Douglas fir can be sanded very smooth and it takes paint extremely well. You can apply semi-gloss paint (over primer, of course), or even high-gloss to achieve a sleek, smooth look. You may have to search out a specialty lumber dealer to find Douglas fir, since it's not carried in most home centers.

In this manner, can I paint green Douglas fir?

Yes, Douglas Fir is made ready for painting, staining and sealing. If purchasing green Douglas Fir Lumber, be sure the lumber is dry to the touch before finishing.

Also, how do you waterproof a Douglas fir? How to Seal a Douglas Fir for Exterior Use

  1. Sand the surface of the wood smooth with 180 grit sandpaper. Follow the grain of the wood when sanding.
  2. Apply a thin coat of a water-based latex exterior wood sealer to the Douglas fir with a nylon paintbrush.
  3. Let the sealer dry according to the package directions.

Also to know is, can Douglas fir be stained?

Douglas fir is light-amber in color with a somewhat benign character if not properly stained to bring out the minimal grain patterns. Douglas fir can be beautiful in the right hands using the right stain. Part of the key is to open pores with sandpaper to allow stain penetration.

Is Douglas fir the same as pine?

Pine tends to have broad grain lines that wander, and if not properly prepared and dried the soft wood between those grain lines may expand and contract, causing cupping and twisting. Douglas Fir on the other hand, features a tight, flowing grain pattern that resists warping and twisting.

Related Question Answers

How Long Will Douglas fir last outside?

10-15 years

Can you paint fir?

Douglas fir can be sanded very smooth and it takes paint extremely well. You can apply semi-gloss paint (over primer, of course), or even high-gloss to achieve a sleek, smooth look. You may have to search out a specialty lumber dealer to find Douglas fir, since it's not carried in most home centers.

What happens if you paint green wood?

Re: Painting Green wood

Stain wouldn't be a problem as it soaks into the wood. Anything that dries on the surface will probably crack and flake off. Like Kent said, you will need to be a little carefull in how you attach the wood. If it's green then it's going to shrink.

What is green Douglas fir lumber?

Green Douglas Fir Lumber

As one of the strongest and hardest of all softwood species, Douglas fir provides excellent strength-to-weigh ratios and dimensional stability. All dimensions are manufactured in 8′ to 20′ lengths. Virtually any size can be sawn within these parameters.

How do you dry wood for painting?

  1. Wash the surface with soap and a stiff brush and rinse.
  2. Wait for it to dry (possibly weeks or months) – check for dryness by sprinkling with a water – if it beads-up, it's still wet.
  3. Prime the surface with primer designed for exterior use on pressure treated wood.
  4. Let the primer dry – may take a couple of days.
  5. Paint.

Can you use Kilz outside?

KILZ® GENERAL PURPOSE EXTERIOR is a fast-drying latex primer and sealer, specifically formulated for outdoor use. It minimizes problems caused by surface texture and porosity differences. It's ready to brush, roll or spray and can be topcoated after one hour with latex or oil-based paint.

Can you paint fresh cut wood?

You can paint it while fresh but there is no reason for that since the paint should protect from water entering when the wood is dry and not the other way around. It won't damage the wood but the wood can crack in places and you can‘t tell where if it's not dried properly . Dry wood won't crack later.

Can you stain green wood?

Stain it green, fine. But the wood will shrink and leave little unstained streaks from the shrinkage. However, it could be re-stained at that point. Might be smarter to wait until the wood shrinks and is stable in place and then stain it.

What is the best finish for Douglas fir?

Dye-based stains are ideal for very fine or close-grained woods like CVG Douglas fir. Pigment-based stains tend to hide the natural grain because they sit on the surface, but they do leave your wood with an impressive color effect. They work best on less dense woods.

How do you stain a rough sawn Douglas fir?

How to Stain Rough Cut Lumber
  1. Work outdoors if possible.
  2. Wash the rough-cut lumber thoroughly by spraying it with the pressure washer.
  3. Smooth any rough or splintering portions of the lumber using 80 to 120 grit sandpaper.
  4. Place the lumber on heavy-duty drop cloths.
  5. Pour the stain into the 5-gallon bucket, about one-third full.

Is Douglas fir good for dining table?

In comparison to its weight, Douglas fir ranks as the strongest of all American woods. It is also stiff, stable, and relatively decay resistant. Douglas fir's coarse texture can't easily be worked with hand tools. Flatsawed, Douglas fir makes attractive, serviceable cabinets and paintable furniture.

Is Douglas fir wood weather resistant?

As with any wood, fir is susceptible to changes in humidity and cannot be made truly waterproof without being chemically treated, or coated with a waterproof coating. The most common lumber fir is the Douglas fir.

Is White Fir rot resistant?

Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance, with little resistance to insect attacks. Workability: Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though some drying defects may be present or occur while drying the wood. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Is fir wood durable?

Stability and Durability

Douglas fir is unusual among softwoods in that it retains its size and shape as it seasons. It dries straight and true. It also seasons relatively quickly. A very durable wood, the heartwood is especially resistant to decay.

How do you waterproof pine for outdoor use?

How to Waterproof Pine
  1. Purchase an oil-based primer or stain and water sealant at your local hardware store.
  2. Paint one or two layers of water sealant onto each pine piece.
  3. Brush over each piece with the oil-based primer or stain ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
  4. Reassemble the pieces of pine, if necessary.

How big do Douglas firs get?

Coast Douglas firs are the faster-growing and larger of the two varieties, and they commonly grow up to 250 feet (76 meters) in old-growth forests and can reach five to six feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) in diameter. Rocky Mountain Douglas firs measure about the same in diameter but only grow up to 160 feet (49 meters).

How do you prepare wood for outdoor use?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.
  1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
  2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
  3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

How do you preserve wood for outdoor use?

For a natural-wood look, apply multiple coats of exterior spar varnish that contains added UV blockers. Spar varnish produces a built-up finish that provides more protection than oil. Avoid deck stains or penetrating finishes that don't offer enough protection for untreated wood outdoors.