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Preparation is the key to a good paint job and plywood is no exception. Before you start painting, take your dustpan brush and give the plywood surface a good dust down to clear away any debris.
To get a smooth surface, you need to fill up any holes. Mix some builders bog up with some hardener on a piece of cardboard with your scraper or putty knife. The more hardener you use, the quicker it's going to set, so you need to work fast. You could also use regular wood filler.
Once you've mixed it together, use your scraper to fill the holes with it. If you're fussy about the edges of your plywood and don't want to see the end grain, apply the builders bog to that too.
Once the wood filler is dry, give the surface a light sand to make it smooth. Make sure you wear your dust mask, ear muffs and eye protection for this step. When you're finished, wipe away any excess dust with your dustpan brush.
Mask any areas that you don't want covered in paint with some painters tape. We want to keep the raw timber look around the edges, so we've masked them. This will prevent paint splatters or smears.
Before you start painting, put down a drop sheet to help keep the area clean. Then give your paint a good stir. Depending on the paint, you might need to apply a primer, but the paint we're using doesn't require that.
Next, apply your topcoat. We just want to apply one coat because it's an outdoor workbench that only needs waterproofing. Remember to apply the first coat in the direction of the grain for a smooth, even finish.
To apply more coats, leave the paint to dry, then give it a light sand and wipe away any dust.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
