JMadson Custom Wood Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 If you were to make a headboard that was going to be painted, what wood you chose? Arts and Crafts style, in case you're wondering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombarde16 Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Whatever is in the shop and needs to be used up! Lovely when historical authenticity and economic frugality intersect like that, isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMadson Custom Wood Posted January 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 I like your thinkin' Rob, but unfortunately, the only thing I have extra in the shop right now is cherry and walnut. I will never paint either of those. Heck, I would rather use the cherry for smoking a pork butt before I would paint it. Poplar is cheap around my neck of the wood, any objections to that as a choice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fransikaner Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Maple/birch would be my first choice for painted furniture. I use poplar with millwork and other projects sometimes. If you undercoat properly (two coats) and use alkyds, I find it holds up fairly well. It will still dimple faster than maple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fransikaner Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 By the bye, I concur with your prioritized use of the cherry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Poplar is renowned for it's ability to take paint well. It is commonly the wood stock of choice when building woodworking projects that will be painted. It is relatively resistant to decay, and when sanded, primed and painted thoroughly, should hold up well to normal wear and tear for many interior projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Poplar would be my first choice - it is relatively inexpensive and easy to paint. Can you use MDF? It's messy to machine, but nothing takes better than MDF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian VanVreede Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Poplar paints wonderfully! And cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Just as a note, if you decide to use pine with any knots in it, make sure you prime it well. The knots can affect the finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Poplar is paint grade and cheap, but not as stable as maple. Maple would be my choice since it is closed grain and more stable than poplar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 ^^^ +1 on the poplar. Probably the best wood for painting I've used other than a cabinet grade ply. Some tradeoff's; ply (Okoume) will be guanteed stable but is a little on the pricey side (depending on thickness). Poplar is inexpensive, but is still a lumber and subject to movement... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jfitz Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 I would most likely use poplar or birch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.