Using Birch Cradles - Prepping the surface

This may seem like a lot of fuss, but it all saves time and effort in the long run.

PART TWO
Prepping the surface

1. Sand the sides and front surface to remove any splinters and rough spots. This should be done with fine grain sand paper or a sanding sponge. If you don't do this you will regret it. Splinters are nasty and roughness soaks up paint.
2. Coat visible edges and surface with Golden GAC 100. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours. This stops any bleed through of acid from the wood and glue which will discolour paint over time.
3. For a modern look paint edges with white or black gesso painting over the front edge slightly. Run the brush along the edges and corners to smooth any drips and bumps. You can also use acrylic paint, which is less matte. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
4. Lightly sand to remove drips and rough spots.
5. For oil paint coat surface with gesso and dry for 24 hours.
6. For acrylic and collage it is better to coat with Liquitex medium and varnish or any acrylic medium. This does not need to dry.
7. Stick blue painters masking tape around edge and Flush with top surface but no further.
8. You are ready to paint.

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