Woodwork is where a paint job is judged up close. A smooth finish is all in the preparation and the coats.
Walls are seen from across the room; woodwork is seen from inches away. That is why skirting, doors and frames reward careful work — and why a rushed job on them undoes an otherwise tidy room.
Prepare the timber
- Sand back the existing finish to give the new paint a key, and smooth any rough patches.
- Fill dents and gaps, then sand flush once dry.
- Spot-prime bare wood and, crucially, any knots — knots left untreated bleed resin through the finish.
- Wipe off all dust before you start.
Build up thin coats
Thin coats beat one thick one every time. Apply an undercoat, let it dry, give it a light sand, dust off, then apply your topcoat. On trim, two thinner topcoats look better and wear better than a single heavy one.
Lay it off
Load the brush, spread the paint, then finish with light strokes in one direction to level it out — this is laying off. Do not keep going back over paint that is starting to set, or you will drag it. Water-based trim sets faster, so work in manageable sections.
We stock quality brushes and both water-based and traditional trim systems, plus the fillers, primers and abrasives to prep properly. Ask us which finish suits your woodwork.
