Painting untreated wood—whether it’s bare wood furniture, raw trim, or unfinished cabinets—takes more than just a brush and a can of paint. Since bare wood absorbs paint quickly, it needs proper preparation to achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish. In this post, we’ll show you how to paint untreated wood, explain whether you need a primer, and cover the best methods for projects like painting raw wood cabinets. If you’re working with raw or unfinished wood for the first time, these tips will help you get it right from the start.
How to Paint Untreated Wood
Painting untreated wood is more challenging than painting pre-finished or previously painted surfaces. Raw wood, such as bare furniture, trim, or cabinets, absorbs more paint, which means you’ll need additional coats and extra drying time to achieve full coverage. Proper preparation is key: sanding the wood, cleaning off dust, and applying a suitable primer can make a huge difference in the final result. Painting untreated wood also gives you the opportunity to create a smooth, professional-looking finish from the start, without worrying about peeling paint or uneven surfaces.
When painting raw wood cabinets or other untreated wood surfaces, choosing the right paint is crucial. Acrylic paints for wood are ideal because they adhere well, dry quickly, and provide vibrant, long-lasting color. Additionally, sealing painted raw wood with a water-based polyurethane or clear coat ensures durability and protects the surface from scratches, moisture, and daily wear. Here’s everything you need to know about painting untreated wood.
Can You Paint on Untreated Wood?
Yes, you can paint untreated wood. But painting raw or unfinished wood requires a different approach than painting sealed or treated wood. Since bare wood can absorb paint unevenly and may have dust or splinters, proper prep work is essential for a smooth, durable finish.
Do You Need to Prime Untreated Wood Before Painting?
Yes, we highly recommend priming untreated wood before painting. Applying primer fills the pores in bare wood, prevents excessive paint soak-in, and allows the paint to stick more evenly and last longer. If you don’t have a primer on hand, you can thin your first coat of paint by about 15% and follow up with full-strength coats. “You might also like this post: Do you need to prime before painting?
Can You Paint Directly Onto Bare Wood?
Technically, yes—you can paint directly onto raw wood. But it’s not the best practice. Unprimed bare wood will soak up more paint, which increases cost and effort. However, if you’re working with a small piece and don’t have primer, thinned paint might do the job in a pinch.
What Is the Best Paint for Bare Wood?
Almost any type of paint will work on bare wood if the surface is properly prepared. Acrylic paint, latex paint, oil-based paint, and even lacquer paints can all be used. In fact, bare wood offers one of the best surfaces for paint to bond to.
How to Prepare Unfinished Wood for Painting
- Remove any large splinters with a utility knife.
- Smooth raw wood by sanding it with 200-grit sandpaper—this helps create an even surface for paint to adhere properly.
- Apply 1–2 coats of primer. Tip: If you don’t have primer, thin the first coat of paint with about 15% water for better absorption.
How to Paint Raw Wood Cabinets (Using Acrylic Paint)
Painting raw wood cabinets can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s a straightforward DIY project. Before you start, inspect the cabinets for rough areas or splinters, even if the surface looks smooth. Lightly sanding the bare wood with 200–220 grit sandpaper improves paint adhesion and ensures a smooth finish. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth to prepare the cabinets for primer and paint.
Next, apply two coats of primer to the raw wood cabinets, allowing about 4 hours of drying time between each coat. Using primer on raw wood cabinets prevents over-absorption of acrylic paint and helps achieve a long-lasting finish. Make sure the final layer of primer dries completely for at least 4 hours to ensure an even painting surface.
Once the primer is ready, apply two coats of acrylic paint to your raw wood cabinets, waiting about 5 hours between coats. Painting raw wood cabinets with acrylic paint provides vibrant color, smooth coverage, and durability. For the best results, consider using high-quality acrylic paints formulated for wood surfaces.
Finally, for added protection and longevity, finish by applying a water-based polyurethane sealer. Sealing painted raw wood cabinets helps maintain their appearance, prevents scratches, and makes cleaning easier.
What You’ll Need
- 200 or 220 grit sandpaper
- Small foam roller (short nap)
- 3-inch angled brush
- Damp cloth or tack cloth
- Primer (recommended)
- Acrylic paint
- Water-based polyurethane (optional, for sealing)
- Paint tray and stir sticks
Additional Tips
- Seal outdoor bare wood after painting. If you’re painting untreated wood that will be exposed to the elements, apply a clear sealer or varnish afterward to prevent the paint from deteriorating quickly.
- Softwoods absorb more paint. To reduce over-absorption, apply multiple coats of primer instead of relying on paint alone.
- Don’t skip cleaning after sanding. Paint won’t adhere properly if there’s leftover sanding dust on the surface. Always wipe it down with a damp cloth or tack cloth.
- Use a thin, water-based primer. It penetrates bare wood better and creates a smoother base for paint.
- Allow at least 5 hours between coats. This applies to both primer and paint. Proper drying time is essential for good adhesion and a lasting finish. “You might also like this post: How to paint particle board.”
