Many people acknowledge painting wood when it is completely dry to achieve excellent results. However, some instances may require you to proceed with the painting while the wood is still damp. The argument that the adherence of the paint to the surface is affected by the wood’s dampness contests this endeavor. That said, painting wet wood seems like a futile endeavor, right? This discussion prompts the bigger question, can you paint wet wood?
Yes, you can paint wet wood. However, it would help if you considered specific strategies for you to counter the risks involved successfully. For instance, regular creosote or oil-based paints should not be used as they tend to peel off rather than last. Instead, go for water based paints but that’s after using a heat gun to dry the moisture on the surface of the wood.
Other possible risks are the formation of unattractive bubbles resulting from mixing moisture, paint, and wood. The use of water-based paints on damp wood is highly recommendable.
With the right information on how to go around painting wet wood, you can get a premium finish like dry wood.
This article aims to equip you with valuable information on how to paint wet wood and tackles all the other related aspects. So, tag along as I walk you through the discussion.
How to Paint Wet Wood
How does wood get wet? Wood contains fibers, many of which take in moisture from rainwater or pressure washing, meaning just a small percentage of the fiber absorbs paint.
Painting wet wood is a feasible exercise that you can easily get a finish of the highest caliber. While the finish is not similar to dry wood, it is achievable by following some easy guidelines for the perfect outcome.
It is of essence to consider the type of paint you use on wet wood to obtain excellent results. Water-based paints are an ideal case in point because water-based paints are capable of repelling some moisture.
The next thing worth noting is the procedure when handling wet wood you intend to paint. Below are the steps to observe for the best results:
Step 1
Dry the wood using a hairdryer and paper towels. It helps remove as much moisture as possible from the wood surface. Remember, the principal objective is to dry the wood as much as possible before painting.
Using an electric fan to dry the wood is far more ideal than other means, depending on the time available. The longer the fan is in use, the faster the wood dries.
The painter should always keep in mind that the objective is to have at least two coats of paint applied to the wood surface. Thus, it is of great significance to consider the time you will need for your project.
Step 2
Test the moisture content of the wood. Use a handheld moisture meter for accurate results. It should not exceed 15% for exterior wood, while interior wood should not be more than 12%.
Turn off the fan. Open and stir the water-based paint. You can determine if the wood is ready for painting or not depending on the results obtained.
Step 4
Switch off the fan. Open and mix the paint and begin the painting work.
Step 5
Apply a uniform coat of paint on the entire wood surface using a foam paintbrush of high quality. Leave the paint for it to dry. Apply a second uniform coat of paint and allow it to dry.
Step 6
Rinse your paintbrush, clean up and pack your working materials while the second coat is drying.
How Long Does Wet Wood Need to Dry Before Painting?
You should allow the wood between 3-30 days of drying time depending on its size and whether it is softwood or hardwood. Softwood and thinner pieces of wood tend to dry quicker, unlike hardwoods which take a little longer.
The time needed for wet wood to dry depends on the location and degree of saturation of the wood.
The environment plays a key role in the drying time. In the presence of the sun or low humidity, wet wood will dry swiftly. In areas with canopies or high humidity, wood will take time to dry and may need at least 72 hours or more.
The surface moisture dries in a minimum of six hours, but moisture inside the wood takes longer.
How Long After Rain Can You Paint Wood?
This question is dependent on the nature of the wood, which includes the wetness of the surface and the atmospheric conditions. Some wood surfaces may take longer to dry than others and thus need a thorough inspection.
If the wood is not in the right condition for painting, wait at least one sunny day, preferably two days after the rain.
Painting the wood while still wet can lead to the paint coming off in the shortest time possible. The warranty on paints can also become invalid because of painting wet wood.
Painting wood, nonetheless, after it has been raining on isn’t too contradictory to painting wood before the rain, but there are several extra safety measures you’ll need to take.
Step 1
Wait for your wood to dry out from the rain entirely. Drying is subject to the climate of the area, and it may take several days. Paint will not adhere properly to the wet surface of the wood.
Step 2
Ensure that the painted area is free from grime and dirt by brushing and scraping it away. Rainwater carries particulates that stick to the wood even after the wood is free of moisture. Splashes from the ground may also increase the wood if the rain is heavy.
Step 3
Stir up the paint following the manufacturers’ directions on the paint can.
Step 4
Apply the paint to the wood in smooth, uniform up-and-down strokes to achieve consistent quality and texture. Allow it to dry as you get ready to apply the second coat to achieve an aesthetically looking finish.
Step 5
Let the paint dry for several hours. Different paint brands provide an accurate drying time for their products.
How Do You Know If Wood Is Dry Enough to Paint?
After using the drying techniques, you may wonder what’s the success chances were in removing moisture. The wood’s exterior may appear dry while the interior is still saturated and thus pose a challenge in determining whether the wood is ready for painting or not.
The success chances depend on the level of exposure of the wood to the weather conditions. More exposure to the sun or rainwater affects the wood differently.
Rainwater has an effect on wood in contrast to power washing. Power washing is regular pretreatment to painting home exteriors.
Power washing uses high pressure, and it will predominantly cause wood to be more saturated than rainwater. It forces water into the crevices and cracks in the wood that may not usually be reached by falling rain.
One test used to determine if the wood is dry enough for painting is the bead test. The appearance of beads means the wood is not yet dry. Spatter water on the wood, and if it beads up, this means that the wood fibers are water-saturated.
Another more scientific method is the use of moisture meters. The tester normally operates on a 9-volt battery. Moisture meters accurately tell the moisture content percentage in the wood.
