Learn how to paint plywood for a smooth professional look using a simple trick that makes all the difference!
Ever since I built the two-tone A-frame desk, the most common questions I get are –
- How did you get that smooth feel on plywood?
- Did you use expensive veneer?
I thought it was time I wrote down a separate full tutorial to explain exactly how I painted the sanded plywood to get that gorgeous professional smooth look.
Table of Contents
Type of plywood for painting
While you can paint any plywood, the answer to the second question above is NO – I did not use expensive veneer plywood.
In fact, I used the cheapest one – sanded plywood.
If I were staining the project, I would have considered a good quality veneer like oak or maple. But the price goes up as well.
Since I was going to be painting, I didn’t want to spend money on the premium veneers. It would just be a waste if no one was going to see the beautiful veneer finish.
What type of paint to use for Plywood?
If you follow the below directions to prepare and prime your plywood, you can use any paint you like!
I usually use regular latex paint in satin or semi-gloss – depending on the final finish I am looking for.
Semi-gloss paint which is used for cabinets and door is pretty durable without a top coat.
If you use satin or flat plaint, you would need a top coat.
You can also use acrylic paint or chalk paint – just be sure to seal them appropriately at the end.
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Materials needed to paint plywood
- Wood Filler
- Joint compound
- Putty knife
- Tack Cloth
- Random orbital sander
- Good quality sealing primer
- Paint (in color of your choice)
- Paint sprayer. I use this one. (optional, but recommended)
- Paint tray (if not using paint sprayer)
- Roller and Foam roller cover (if not using paint sprayer)
- Floterol (if not using paint sprayer)
How to paint plywood
Painting plywood is very similar to painting any other lumber – you have to fill all the holes and non-uniformities (there is a special trick to this!!), prime and then paint and seal it.
However, there is one special step that makes all the difference!
Step 1 – Fill deep holes
- Fill in any pocket holes, nail holes and deep dents using wood filler. Allow to dry overnight.
Sometimes, the wood filler shrinks as it dries up and would need a second coat.
Also, this is a good time to round out the edges of the plywood. You can do this simply by running a screwdriver across it.
Step 2 – Apply joint compound
Yes, you heard that right!
This is the most critical step!
- Apply joint compound all over the surface using a putty knife.
- Try to make it as uniform as possible.
How to seal plywood edges for painting –
- To make sure the edges are smooth and uniform, cover the exposed edges with joint compound and smooth it out. Make sure all the holes and crevices are covered.
- Allow to dry overnight
This step is literally like frosting! Just keep smoothing it out till the entire surface is covered.
The joint compound helps fill up the rough splintered surface of the sanded plywood.
Step 3 – Sand
- Using a random orbital sander, sand down the joint compound.
This is the messiest step ever. Please do this in a well-ventilated space with proper eye and breathing protection. Just put on some music and enjoy your sanding session.
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Honestly, sanding the soft joint compound is a lot faster and easier than sanding away wood filler… so don’t let it intimidate you!
Be sure to not sand everything away!
When finished you will be left with white patches on the plywood. This means the joint compound is doing its job by filling in the rough surface.
Step 4 – Prime
- Once the joint compound is properly sanded down, wipe off all the dust using a tack-cloth or a wet rag.
This is important. If there are any particles left on the surface, it can cause issues later during painting.
- Apply 2 coats of primer using a paint sprayer (or manually).
- Allow to dry 3-6 hours between each coat ( depending on temperature and humidity). I usually wait for it to be dry to touch.
- Sand lightly between each coat with super-fine grit and wipe off all the dust.
The primer seals the plywood and joint compound and gets it ready for paint.
Step 5 – Paint
It’s time to paint!
- Apply 2 coats of paint using a paint sprayer or manually.
- Sand lightly between each coat with super-fine grit and wipe off all the dust.
Typically you need 2 coats to get good coverage and color. However, depending on the paint or the color, you might need extra coats.
Step 6 – Seal
Every paint project needs protection – especially if you use satin or flat paint.
- Apply a couple of coats of polyacrylic – in matte or gloss – depending on your preference.
That is it!
Be sure to allow the project to cure well before using.
The final result will be a nice smooth surface!
In fact, it will be hard to tell where the edges of the plywood were or the fact that you started with sanded plywood!
More articles for painting –
How To Paint Plywood
How to paint plywood for a smooth professional look using a simple trick that makes all the difference!
Materials
- Wood Filler
- Joint compound
- Tack Cloth
- Good quality sealing primer
- Paint (in color of your choice)
- Floterol If not using a paint sprayer
Tools
Instructions
- Fill in any pocket holes, nail holes and deep dents using wood filler. Allow to dry overnight.
- Apply joint compound all over the surface using a putty knife.
- To make sure the edges are smooth and uniform, cover the exposed edges with joint compound and smooth it out. Make sure all the holes and crevices are covered.
- Using a random orbital sander, sand down the joint compound.
- Once the joint compound is properly sanded down, wipe off all the dust using a tack-cloth or a wet rag.
- Apply 2 coats of primer using a paint sprayer (or manually). Allow to dry 3-6 hours and sand between each coat of paint.
- Apply 2 coats of paint using a paint sprayer or manually. Sand lightly between each coat with super-fine grit and wipe off all the dust.
- Apply a couple of coats of polyacrylic - in matte or gloss - depending on your preference and you're done.
Oven Fresh Cake says
Great work !! Thank a lot Buddy!!
Patricia says
The use of joint compound is genius! I never heard of that before. Great tip!
John says
As a regular woodworker I learned something new today. Never considered using joint compound to smooth open grain wood. Great idea!
Arlene Puentes says
Thank you for your post. As a weekend warrior woodworker I think it’s hard enough to do the task, never mind photographing it and explaining it!
A technique I’ve used for painting or staining plywood I got from an old George Grotz (AKA The Furniture Doctor) book. It is to varnish, let dry, then sand, and repeat. The varnish seeps into the soft part of the plywood. The sanding takes it off the had part of the plywood. Then when the plywood is stained or painted the surface is smooth.
Also I like rounding the edges just a little bit.
Anyway, thank you again. Great post. It’s also great that you’re wearing a mask! That dust is no good for us.