Exterior Wood Painting Tips: How to Deal with Knots

If you frequently perform exterior wood painting, knowing how to paint around knots can be quite useful because knots in wood can sometimes cause a problem for painters. They contain more sap than flat wood, and the sap makes it difficult for paint to adhere to the knot. This article will show you how to coat the material with a paint primer in a few easy steps.

Step 1 - Sand the Surface

Using the 150-grit sandpaper, sand the area you wish to paint. Especially over knots, sand the surface smooth for painting. Make sure you smooth out any rough blemishes and round off any sharp corners. If the task is too daunting to do by hand alone, you can incorporate the use of an electric palm or orbital sander.

Step 2 - Remove Debris

Clear off any dust with compressed air and tack cloth. Make sure the area is completely clear and free of knots before proceeding.

Step 3 - Apply Primer

Apply the primer to the entire area that will eventually be painted. Even though the area has been sanded, places where knots were located can be very sticky. After the primer dries, apply another coat. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.

Step 4 - Finish Up

Sand the primed surface with the 220-grit sanding pad to ensure complete smoothness. Remove any dust and debris once again. The wood is now ready to be painted.