How to Stop Wood Knots from Bleeding Through Paint
If you’re painting a piece of wood, whether it’s for a new project or to refinish an old one, you may have encountered the problem of wood knots bleeding through the paint. So today, we’re sharing some tips on how to stop wood knots from bleeding through paint.
This is especially important to know when painting furniture, as it can really be a bummer to put all your effort into a project and end up with unsightly wood knots ruining the finished look.
Knots bleeding through paint can be both frustrating and time-consuming, as you have to repaint the entire surface again just because of a few pesky knots.
Not to mention, it can also ruin the aesthetic of your painted furniture. Whether you’re going for a clean, modern look or a rustic, farmhouse feel, wood knots can throw off the entire design.
We definitely don’t want that to happen! With a little know-how, you can prevent this from happening and get your project done faster.
Let’s see how to deal with wood knots on painted furniture!
Supplies Used to Stop Wood Knots from Bleeding Through Paint
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- BIN Shellac Based Primer, Kilz Oil Based Primer or Cover Stain Primer
- Paint
- Brush or Roller
What are wood knots?
Wood knots are protrusions on the surface of the wood that occurs when a branch or limb grows out from the trunk of a tree. The branch may eventually fall off, or they’re cut off, but the scars left behind remain.
Knots can be considered imperfections in the wood, and as such, they are often hidden during the manufacturing process.
Why do they bleed through paint?
Wood knots contain sap and tannins that can seep through paint and cause discoloration. If they are not properly sealed, they can bleed through paint, causing unsightly discoloration. For these reasons, it is important to properly seal knots before painting or staining any wooden surface.
How to Identify Wood Knots Before Painting
Wood knots are identified by their rounded shape and the fact that they feel raised when running your hand along the surface of the wood.
They can be any size, though they are typically small. If there are any holes in the knots, you can fill them in with wood filler before painting.
To paint over a wood knot, you will first need to use sandpaper to rough up the surface of the knot. This will help the paint to adhere better.
How to stop wood knots from bleeding through paint
One of the most common problems when painting over wood is that the knots in the wood can bleed through the paint, ruining the finish.
There is really only one way to stop this from happening. Seal the knots before painting.
Use Wood Knot Sealants
Use at least 2 coats of BIN shellac based primer or oil based primer like Kilz or Cover Stain to prevent the bleedthrough. Check out my Zinsser Cover Stain Primer review here to learn more about this product. Here’s Cover Stain VS BIN Shellac Primer comparing Cover Stain with BIN Shellac if you’re considering the two.
You can also use both primers, letting the first dry completely before painting a coat of the other one, for maximum blocking power. These primers will create a barrier between the wood and the paint, preventing the knots from bleeding through.
Here’s what do you put on wood knots before painting? to help you properly prepare and treat wood knots. You can also check out our list of best knot blocking primer to know the top knot blocking primer options and find the one that best suits your needs.
You can also check out our list of the best primers to stop tannin bleed here. And here’s our whole guide on how to prevent wood tannins coming through paint from ruining your beautiful paint job.
If you need a clear primer, clear shellac is also a great sealant and is excellent under wood stain. Prime all of the wood, at least once, for the best looking finish overall.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Oil-based primers may need special care with what paint you paint over them. Or wait 48 hours for it to dry before using a water-based paint on top of it. Read the instructions on the back of the can for specific information.
BIN shellac based primer can be top coated with any type of paint. If you’re unsure what type of paint you have, test a small area first to see if the primer adheres properly.
Both oil-based primer and shellac based primers have a strong smell, and both need special cleaners to clean them up.
The Best Paints for Knotty Wood
First, choose a dark-colored paint. The darker color will help to hide any bleedthrough.
Second, use an oil-based paint. The oil will help to block the bleed through from the knots.
If you’re set on using a water-based paint, be extra diligent at applying multiple coats of a stain-blocking primer before using the water-based paint. Here’s our list of the best paint for furniture.
Multiple coats of stain-blocking primers that I mentioned above will block all of the bleed through.
Can wood knots be removed from furniture?
No, wood knots cannot be removed from furniture. These imperfections occur naturally during the growth of a tree and are a part of the wood’s character. Attempting to remove them can cause damage to the furniture.
The good thing is you can minimize the appearance of wood knots with the methods mentioned in this post.
Properly sealing and priming the knots before painting and using dark-colored paints can help to hide them and prevent bleedthrough.
Can wood knots affect the durability of furniture?
Wood knots do not necessarily affect the durability of furniture. Even though they might look like flaws, they’re just a natural part of wood and don’t make furniture less strong.
But, if you leave them as they are without any treatment, they could cause some discoloration and maybe damage in the long run. That’s why it’s important to properly seal and prime them before painting.
Sealing wood knots not only helps with preventing bleedthrough and discoloration, but it also adds an extra layer of protection for the wood. This can improve the durability of furniture in the long term.
Also, priming knots makes sure paint sticks better, creating a strong finish that can handle daily wear and tear.
How to Fix Wood Knots that Bled Through Paint
If you did not prime beforehand or used a low-quality primer, you may find that the wood knots have bled through your paint. Let’s fix that!
First, make sure the paint is fully dry before attempting to fix it. Then, lightly sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe off any dust.
Next, follow our guide above on sealing knots before painting. Once the primer is dry, paint over it with the same color paint to match the rest of your project. You can apply a second coat for better coverage if needed.
Finally, let the paint dry completely before applying a protective top coat to seal in your work. This should fix any issues with wood knots bleeding through paint and leave you with a flawless finish.
While wood knots can present a challenge when painting, following the proper steps and using the right products can help you get a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
By taking the time to identify wood knots before painting and properly preparing them, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a stunning paint job that will last for years to come.
Thanks for reading! We hope this post was helpful. Do you have any tips or tricks for painting over wood knots? Share them with us in the comments below!
How to Stop Wood Knots from Bleeding Through Paint
If you’re painting a piece of wood, whether it’s for a new project or to refinish an old one, you may have encountered the problem of wood knots bleeding through the paint. Here's how to stop wood knots from bleeding through paint.
Tools
Instructions
- Rough up the surface of the wood knot with sandpaper. This will help the paint to adhere better.
- Prime the wood with at least 2 coats of BIN shellac based primer or oil based primer like Kilz or Cover Stain to prevent the bleedthrough. You can also use both primers, letting the first dry completely before painting a coat of the other one, for maximum blocking power.
- Let the primer dry for a few hours before painting over it, for oil-based primers let it dry for at least 48 hours.
- Now, paint your furniture. Choose a dark-colored paint as the darker color will help to hide any bleedthrough.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Painting Furniture Resources
- Best Primers for Painting Furniture
- Best Paints for Wood Furniture
- Best Wood Stain Removers
- How to Paint Stripes on a Wall Without Bleeding
- Best Way to Paint Furniture
Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture. Or share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!