How to Paint a Wood Beam
- 1). Remove all furniture, rugs and accessories from the room being painted. Ceiling painting frequently sprays drops of paint in a wide area.
- 2). Cover the floor with a drop cloth. Use plastic sheeting to protect fireplaces, columns or other surfaces that cannot be moved.
- 3). Position a tall ladder under the beams and tape along the ceiling adjacent to each beam. Tape off all beams before you start so that you can prime all of the beams at once.
- 4). Use a primer designed for the type of surface you will be painting. If your beams are very rough, use a paint designed to penetrate and seal rough wood. For smoother surfaces a standard primer should work. Some wood types may require additional sealing, such as knotty pine. Roll the flat surfaces of the beam and use a paint brush for any areas that the roller cannot cover. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.
- 5). Paint the beams with a flat finish paint. Roll the flat areas and use a paint brush for the edges and for any areas that the roller doesn't cover. Allow each coat to dry at least four hours if you need more than one coat.
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