How to Paint Poplar Wood

Poplar has a tight, uniform grain that gives it excellent resistance to twisting, warping or bending. These same qualities also make poplar an outstanding wood for accepting and holding paint. Either oil-based or latex paints may be used on poplar, but be sure to match the primer type--oil or latex--to the type of finish paint you intend to use for the best, most professional results.

Sandpaper in 80-, 120-, and 180-grits
Tack cloth
Paintbrush
Stain-blocking primer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the bare poplar wood. Start with the coarse, 80-grit sandpaper to remove surface marks, then re-sand the entire surface with 120-grit paper, and finally 180-grit paper, which removes small scratches left behind by the previous papers.
- 2
  Clean the poplar with a tack cloth--a piece of cheesecloth impregnated with sticky resins that pick up sanding dust. Turn the tack cloth over as you work to keep a clean area against the surface of the wood for the most complete dust removal.
- 3
  Apply a coat of stain-blocking primer. Follow the manufacturer's directions for application guidelines and drying time. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
- 4
  Sand the primer coat very lightly with 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface clean of dust with a tack cloth, turning it as you work as described in Step 2.
- 5
  Paint the primed surface with a quality latex or oil-based paint and a brush made for the type of paint you use. Once the first coat is completely dry, add a second coat if the primer shows through the first coat or if the first coat is uneven in appearance.

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