How to Paint Oil on Wood

Wipe down the areas to be painted with a dry painter's rag to remove any dust or sanding material.

Cover any areas that you don't want to paint with painter's masking tape. Outline the trim with the tape so that your brush and roller don't hit the trim as you paint.

Stir the oil-based primer with the paint stirring stick to incorporate the top layer of oil into the rest of the paint primer.

Pour some paint thinner into the primer to thin it for easier coverage, and then stir to incorporate. Refer to the label on the paint can for specific measurements for the brand of primer you are using.

Pour oil-based primer into the paint tray.

Dip the China hair paintbrush into the primer, and wipe the excess paint off on the lip of the tray.

Paint the trim and any small areas that are inaccessible to a paint roller with the primer. Use long, even strokes for the best finish.

Dip a paint roller with a roller cover into the paint, and roll the excess paint off on the ribbed section of the paint tray.

Roll the primer onto the wood surface with long, even strokes, starting from one end of a section and working your way to the other side. Work with a 3- to 4-foot section at a time, rolling in one direction and then reverse to paint in the opposite direction until you return to the starting point.

Continue this process of rolling on the primer until all wood surfaces are covered with one coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely following the guidelines on the back of the paint can for approximate dry times.

Pour 2 or 3 inches of mineral spirits in a one-gallon bucket.

Dip your paintbrush and roller into the mineral spirits repeatedly, then rub the spirits into the brush by hand to release the oil-based primer from the bristles. Repeat several times until all the primer is removed, and then dry the brush and roller with a clean rag.

Pour some mineral spirits into the paint tray and wipe with a rag until clean.

Prepare the oil-based paint by stirring and adding paint thinner in the same way you prepared the oil-based primer. Pour some prepared paint into the paint tray.

Paint the trim with the China-hair paintbrush, following the same procedure that you used for the primer application. If you find that the paint is too thick or streaky as you paint, add a little more paint thinner to the can and stir it well.

Roll the paint onto the walls with the paint roller to apply the first coat. Use an extension pole if necessary.

Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely. The amount of time it takes to dry varies depending on the type of paint and the environmental conditions, but it must be completely dry for proper application of a second coat.

Roll a second coat of paint onto the walls in the same way that you applied the primer and first coat of paint, and then let it dry completely. Two coats should be enough for even coverage, but you'll have to wait until the paint dries to know for sure.

Roll a third coat of paint onto the walls if you determine it still needs it, or use the paintbrush to touch up small sections.

Clean the brush, roller and paint tray with mineral spirits, and then put all of your equipment away.