How to Paint Rough Cut Exterior Wood

Rough cut wood is utilized for various exterior building projects. It is a fraction of the cost of finished lumber, and it is typically thicker than finished cuts. However, painting newly installed rough cut lumber can present a challenge because of its jagged and splintered surfaces. It is possible, though, to find and apply an exterior primer and paint that can stand up to all the conditions that nature can dish out and stay on rough cut lumber, which is constantly moving, splitting and warping.

Things You'll Need

• Rough cut wood
• Pressure washer
• Paint tray
• High-nap paint roller
• High-build acrylic stain-blocking primer
• 100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash the rough cut lumber with the spray from a pressure washer nozzle held at least 12 inches from its surface. Allow the wood to dry for 48 hours.

   • 2

     Apply an even coat of high-build (filling) acrylic stain-blocking primer to the wood surface with a paint roller. Allow the primer to dry for four hours.

   • 3

     Apply two even coats of 100 percent acrylic exterior paint to the primed wood with a paint roller. Allow the first coat to dry for six hours before applying the second.