 2-in. stiff putty knife works well for small areas.

When you’re done scraping, you’re left with a rougher surface and a few more scratches and gouges than when you started. Don’t worry you’ll fix these areas next.

Mix wood filler

For dents and chips deeper than about 1/8-in., we like to use a two-part polyester resin. One example is Minwax wood filler. It sticks well, doesn’t shrink and sands easily. It’s also the best material for rebuilding chipped corners. Auto body fillers also work well.

Scoop out a golf ball-sized amount onto a scrap piece of wood or cardboard. Add the correct amount of hardener (follow the directions) and mix thoroughly but quickly. The resin only has a five- to 10-minute working time.

Keep in mind stiff putty knives work better for scraping; flexible putty knives work better for filling.