Burled wood is derived from bulbous malformations within trees. These formations are processed into lumber that is prized for its hardness, color and odd grain patterns. Because burled walnut is dark, it tends to cover poorly. If you try to paint directly over the top of unprimed burled walnut, the paint will peel. While you may use a water-based latex or acrylic primer to ready a burled walnut surface for paint, the natural dark color of the wood may cause streaks in the finish. For a uniform appearance, treat the burled walnut with a stain-blocking primer.
Instructions
1. Sand the existing polyurethane finish from the burled walnut to prevent the primer from peeling. Sand toward the walnut wood grain to avoid damaging the wood. Sand until the burled walnut surface appears dull.
2. Smooth the burled walnut by sanding it with 120-grit sandpaper.
3. Wipe down the burled walnut using tack cloths. Eliminate all sawdust so that the primer has a clean bonding surface.
4. Protect surfaces below and next to the burled walnut by covering each with drop cloths and painter's tape.
5. Apply a light coat of shellac stain-blocking primer to the burled walnut, using a 2- to 4-inch natural china-bristled paintbrush. Brush toward the walnut wood grain. Let the primer dry for two hours.
6. Wash the brush three times with denatured alcohol.
7. Coat the burled walnut with a light coat of latex paint or acrylic enamel, using a 2- to 4-inch polyester-bristled paintbrush. Brush toward the walnut wood grain. Let the burled walnut dry for two hours.
8. Wash the brush three times with water.
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