Painting plywood & poplar

[Peter Bogiatzidis]

Hello,

In an effort to further my woodworking skills, I started building a small bathroom vanity. So far, I've only built the carcase and face frame. They're made from salvaged plywood (11 ply - not sure about the veneer) that was used as a packing crate and poplar. I plan on using poplar for the door frame with a luan panel. Nothing fancy here, more of a learning project.

Since the plywood wasn't completely blemish free, my plan was to paint the vanity. I also tried to use the better portions of it on the outside where it will show, in order to minimize any blemishes from telegraphing through.

It's often been stated that poplar "takes paint very well". However, after numerous searches, I haven't been able to find out what primer and paint should be used. Does anyone here have any suggestions or the proper search terms to use?

I'm also going to try to post a couple of pictures on a.b.p.w. for feedback.

Thanks in advance to those who post a reply.

Peter.

[dpb]

Peter Bogiatzidis wrote: ...

...

Any good quality interior paint approved/recommended by the manufacturer ed for new wood is fine. Finish you want is your choice, but normally a vanity would get fair amount of use of a gloss, washable enamel for the finish coat would probably be the ticket.

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[evodawg]

I would coat it with a primer/sealer and fill in any voids.

[B A R R Y]

I'd use a good, sandable primer/sealer, like BIN. I prefer non-waterbased primers, as they can be sanded sooner (and better) and don't raise the grain. Zinnser Sealcoat also works as a good primer, except it's non-pigmented and clear.

In fact, Sealcoat is one product that nearly every woodworker should keep on hand, as it will go over or under nearly anything.

If you're buying your materials from a good local paint store, they also will suggest a good primer.

[Kate]

Hey Peter,

I had a look at your photos... looks great to me!

My hubby and I made a very similar project for a guest bath last year, out of the same type of materials.

Since our theme in there is pretty dramatic I opted to go with black.

Rather than prime it I carefully filled and sanded any blemishes on it then used a black semi-gloss spray that I bought at Lowes. Personally I don't think you need any primer but you will want to sand lightly after the first and second coats. The guys in here helped me out a lot on another painted wood project some time ago. You don't have to prime the wood, it will take the paint very well. Unless you're concerned about the wood bleeding through the color, then I don't know what to say.

Be sure to paint it when it's not too hot and take care to maintain a wet edge between strokes. A spray will not leave brush lines but will lessen your color choices. The great thing about a spray semi-gloss is that it is VERY forgiving.

The results are beautiful and very durable.. I'll post a photo for you on the other group and you can see for yourself.

Kate

In an effort to further my woodworking skills, I started building a small bathroom vanity. So far, I've only built the carcase and face frame. They're made from salvaged plywood (11 ply - not sure about the veneer) that was used as a packing crate and poplar. I plan on using poplar for the door frame with a luan panel. Nothing fancy here, more of a learning project.

Since the plywood wasn't completely blemish free, my plan was to paint the vanity. I also tried to use the better portions of it on the outside where it will show, in order to minimize any blemishes from telegraphing through.

It's often been stated that poplar "takes paint very well". However, after numerous searches, I haven't been able to find out what primer and paint should be used. Does anyone here have any suggestions or the proper search terms to use?

I'm also going to try to post a couple of pictures on a.b.p.w. for feedback.

Thanks in advance to those who post a reply.

Peter.

[Leon]

Any good quality paint will work well HOWEVER in a humid bathroom condition I highly recommend an OIL based paint. It will not become/feel soft and sticky when the room is humid.

[Kate]

This is the one I prefer:

American Accents, by RustOleum Gives a great, durable, washable finish.

K.