How to Paint Birch Plywood

Painting birch plywood is an easy process when you have the right tools on hand. All the tools that you need for this process can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Step 1 – Prepare the Birch Plywood

Using a damp cloth, wipe the birch plywood to raise the grain of the wood to make sanding easier. Sanding with the grain, lightly sand the wood with the 120-grit sandpaper, then do the same with the 220-grit sandpaper. Sanding helps the paint to adhere to the plywood. Clean the birch plywood with a rag that has been soaked in denatured alcohol.

Step 2 – Prime the Birch Plywood

Priming birch plywood is a necessary step to prevent acid or oils from leaching from the board. Using the paint roller, prime the plywood. Once the primer has dried, sand again using the 220-grit sandpaper then clean off the sanding residue with a rag that has been soaked in denatured alcohol. You may apply a second and third coat if you feel it is necessary, sanding in between each layer.

Step 3 – Paint the Birch Plywood

Apply the first coat of paint and allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat.