I picked up a pine board from Home Depot to create a floating frame, and I have a couple of questions. I've heard that staining pine can be tricky, so a lot of people suggest using acrylic paint instead. Do I need to apply a primer before painting? Also, when assembling the frame, would it be better to glue the thinner base (1/4 x 4 inch) and the floating frame (1/2 x 2 inch) together first and then make the 45-degree cuts, or should I cut both pieces separately before gluing? What's the most convenient method for this? By the way, I have a 14 amp Ryobi miter saw for the cuts.
2 Answers
For the best results when staining pine, it’s highly recommended to use a pre-stain conditioner. If you're leaning towards paint, a primer isn’t strictly necessary, but it really helps ensure a smooth finish, especially on tricky surfaces like pine. As for the paint type, go with whatever you prefer (latex, oil, acrylic, etc.). It’s mostly about how you apply it!
Definitely prime and paint your pine! Many first-time projects end up with a messy stain that doesn’t look great, so jumping straight to paint is a good idea. I usually use a roller instead of a brush or sprayer for a nicer finish. After that, I've got a great wipe-on poly recipe from Stumpy Nubs that you might find helpful for sealing and finishing the wood!
Can I use the poly as a primer first, then add coats of paint afterward?
Thanks for the tip! Do you have a specific brand for the conditioner you like?