Surface treatment of interior wood

Choosing a paint type for interior painting

Interior wood is mainly given a surface treatment for decorative purposes. The type of paint to be used depends on the required end result in terms of look and function. Sometimes the substrate to be painted sets certain limitations.

The different paint types are categorised in the same way as exterior paints, according to their coating ability and the binder used.

For wooden surfaces in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, the surface treatment also has a protective purpose. The same is true for the intermediate faces of coupled windows, which should be treated in the same way as exterior window frames.

Preparation important

To avoid knots turning yellow when painting new wood, it is recommended that the knots are treated with knot sealer or shellac before undercoating.

Careful cleaning is needed before repainting to produce a good finish. The surface to be painted should always be scraped back to a fully sound substrate and cleaned with sugar soap.

New and existing surfaces should always be sanded beforehand and in between coats.

Maintenance

Interior surface treatment of wood should be maintained when use wears down the coating and the decorative and protective properties decline. Surfaces such as windowsills and counter tops, where items are placed, will wear more quickly, and surfaces that are exposed to moisture also require more frequent maintenance.

With oiled and stained surfaces, sunlight will cause colour variations between exposed areas and areas hidden by pictures, carpets and tables, for example.

The most common reason for repainting is that we tire of the current look or are influenced by new trends.