Frame Finishing - White

[stripethespringer]

Hi

Im looking for some guidance/tips on finishing a bare wood ( ash) moulding in white. Can not see any mouldings from the various suppliers I want so thought of trying my own....

Would you use acrylic paint, wood dye or anything else.

thanks

Steve

[prospero]

Hi Steve.

Depends what sort of white. There are many different effects you can get. Acrylic paint is probably the way to go. Ash has a nice grain pattern. You can paint on a fairly dilute coat and wipe it off for the limed effect. Or apply it thicker - maybe 2-3 coats to make it look all white. The grain will still show. Finish off with a clear wax polish. Only thing is, when you polish you can rub away the paint on any sharp edges and the wood will show through. This can be an nice finish in itself, but if you want a all over flat white, sand the sharp edges before painting and don't rub to hard on the final polish

Softer woods really need a sealing coat on top of the paint. Decorators acrylic wax makes a good tough finish.

One thing..... don't apply the wax with steel wool or the white will go a mucky grey.

[stcstc]

what about spraying maybe??

if its sanded well then a few coats of white sprayed on might look good

[prospero]

Could do. Problem with spraying is, you really need a dedicated area to do it in. Most of your paint will end up as dust that settles everywhere. Not to mention inhalation.

Just as quick with a brush. Plus you can work the paint into the grain, whereas spray tends to just settle on top. OK if you are doing a dead smooth surface, but for bare wood, brush is best.

[stripethespringer]

thanks all

will give it a go and see what happens...