Painting stands 101: Need tips for a perfect finish

[glb]

I'm getting ready to paint my DIY stand and want it to look professional. Here's what I've learned already and some questions for all of you:

Use a primer first! I used Kilz primer for the inside of the stand. I've done two coats and will probably do a few more for the bottom of the inside. Raw wood soaks up paint more than you might think

Sand between coats. I used 110/220 grit to sand out the irregularities. It makes a huge difference

And here are my questions:

For painting the outside of the tank stand (the skin), should I prime with Kilz also? If so, how many coats?

How can I use the brush to minimize brush marks on the finish? How much paint do you load on (I'm guessing not too much)? Is there a method to the brush strokes that helps with evenness?

How much sanding should I do between coats?

How many coats in general do people use?

Is Valspar the best paint out there? Can I use water-based for the outside of the stand?
Can I use low-odor paint for the outside?

I've been practicing technique while painting the inside where it doesn't matter too much. But I'd really like the outside to look top-notch. I'm counting on your input-R2R never lets me down!

 

[glb]

Bump.

 

[jsker]

For painting the outside of the tank, should I prime with Kilz also? If so, how many coats? NO the white would be your first coat

How can I use the brush to minimize brush marks on the finish? How much paint do you load on (I'm guessing not too much)? Is there a method to the brush strokes that helps with evenness? roll it with a foam roller

How much sanding should I do between coats? none no one will every see the tank from the back

How many coats in general do people use? 2 coats

Is Valspar the best paint out there? Can I use water-based for the outside of the stand? No but it will do- yes- yes. Just make sure you let everything dry for at least 3 days
Can I use low-odor paint for the outside?

 

[glb]

But I should sand between coats for the front and sides, right? I know inside doesn't matter but I want the outside to look very smooth.

 

[miyags]

I always caulk then prime then paint. If you have to use a brush,paint all wood, in the direction of the grain for best look, If you can borrow or rent a sprayer,you will get a nicer job. I never sand between paint coats.

 

[glb]

For painting the outside of the tank, should I prime with Kilz also? If so, how many coats? NO the white would be your first coat

How can I use the brush to minimize brush marks on the finish? How much paint do you load on (I'm guessing not too much)? Is there a method to the brush strokes that helps with evenness? roll it with a foam roller

How much sanding should I do between coats? none no one will every see the tank from the back

How many coats in general do people use? 2 coats

Is Valspar the best paint out there? Can I use water-based for the outside of the stand? No but it will do- yes- yes. Just make sure you let everything dry for at least 3 days
Can I use low-odor paint for the outside?

Oh I miswrote my post. It's the stand I'm painting, not the tank itself. Sorry for the confusion!

 

[glb]

I always caulk then prime then paint. If you have to use a brush,paint all wood, in the direction of the grain for best look, If you can borrow or rent a sprayer,you will get a nicer job. I never sand between paint coats.

Are rollers better than brushes?

 

[miyags]

I have used the 4in foam rollers for smooth finishes with good results.

 

[Bunnee911]

There is a technique where you lift the brush at the end of each stroke. Use very little paint and plan on several coats. If you want, you can stain then varnish. Plan on several coats of varnish. Sand between each. Don't sand after the last coat. Good luck hun.

 

[glb]

Thanks everyone. I'm painting the outside of the stand white. So, should I get paint with primer, use Kilz or use a different primer? I'm planning on using a satin latex finish for the outside. The interior has 2-3 coats of Kilz and I'm going to caulk the seams with silicone to waterproof it further.

 

[jsker]

For the best result that you are looking for, find the best brush and do not go cheap. The finer the brush fibers are the better finish you will have. If you have a big area with a straight surface roll it and the use a high quality brush to smooth it out. And if you have time paint each side flat and the paint will level.

 

[glb]

For the best result that you are looking for, find the best brush and do not go cheap. The finer the brush fibers are the better finish you will have. If you have a big area with a straight surface roll it and the use a high quality brush to smooth it out. And if you have time paint each side flat and the paint will level.

I agree. I want the stand to be top notch and since a tank setup is costly, there's no point in going cheap for a brush. What brands do you recommend?

 

[jsker]

Thanks everyone. I'm painting the outside of the stand white. So, should I get paint with primer, use Kilz or use a different primer? I'm planning on using a satin latex finish for the outside. The interior has 2-3 coats of Kilz and I'm going to caulk the seams with silicone to waterproof it further.

No, find a paint with a primer already in the paint. use a 150 grit paint with latex and knock off the bumps and you should be fine. the only thing you would use a 180+ for is a clear finish

 

[glb]

Also, what's the best paint in everyone's opinion? I'd prefer low-odor if possible because there are birds where the tank will be.

 

[jsker]

Find a friend with a airless sprayer that knows how to use it, or the purdee brushes work well. Use a trim brush

 

[jsker]

Also, what's the best paint in everyone's opinion? I'd prefer low-odor if possible because there are birds where the tank will be.

the the stand going to be finished were the birds are going to be? as I stated above water based paint weeps water not fumes unless you are using oil base finishes, and there should not be a concern after a 3 day drying time even in the high humidity the you experience in south Florida

 

[jsker]

Also, what's the best paint in everyone's opinion? I'd prefer low-odor if possible because there are birds where the tank will be.

you are not asking the right question, with latex paints they are all the same. If you ask which brand to I prefer in latex, the one that is on sale. Bear in HD, Valsphar is Lowes. Actually I have found the Sherwin Williams works the best for my needs

 

[glb]

the the stand going to be finished were the birds are going to be? as I stated above water based paint weeps water not fumes unless you are using oil base finishes, and there should not be a concern after a 3 day drying time even in the high humidity the you experience in south Florida

No, I'm painting the stand outside. The reason I asked is the oil-based paint really smells, even after it dries. Plus, latex is easier to work with.

 

[james983]

I know you prefer water based paint but remember you are going to get water on your paint job. Oil based paint will provide better durability and finish in the long run.

I refinished a stand years ago with great success. I purchased a quality oil based primer and a quality oil based paint. If you want a great finish with no brush marks you need to thin the paint. I used a product called Penatrol with a quality brush. It's important that you only paint the surfaces which are horizontal to the ground because the paint will be thinner and more apt to run. The thinner is necessary to eliminate brush strokes. Remember, thinned paint will take longer to dry also.

You should sand lightly with a fine sandpaper between coats. The number of coats will depend on how much sanding you do. Figure on at least 3 coats on most surfaces.

I know this is a more labor intensive method but you will get excellent results this way.

 

[glb]

I know you prefer water based paint but remember you are going to get water on your paint job. Oil based paint will provide better durability and finish in the long run.

I refinished a stand years ago with great success. I purchased a quality oil based primer and a quality oil based paint. If you want a great finish with no brush marks you need to thin the paint. I used a product called Penatrol with a quality brush. It's important that you only paint the surfaces which are horizontal to the ground because the paint will be thinner and more apt to run. The thinner is necessary to eliminate brush strokes. Remember, thinned paint will take longer to dry also.

You should sand lightly with a fine sandpaper between coats. The number of coats will depend on how much sanding you do. Figure on at least 3 coats on most surfaces.

I know this is a more labor intensive method but you will get excellent results this way.

Thanks! Any brand that you recommend?