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Finished wood has a particular appeal to many folk artists. It has an aged look, is warm, and can be used in many different ways. It also goes along with the recycle and reuse policy of many folk artists. You can find lots of previously finished pieces at flea markets, garage sales, and sometimes even in your own collection. Finishing these items can be fun and easy to do, but they must always begin with preparing the wood in order for a good finish on the final product.
Step 1:

Clean the item. Using a mild detergent such as dish soap and warm water thoroughly clean the item. This will remove dirt, dust, and grime on the piece.

Step 2:

Remove the surface. Whether the item has be varnished, stained, waxed, or painted it is a good idea to remove the surface to make sure your paint will adhere well to the wood. To do this use turpentine and a light steel wool and gently scrub the surface clean.

Step 3:

Clean the surface a second time. It may seem like a lot of work, but cleaning the surface a second time is important. This will clean off the turpentine, remove any build up, take away chips, and clean the surface for the next step.

Step 4:

Optional-Sand the item. Sanding is a step that you can choose to do or to skip. If you want a smooth surface begin with a medium grit sand paper such as 220. Sand following the grain of the wood. Wipe the wood clean with a damp sponge and then sand with a fine sand paper (300-400 grit). When done wipe the surface with a damp sponge one last time for a clean surface ready for the next step.

Step 5:

Apply wood sealer or primer. Using wood sealer or primer will help block the colors of the past from the surface. They will also make it easier for the paint to bond and will make sure that the paint doesn't soak into the wood (something that is a huge problem when working with soft woods, but also happens with hard woods and can ruin your designs and use up more paint than necessary). A sealer is clear and will let the underneath wood and paint show through some. It can be used to allow a more aged look to shine through while protecting the wood and stopping it from absorbing your paint. Primer on the other hand is white and will block the color and anything that is underneath. 

For a good finish apply a coat of sealer or primer (the choice is yours). Let it dry. Lightly sand it and wipe it clean. Apply a second coat of sealer or primer. Let it dry. Lightly sand it and wipe it clean. Now you are ready to paint. 

Correctly preparing your wood will allow you to have a great finish. It will also make sure that your work will last longer and maintain a great finish throughout its life. It takes a little extra effort, but the finished results are well worth it!

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