what is the secret to painting wood with enamel?
If you’re painting bare wood make sure the grain is well sealed and primed. If the wood has an open grain like oak, ash, or hickory you should use a grain filler to reduce the number of topcoats required. Sand at least two passes starting with 80 grit and ending with 220. Use a high quality primer. A pigmented shellac primer meant to hide imperfections is ideal. After the primer dries sand it with 220 paper and wipe with a tack cloth. If the primed surface isn’t smooth, consider another coat of primer followed by more sanding and a thorough wiping with a tack cloth. When you apply the finish coats use a quality china bristle brush for oil paint. Make sure it was cleaned well and that the bristles are soft, supple, and in good shape. Plan on applying two or more thinned coats rather than a single heavy coat. Keep sufficient paint on the brush to allow the paint to flow, filling the brushmarks. Use a paint additive like Penitrol (or Flotrol if you’re using water-based paint) it can be a