The wood’s moisture content should not be more than 16% for most paints. The procedure below should guide you when using a moisture meter for accurate readings:
- Remove the top cap to expose the two metal probes and stick them into the wood in question.
- Test the moisture at the low setting first. You’ll notice the switch at the back of the unit. If it falls between 7-15% WME, the wood is safe for painting.
- If nothing shows, switch to the High setting and begin the test over again. The high setting will show a reading of between 16-35% WME. This reading indicates high moisture content in the wood.
Note, WME (water moisture equivalent) is the theoretical moisture content that would be achievable by wood.
Should You Paint On a Rainy Day?
You may ask, is it right to paint on a rainy day? Will the rain affect the quality of the paint?
The fact is that painting on surfaces actively rained on is like wasting the paint. The logic behind this is that paint does not stick on the surface when wet, and the expected painting results are just unpleasant. Water and air penetrating the wood causes cracks and peeling of the paint.
So, should the rain deter your goal of completing the painting job?
No! Several tricks come in handy when in such circumstances. The temperature of the surface you want to paint needs a check.
Lower temperatures are the best preferences in the painting of the interior surfaces. However, different paints have well set out guidelines for their proper use.
On rainy days, humidity is also on the rise, and thus the surface tends to be wet. The ideal humidity level is between 40-70%. Enough ventilation such as windows plays a major role in reducing this. High humidity damages the paint.
Does Baking Soda Absorb Moisture from Wood?
Wood has a great water retention capacity, and since dampness has a degrading effect on it, many people tend to look for natural ways to dry their wood surfaces. One of the most common methods is using baking soda.
You can only wonder, is this true? Can a leavening agent be used for this purpose? Yes. This is true. Baking soda also goes by the name of sodium bicarbonate soda, is a hygroscopic salt.
Hygroscopic materials are the direct opposite of deliquescent materials, which absorb moisture until it dissolves in the absorbed water. Baking soda is a fine white powder while in its commercialized form.
Other than absorbing moisture and attracting water molecules, it also helps in humidity control. You may ask, how do I apply baking soda on the wood surface for perfect results? This is simple as it sounds.
For vertical surfaces, such as doors and walls, it is advisable to use something that does not integrate easily. Painting on such surfaces is attainable by making a paste of baking soda and water.
The paste should be thick to stick on the surface for at least 24 hours, then remove it.
For horizontal surfaces such as drawers, and tables, sprinkle some soda powder on the wet area and leave it there for at least 24 hours. Cover the powder with a cloth to absorb more water from the wood and less from the atmosphere.
In a home setting, other substances usable in the place of baking soda include Honey, Silica gel, Nylon, Rice, and Aluminum oxide. All these substances are hygroscopic.
How Can I Dry Wood Quickly?
Drying damp wood is not only time-saving but also guarantees a smooth, uniform finish. For speedy drying of the wood, it is expedient to maintain as low humidity levels as possible. Also, protection from the rain is important if the wood is outside and the weather odds are against you.
Over the years, several innovative techniques have been employed to speed up the drying process. The techniques vary depending on the size of the painting job. Over and above, none of these strategies supersedes the greatest of all strategies, which is time.
One of the methods is using old towels or paper towels to dry the wood surface. The technique only absorbs moisture on the surface wood and may not be much effective. Nevertheless, it prepares the surface for painting and is also a quicker solution to the problem at hand.
Another strategy is using a hairdryer. Using a hairdryer is done by turning it on high and blowing warm air over the surface of the wood. The warm air will lead to the evaporation of moisture, consequently drying the wood. This method is time-consuming for larger surfaces and is only effective when drying a small quantity of wood.
You might also want to consider employing the use of an electric fan. Please turn on the fan and ensure it blows air directly on the wood to quicken the drying process. If the painting job is indoors, a dehumidifier is a great option.
What Paint Type Works Best for Damp Wood?
Many factors come into play when painting wood. One of the determinant factors for a smooth finish is the type of paint to use. Latex paint, a water-based paint, is the perfect choice of paint since the wood has a certain degree of saturation.
Latex paint lowers the chance of the paint peeling off. They also need a minimum of two hours to dry, after which rains do not affect them.
Oil-based paints have poor bonding properties with the moisture in the wood. The poor bonding properties are because oil and water are heterogeneous; they do not mix. The guaranteed outcome is that the paint will ultimately peel off from the wood.
In addition, since you need a brush to complete the painting work, consider using a foam brush over a bristle brush. A high–quality foam brush holds less paint.
It also regulates the amount of paint used, thus ensuring a more uniform and thinner coat. A high-quality brush is vital since the wood is damp and won’t soak up much paint compared to dry wood.
Final Verdict
Sleek results demonstrable by a well-finished painted surface is every painter’s desire as the end product. However, achieving such results may be a challenge, especially when dealing with wet wood. It begs the question.
Can You Paint Wet Wood?
Much as I don’t recommend painting wet wood, it is possible to follow the right procedures that I have provided in this piece. Following the tips to the letter will give you nothing short of the best working with wet wood.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and in this case, the need to paint wet wood has yielded tricks and techniques to help mitigate the risks involved in dealing with damp wood.
This piece gives an insight into the problem of dampness in wood before the painting process. It gives an account of how cause and effect of the dampness of wood on the painting job.
You will also enjoy a detailed procedure on how to paint damp wood to get a uniform, quality finish, how to determine the moisture content of wood, and home remedies to reduce the wetness of wood.
Thank you for taking your time to read this article, and I hope it is of relevance to you.