How to paint new softwood bookcase?

Procrastinator333

We have just had a fitted bookcase installed. It is softwood. We want to finish up with water based satinwood to match the other woodwork in the house. But my question is on what needs to come before the waterbased satinwood? What primer is best, how many coats etc?

Thanks!

vansboy

I used Homebase and B&Q own label water based primer/undercoat ccombined, with good results. The Dulux one was not water based.

Probably three coats, then two/three top coats.

15% discount at Homebase this weekend

VB

andydiysaver

I love the liberon stuff you can get cheap off ebay - either in water or spirit - finish is excellent really keeps the graining of the wood, have done a lot of my furniture with it but note if you go down that route you have to seal it in after or it'll come out again e.g. with spilled water etc. do it up, 1 coat, another a day later, seal it, job done

cyclonebri1

Why do you need undercoat for a coloured lacquer?

By far the best bet is to stain the woodwork then apply a finish, however many coats are needed, likely 3 in total. Sand between each coat to give both a key and a fine finish.

The problem with any stained lacquer is that the colour both increases with every coat, plus any runs are like dark stalactites or waves.

arbrighton

Hate hate hate the waterbased satin finish. We started using it here because it said quick drying. But it was runny and even three coats didn't cover. This was on properly prepped but previously painted woodwork.
Sand and wipe down, primer then the satin finish stuff