Can You Use Concrete Paint on Wood? Go Through 8 Steps 

Nowadays, using different kinds of paints on wood surfaces has become prevalent to enhance the finished wood’s outer look. In addition, applying paint on wood can protect the surface from adverse weather or the elements responsible for causing potential damage to the wood surface. Now, the question is can you use concrete paint on wood? This complete guide will walk you through the detailed answer of whether it is possible to use concrete paint on wood. 

What is the usefulness of Using Paint on Wooden Products?

There are many reasons and benefits for using different paints on wooden items, as follows:

Giving an Attractive Finish to Wood

Woodworkers like to use paints on wooden products to give them a glowing finish. In addition, a perfect coat of paint increases the aesthetic quality of the wooden surfaces. 

Protecting the Wooden Product   

Applying paint on the wood perfectly protects the wood surface from adverse weather or other potential damages. Wooden products need protection as they are used for everyday purposes and thus are exposed to external factors. Therefore, a good coat of paint protects the wood from danger. 

Recommended: How Long Does Wood Filler Take To Dry Before Painting? 9 Steps

Blurring the Pores

Even if you seal your wooden products so well, you can wholly seal the pores of the softwoods. The pores become bigger when the wood is exposed to dirt, dust, particles, etc. Therefore, to keep the wooden furniture shining and newish. If you paint wooden furniture to blur the pores in it, it can make your task easier to clean the furniture just with a swipe of a piece of cloth. 

Controlling the Moisture in the Wood

Paint can control the moisture content of the wood. Too much moisture causes wood to rot, whereas too little water causes the wood to lose its shape. So, applying paint on the wood is essential to retain the accurate moisture content limit on the wood.  

Does Concrete Paint Work on Wood?

The straightforward answer to this question is yes, concrete paint works well on wood. Many woodworkers like to apply concrete paint for their woodworking projects. However, it would help if you took some basic preparations before using this paint. If you apply the paint directly on a wood surface, you won’t get the desired result. The masonry or epoxy paint for concrete surfaces doesn’t work well if applied directly on wooden surfaces. Some concrete paints need extensive preparation before application, while others don’t. 

Oil and water-based paints are ordinary paints that stick to wooden surfaces very quickly without preparing the surface extensively. On the other hand, epoxy paints that contain so many hardening agents and are 100% solid give more protection than oil or water-based paints and are less effective for wooden surfaces. These paints adhere to the concrete items perfectly and provide an attractive finish after they get dried, but they don’t stick to wooden surfaces so well. They are very sticky, but the bond they create on wood is not so strong. Therefore, if you use epoxy paint for your wood, you must extensively prepare the surface. 

Important: How To Remove Wood Screw Plugs: 5 Methods With Steps

How Can You Use Concrete Paint on Wood

There are basic steps to keep in mind to prepare the wooden surface before applying paint. The steps are the same for whatever paint you want, oil or water-based or epoxy paint. 

Step 1: Clean the Surface Well 

Firstly, you must clean the wooden surface using pressure to help remove all the dirt, dust, and other materials. A pressure washer is an effective solution to remove all loose materials from the surface. Additionally, it also cleans the surface more quickly than other tools. 

Use as much water pressure as the surface can bear. This step also helps to remove most of the unwanted stains. If you avoid this step, you might see unclear marks or an uneven surface after finishing the project. 

Step 2: Let the Surface Dry After Wash

Leave the wooden surface to dry before moving forward to the next step. Meanwhile, take care of the surface, so it doesn’t come in contact with moisture. It would be best to work with the project on a dry, sunny day when the humidity level is considerably low. 

Step 3: Sand the Surface 

If the wooden surface was painted previously, remove it by sanding it. Otherwise, the paint will not stick to the varnish or old paint, especially in the case of epoxy concrete paint. Sand down the surface with sandpaper to remove the old paint before applying the new one. Alternatively, you can use other elements to remove the old paint’s trances, but sanding scapes the coatings more perfectly. 

Step 4: Fill up the Cracks and Gaps

After vacuuming the surface by sanding, this is the step of filling up the gaps and cracks using a sealant or anything suitable to fill the wooden material. Before using any sealant, follow the instructions given on the product’s labeling. Let the sealant dry on the wood for a considerable amount of time.  

Step 5: Sand Again

Once use is done using filler or sealant, you can sand again to make the surface even more even and remove the bumps caused by the sealants. After filing, there is some dust around the surface. Remove and clean the dust too. 

Step 6: Apply Primer Before Painting 

It has already been said above that concrete paint doesn’t stick to wooden surfaces perfectly. So, to get a better finish and stronger bond, you must use a good primer before applying paint on the wood. 

You can pick any color primer- light or dark. However, selecting a color shouldn’t interfere with the paint. For example, it would help if you used a light color primer for light color paint and a dark color primer for dark color paint. 

Step 7: Apply the first Coat of Concrete Paint 

The drying time of the primer depends on the weather conditions. The high humidity level extends the drying speed, while dry weather can fasten the drying process. Once the primer is completely dried on the surface, you are ready to apply the first coat of concrete paint. 

Step 8: Apply the Second Coat

Whether you need to apply the second coat of paint depends on the type of surface you are looking for. If the first coat is enough to give you the desired result, you don’t need to apply the second coat. 

However, applying the second coat will give you a more refined and smoother finish with an attractive look. Apply the second coat of the same paint after the first layer of cost has dried. Lastly, let the entire surface dry again fully before using it.

Read: How To Change Sandpaper On Sander: 3 Proven Techniques  

Tips to Remember 

  • Take proper drying time after each step is done. Without letting the item dry thoroughly, you can’t get the expected result from the next step.
  • Don’t work with the paint under direct sunlight because too much heat can develop blisters. Instead, do the work in a dry condition but not under direct sunlight. 
  • Use a paintbrush to apply the paint. 
  • Maintain safety precautions and wear safety items when necessary. 
  • Take help from a professional about the application procedures of paint on wood if necessary. 

FAQs

What is concrete paint?

Concrete paint is used for concrete surfaces, building blocks, bricks, and rocks. This paint protects the concrete items from any natural damage. In addition, this paint helps the concrete surface to be insulated, decorated, and water-proof. 

Why is masonry paint better than emulsion paint for wooden surfaces?

Masonry paint is more suitable for protecting the wooden surface, which adds an insulation effect. The layer this paint creates is more resistant to unfavorable environmental elements than emulation paint. The wood becomes more durable and protected when you use masonry paint. 

Can you apply the paint directly on the wood surface? 

No, you can’t apply the paint directly, as wood is a porous material. You can’t apply paint without preparing the surface to fill the cracks by sanding. Additionally, the wooden material also requires a primer on it to protect and insulate the wooden structure. 

Can I use concrete stains on the wood surface? 

Yes, but you must be very careful while applying it because concrete stains are acid-based and may react with the wooden surface and change the color of the surface by soaking into it. 

Final Thoughts

Concrete paints are practical to use on wood to combat the problems due to the porosity of wood by installing the insulation layers. The paint helps the wood to be more protected and last longer. In addition, the energy paint brings to the wooden structure allows it to breathe easily and expand its lifespan. Hopefully, you have got your answer for whether can you use concrete paint on wood from the detailed discussion of this content. 

Gather more knowledge from these blogs

Hey, I'm George Fanton. I've over nine years of experience in the woodworking industry. I've cultivated a deep interest in practical wood and tasks. I enjoy sharing new information on woodworking technology to maintain my expertise in the current woodworking industries.

Leave a Comment