By Daniella Payet/ May 10th, 2018/ There are currently 0 comments
Oil, acrylic and mixed media paints can all be painted onto wood. But you must make sure you prepare your surface before you begin.
Preparation does take a bit of patience but if you don’t prepare the oils and acids of your paint can seep into the wood and destroy it.
I started to look into painting on wood because we are running a Pebeo workshop. This time we are painting/ filling, wooden trays with an oil based paint.
The whole tray needs to look great so, we need to make sure it is usable as well.How we achieve this is by sealing the wood so that nothing can seep into it.
Sealing or sizing a piece of wood greatly reduces the chance of stains, warping and rotting wood from your paint. Yes, this can happen! You should apply two coats of sealer and let it dry thoroughly in-between each layer. Sealing also provides an easier surface to apply subsequent paint layers starting with a primer.
Sealing is important to acrylic painters to remove any chance of Support Induced Discolouration. Supports naturally contain impurities that can cause an amber yellow discolouring to any light coloured or clear acrylic layer that is applied to the wood, unless the support is sealed properly.
If you are a beginner and want to experiment with acrylic on wood then following this step may not be necessary but it is a good practice to follow.
- When acrylic mediums are used as a size for primed cotton, linen, wood or hardboard, the water content of the paint may draw impurities out of the support as it dries.
- A yellow or brown discolouration in the medium may occur over time. I It occurs with all acrylic mediums currently used by major fine art paint manufacturers.
- If you wash the canvas before you use it. This can greatly decrease or eliminate SID which is why step one is dedicated to cleaning.
Sealers Vs Primers
- A sealer protects the underlying layer or material, in this case, the wood
- A primer is a foundation layer that improves paint adhesion onto the support
The best rule to adhere to is to apply at least two coats of sealer directly onto the raw wood. This will protect the wood and create a barrier. Then apply primer to enhance adhesion, return tooth to the surface, and whiten the surface for optimising paint colours you plan to apply over it.
Wooden pallet with acrylic paint
- Clean your surface: dust and sawdust may affect your sealer and leave an uneven surface. Wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- Apply a coat of acrylic medium to seal the wood
- Let it dry, if it is still tacky it will need longer
- You need to seal both sides
- If the side you wish to work on feels grainy you can sand it with 220 sandpaper
- Wipe the surface clean
- Apply second coat
- Let it dry completely
- Prime the area using gesso
- If painting with oil paint allows a few days before priming and painting
If you miss any of the steps then you will encounter issues. Especially if you don’t let each layer dry properly. I hope you found that helpful. You can basically paint on absolutely everything. You just need to make sure that you prepare your surfaces properly.
Now get painting
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As an art enthusiast with a deep understanding of painting techniques, I can attest to the crucial role of proper surface preparation in achieving lasting and visually appealing artwork, particularly when working with various mediums on wood. In this context, Daniella Payet's article from May 10th, 2018, delves into the essential steps for preparing wood surfaces before applying oil, acrylic, or mixed media paints. This process is vital to ensure the longevity of the artwork and prevent potential damage to the wood caused by the oils and acids in the paint.
Surface Sealing: The article emphasizes the importance of sealing or sizing the wood before painting. Sealing serves as a protective barrier that prevents paints from seeping into the wood, which could lead to stains, warping, and rotting over time. Payet recommends applying two coats of sealer and allowing sufficient drying time between each layer. This step is crucial not only for oil-based paints but also for acrylic painters aiming to avoid Support Induced Discolouration (SID).
Support Induced Discolouration (SID): Acrylic painters should be particularly mindful of SID, where impurities present in the support material can cause discoloration in light-colored or clear acrylic layers applied to the wood. Sealing becomes a critical step for acrylic painters to eliminate the risk of SID and provide a smoother surface for subsequent paint layers, starting with a primer.
Priming Process: The article touches upon the difference between sealers and primers. While a sealer protects the underlying wood layer, a primer acts as a foundation layer that improves paint adhesion. The recommended approach is to apply at least two coats of sealer directly onto the raw wood to create a protective barrier. Subsequently, applying primer enhances adhesion, provides tooth to the surface, and prepares the surface for optimal paint application.
Step-by-Step Wood Preparation: The article provides a detailed step-by-step guide for preparing wood surfaces for painting. This includes cleaning the surface to remove dust and sawdust, applying a coat of acrylic medium to seal the wood, sanding if necessary, and then applying a second coat of sealer. The process continues with priming the area using gesso, with specific recommendations for oil painters to allow a few days before priming and painting.
Caution and Conclusion: The author emphasizes the importance of following each step carefully and ensuring proper drying time between layers. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may lead to issues in the painting process. The overarching message is that with the right preparation, artists can paint on a variety of surfaces, and proper surface preparation is the key to success in any painting endeavor.
In conclusion, Daniella Payet's article provides valuable insights and a comprehensive guide for artists looking to paint on wood surfaces, catering to both beginners and experienced painters alike. The emphasis on surface sealing, avoiding SID, and the detailed step-by-step process contributes to the article's credibility and usefulness for artists seeking to enhance their wood painting skills.
