How Can You Paint Wet Wood?

For some, the idea of painting wood that is still wet seems like a big waste of time.

After all, the moisture should prevent the paint from properly sticking to the surface and the result will be a runny mess.

While it is true for the best results that you should wait until the damp wood is absolutely dry, there are times in which you may have no other choice than to paint the wood while it is still wet.

If you find yourself in a situation where painting wet wood is necessary, then you may try to use the following steps for the best results.

But before we dive into the steps for how to paint a wet wood, let’s try to figure out – can you paint wet wood in the first place?

And if yes, what may happen if you plan to paint the wet wood?

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Can You Paint Wet Wood?

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The short answer is yes, provided you know how to do it correctly.

The long answer is you can consider painting wet wood but it’s good that you get aware of the risks this may come with.

What happens if you paint over wet wood?

If you plan to paint over the wet wood surface (or a wood that is still damp and not completely dry) with regular paint the paint may eventually peel off very soon.

So, it’s important that you know the right steps for how to deal with wet wood and what is the right type of paint you can use for painting the damp wood.

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How to Paint Wet Wood Properly?

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As mentioned, painting over wet wood (like your exterior fence panels, deck, window trim, or wet pressure treated wood) if done right can serve your purpose and can even make the surface last longer.

Here are some steps you may need to follow to get the job done right:

Step 1 – Dry as Much as Possible

Use paper towels and a hair dryer on low heat to remove as much moisture from the surface as you can.

The goal is to get the wood as dry as possible before you paint.

This will, however, depend on the moisture content of wood which should be checked before painting.

Step 2 – Turn on the Fan

Depending on how much time you have, training an electric fan on the wood can also help dry it more thoroughly.

The more time you have, the dryer the wood will be when you are about to paint.

Remember that the goal is to apply at least two coats of paint, so calculate the time it will take when you start.

Step 3 – Turn Off the Fan and Start

At the very least, turn the fan away from the wood that is to be painted to add ventilation to the room.

Stir the water-based paint and you are ready to begin.

Step 4 – Apply First & Second Coat

Start by applying an even coat of paint to the entire surface of the wood.

Using a foam paintbrush of good quality will help in getting a smooth coat. Let the first coat fully dry before you apply a second coat.

Step 5 – Clean Up & Hope for the Best

Once you have completed the second coat, clean up your paint brushes.

Remember that paint will eventually peel off wood that is still wet, so choosing the best water-based paints are preferred in this situation.

Unlike oil-based paints, enamels or creosote; latex paint will bond well and get absorbed in the damp wood letting you get the right finish that may last a bit longer.

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Can You Paint Over Water-Damaged Wood?

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Yes, painting over the water damaged wood is an easy way to fix them, provided it’s not rotted or decayed completely.  

Exterior wood surfaces in your house, garden or backyard are always vulnerable to water damage even when they are nicely painted, finished and protected.

This is due to the reason that these wood surfaces are always exposed to moisture in the atmosphere, rain and snow.

The soaked wood which soaks up even more water for extended period of time can ultimately lead to rough and rot surface that is hard to repair.

To add extra protection to these types of damaged wood you will need to paint them more often as compared to other exterior surfaces.

Despite of all the protection, if you happen to have a water-damaged wood, you can fix it by painting over them.

• Before you start painting over them, replace any rotted wood pieces if any
• You can do this by removing the decayed wood material and patch it with the new wood
• Fix peeling/loose paint and small holes if any using proper wood filler
• Then sand the damaged wood surface in the direction of the wood grain using medium-grit sandpaper
• Now evenly apply a coat of exterior primer using a paintbrush, allow it to dry for a day
• Finally, paint the water-damaged wood with a high-quality exterior wood paint using a paintbrush or a roller

The bottom line

Wet and water damaged wood in your home can be hard to paint over.

But you can still spray paint them for protection if you follow the right process patiently.

It’s good to dry the wood before and pick the high-quality water proof primer and paint if you want to keep the wood protected for long.