There’s a common misconception that you can’t paint pressure-treated wood, but the truth is that it’s possible with proper preparation and the right paint. So, what do you need to paint pressure-treated wood? And how do you get the best results?
Painting pressure-treated wood is possible after thoroughly washing and drying it. The drying time can take up to a month or longer, but it’s the most critical step. Otherwise, the paint will warp and peel. Once the wood is dry, you can apply primer and paint that’s designed for exterior use.
Let’s take a closer look at how to paint pressure-treated wood in a few simple steps. We’ll also go over the best type of paint to use, the other supplies you’ll need, and the benefits of pressure-treated wood.
How to Paint Pressure-Treated Wood
It is important to be prepared before painting pressure-treated wood. Here are the materials you’ll need to get started:
- Exterior Primer: A primer, like this one from Zinsser (on Amazon), will help the paint adhere better to the surface and prevent peeling and flaking down the road.
- Exterior Paint: Choose a high-quality exterior latex paint, like this one from Rust-Oleum (on Amazon), for the best results.
- Epoxy Wood Filler and Resin Kit: To restore the integrity of old or weathered wood, use an epoxy wood consolidate, like this one from Abatron (on Amazon), then use a resin kit (on Amazon) to patch up any cracks and holes.
- Putty Knife: A putty knife is handy for applying epoxy wood filler and resin.
- Oxygenated Cleaner: An oxygenated cleaner (on Amazon) removes mold, mildew, or dirt from the surface of the wood.
- Stiff-Bristled Brush: A stiff-bristled nylon brush is perfect for cleaning the surface of the wood and removing any loose paint or debris.
- Paint Roller and Roller Cover with 3/8-Inch Nap: Use a cover with a 3/8-inch nap, like these from Purdy (on Amazon), for even primer and paint coverage.
- Roller Screen: Use a screen to remove excess paint from the roller before painting.
- Paintbrush: A paintbrush, like this one from Wooster (on Amazon), will help get into the grooves and crevices of the wood that the roller may miss.
- Paint Bucket: You’ll need a paint bucket to hold your primer and paint.
- Moisture Meter: A moisture meter (on Amazon) helps determine if the wood is dry enough to paint.
Now that you have your supplies, follow these steps to get the job done:
1. Clean the Wood and Make Sure It’s Dry
First, clean the wood with an oxygenated cleaner to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.
Use your nylon brush to scrub the entire surface of the wood, taking care to get into any uneven areas. Remove any residue from the wood by thoroughly rinsing it.
If your wood has large cracks or other imperfections, use an epoxy wood filler to restore the wood, then use a resin kit to patch the cracks. Once the wood is clean and repaired, let it dry completely.
Depending on humidity and temperature, drying can take several weeks or even months, however, the wood must be completely dry before painting.
If the wood feels dry to the touch, spritz a small area with water. You can proceed with painting if the water soaks in quickly. But if the water beads, the wood still needs to dry.
You can also use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of the wood if you’re unsure.
2. Prime the Wood
Once the wood is completely dry, it’s time to prime it.
Pour primer into your paint bucket and put the roller screen inside the bucket. Then, use the brush to prime narrow and recessed areas the paint roller cannot reach.
Next, use the roller to prime larger areas. Begin by dipping the roller in primer, then rolling it on the screen to minimize dripping. Roll the primer onto the wood, working in small sections.
Move slowly and take your time to avoid streaks or missed spots.
Let the primer dry completely before painting. Drying can take as long as 24 hours but varies depending on the primer you use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.
3. Paint the Wood
Now that the primer is dry, it’s time to paint the wood.
Clean and reuse the bucket and screen from the primer. As with the primer, use your brush to paint areas the roller can’t reach. Then, use the roller to paint larger sections.
Let the paint dry before adding a second coat. Again, recommended drying times can vary from as little as 30 minutes to several hours, so check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
What Are the Benefits of Pressure-Treated Wood?
Because pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals to resist rot, mold and mildew, and insect damage, it’s ideal for outdoor projects like decks, porch furniture, and picnic tables.
Additional benefits of pressure-treated wood include:
- Durable: Pressure-treated wood withstands the elements and can last for many years.
- Moisture-Resistant: The chemicals used to treat the wood help it resist moisture, so it’s less likely to warp, crack, or rot.
- Affordable: Compared to cedar, redwood, or other building materials, pressure-treated wood is more cost-effective.
- Fire-Retardant: The chemicals used to pressure-treat the wood also make it more fire-resistant.