The white area is from water damage not paint.
Should I re-hydrate wood before I paint?
by
Texann
I purchased a severely damaged cedar chest and I'd like to paint the exterior. The interior is is pretty good shape and I think sanding it will bring back the cedar smell. The outside is extremely dry and looks like it was sitting in the rain.
The white isn't paint, it's water damage. I'm wondering if I should use oil or something to moisturize the wood before I paint it or will that make the paint not adhere properly? I plan to sand it but not sure if that's enough.
Sand it smooth then use 50/50 boiled linseed oil and paint thinner. Keep applying until it will absorb no more then rub it dry with a towel. Allow to harden for a few days or a week then sand again with fine sandpaper before painting. I have done this often and believe that it protects the wood much better than just painting.
Prime and paint.if you use linseed oil (not natural to cedar), you are possibly asking for fisheye which will require another few steps to eliminate. In the past we have primed with a high quality primer and then followed up with good quality paint. This has worked well for us for over 30 years.
Do not try to rehydrate with anything. Paint will not adhere or last. Just sand it smooth, prime with Kilz, and paint your color. It may take two+ coats of primer if it's real dry. Seal with at least three coats of a water based polyurethane. I like Minwax products.