Need help with painted finish

[Md woodworker]

Hi guys,
I'm getting ready to start building a built in bookshelf/dresser (poplar/ply) that will be painted. In the past I have used kilz Primer then top coated with either BM aura or another latex paint applied with a foam roller. I haven't been overly happy with the results. Could someone provide a "recipe" for what they use when painting wood: sanding grit, primer choice, paint choice, application method, etc. any help would be greatly appreciated.
                                      -Jon

 

[Locks14]

Have you considered purchasing a HVLP sprayer? This will give you a finish that looks more professional and an integral part of the furniture.

No matter how good your technique, brushing or rolling solid finishes will always look like they've been put on by hand. HVLP sprayers if used correctly give that perfectly flat and uniform look of quality.

 

[tjbnwi]

SW Wall and Wood primer, 2 coats, sand between coats, sand prior to top coat, SW Pro Classic top coat. Should get you better results.

An HVLP would be better, but with proper hand work you can get a really nice finish.

Tom

 

[Md woodworker]

Have you considered purchasing a HVLP sprayer? This will give you a finish that looks more professional and an integral part of the furniture.

No matter how good your technique, brushing or rolling solid finishes will always look like they've been put on by hand. HVLP sprayers if used correctly give that perfectly flat and uniform look of quality.
[/quote
An HVLP sprayer would be nice but for now my shop is in the basement which isn't optimal for spraying... Someday!!!

 

[Md woodworker]

SW Wall and Wood primer, 2 coats, sand between coats, sand prior to top coat, SW Pro Classic top coat. Should get you better results.

An HVLP would be better, but with proper hand work you can get a really nice finish.

Tom

Tom,
Thanks for the advice, I was actually thinking of using the SW wood and wall primer based other posts I've read on here. I have a couple questions if you don't mind.

1. Would you use any type of sanding sealer prior to priming?

2. what grit of sandpaper when sanding the primer?

3. brush or foam roller for the primer/paint?

Thanks again
                -Jon

 

[tjbnwi]

Not necessary on wood poplar and plywood (assumes good face sheet).

220

Try a foam brush and roller.

Upcharge for the hand finish. The brushed finish look always costs more.

Tom

 

[fdengel]

An HVLP sprayer would be nice but for now my shop is in the basement which isn't optimal for spraying... Someday!!!

So is mine... hasn't stopped me from using one.

I wouldn't want to spray anything oil-based down there, but clear an area around where you are working and set up some sort of "spray booth" (mine is a PVC frame with plastic stretched across the top and three sides and clamped, with an old bed sheet or something like that over the concrete floor) and use an appropriate mask, and spraying water-based finishes from HVLP (or an airbrush for that matter for smaller projects...) isn't too big a deal.

I use spring clamps to attach the plastic to my frame and the frame is only glued in sections so that I can take it apart if I need to (which I normally don't).  Friction-fit with PVC can be fairly tight so it stays together fairly well, particularly once the plastic is clamped on.

Again I wouldn't spray oil-based finishes this way due to fumes / lack of suitable ventilation.

Rather primitive, but it works for me.