Sealing wood
is an important "First-Step" in the painting
process. Grain rises when paint or water, etc. is applied to raw
wood. Sealing and sanding your wood first solves this problem and
one coat of First-Step is all that is necessary!
First-Step is non-toxic, water based and odorless when dry. Dries
in just minutes (never gels). After using FIRST-STEP you may stain
with oil or acrylic stain.
FIRST-STEP eliminates warping and seals
wood-knots.
Mix First-Step with the paint of your choice for first coat coverage.
Simply mix 1/3
First-Step and 2/3 any brand of acrylic paint. This leaves a beautiful
linen like base coat.
It's so easy to use. Apply with a sponge or brush, let stand
for approximately 20 minutes , or until dry-to-touch, then proceed
to sand and tack. Clean up is easy with water.
FIRST-STEP is perfect for any fabric covered project,
too. Read the easy, step-by-step directions for fabric application
below.
Fabric Applications
Cut fabric slightly larger than the size of wood piece to be
covered. Cover the entire wood piece, even if you intend to paint
a design on, because you will have a line where the fabric isn't
on the wood. You will paint the details over the fabric.
Pour FIRST-STEP sealer on the wood and quickly spread the
sealer over the top of the wood surface. Don't panic if there
are
puddles of sealer on the wood, the fabric will absorb the excess.
Lay the untreated* fabric directly on the wood. With the brush
apply a heavy coat of FIRST-STEP. Use a brayer* to roll out wrinkles
and
bubbles. Then use an old credit card as a squeegee to insure
all the bubbles are out. After this is done apply another coat
of FIRST-STEP
and let it all dry.
*Untreated means do not wash the fabric first, or do anything
to the fabric before it is applied to the wood.
*If you don't own a brayer you may use a piece of doweling
cut about 6" long.
Once the piece is dry, the edges can be cut with a razor blade
or an exacto knife. Using an old emery board works wonders to
remove the
excess fabric.
Now you are ready to sand the fabric. Use a fine sanding
oval or the finest grit sandpaper you can find and lightly sand
the
fabric.
The fabric will sand as smooth as a piece of wood. Do not try
and paint the fabric without sanding. It's hard on your
brushes and makes it difficult to paint.
If you plan to paint over the fabric,
apply your pattern now, and proceed.
You
will love the ease of applying fabric to wood, glass, gourds,
ceramics, cork or metal. This technique also works
well to line the inside of a trunk or cover the back of an ornament.
The only limit is your imagination! Bring new life to
old picture
frames, canvas notebooks, painted gourds and wood
pieces. Just imagine what you can do with this fun and easy
technique!
