How to Paint Plywood?
June 10, 2025
Painting plywood is a great way to improve its aesthetics, protect it and bring it up-to-date for modern interiors. In many situations, the plywood is refurbished as a surface (e.g., plywood cabinets, plywood doors, plywood ceilings) or the plywood is refinished (e.g., repainted plywood floors), the ability to paint plywood effectively is necessary for creating a durable and refined finish.
At Royale Touche, we recognize that customers want not just functionality, but visual sophistication for interiors. So if you are wondering how to paint plywood, this guide will help you throughout the utility, reflect common worries, and give you professional definitions about paint or finish on the different plywood surfaces.
Why Paint Plywood?
Plywood is a versatile and inexpensive material used in many instances for furniture, interior and structural purposes. But, raw plywood is not always the most refined material in high-end interiors. This is where painting plywood becomes necessary. A well-painted plywood surface can accurately mimic the appearance of a more expensive finish and provide a moisture barrier. Plus, you can often find a color that matches your interior decor.
What You'll Need to Paint Plywood?
Before we learn how to paint ply, we will be sure we have the following materials:
- Sandpaper (80-grit for initial prep, and 220-grit when ready for final prep)
- Wood filler (if using)
- Putty knife
- Tack cloth
- Primer (shellac-based or acrylic is preferred)
- Latex or acrylic paint (high-quality)
- Various paint brushes/sliders/rollers
- Painter's tape
- Sealant (only if using for flooring or if you're worried about high traffic areas)
Step-by-Step: How to Paint Plywood
Preparation is Key
Cleaning the plywood surface is the first step. Dust, oils or grime can affect the paint on plywood. If you are dealing with old plywood, or second-hand furniture, warm water mixed with a mild detergent works best. Allow the surface to dry completely.
Tip: If you find any imperfections, holes, or damage in the plywood, you can use a wood filler. After the filler dries, sand the areas with 80-grit sandpaper to make it smooth.
Sanding
Plywood surfaces tend to be slightly rough. Sanding will help smooth it out, and will also help the primer and paint adhere better. First, sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper, and finish with 220-grit sandpaper to make the base smoother. Wipe off sanding dust with a tack cloth.
Priming the Surface
Priming your plywood is important before painting. Priming seals the surface, prevents blotching, and promotes even paint absorption. You can use a shellac-based or acrylic primer for best results. Use either a brush or roller for application, and apply one to two coats, making sure each layer dries in between.
Can we paint on plywood without a primer? Technically yes, but your results will not be as good as they would be if you used the primer. If you want a professional look, prep and prime the plywood.
Painting Plywood
After priming, you are ready to paint. You can use latex or acrylic paint, both are durable for interior use. You can apply two to three thin coats of paint with a roller on large, flat surfaces and a brush around edges and corners. Let each coat dry before applying additional coats. If you are wondering how you paint plywood without streaks, the answer is light sanding between coats and using higher-quality brushes and rollers.
Sealing (Optional but Highly Recommended)
If the surface is going to be heavily used, you may want to consider sealing it, such as with a polyurethane or a water-based sealer, to provide additional protection and make it easier to clean.
Tips by Application
How to Paint a Plywood Door?
- Remove the door from its hinges for easier access.
- Sand it and clean it well.
- Use a primer on the entire surface and the edges.
- Use a foam roller to minimize brush strokes.
- Satin or semi-gloss paint works well for durability and easy cleaning.
How to Paint Plywood Cabinets?
- Remove all hardware and cabinet doors.
- Clean thoroughly with a degreaser.
- Apply a stain-blocking primer.
- Use high-quality cabinet-grade enamel or semi-gloss paint.
- Sand lightly between coats.
How to Paint a Plywood Ceiling?
- Protect all surroundings with drop cloths.
- Use stain-blocking primer to avoid discoloration.
- A roller with extension poles is helpful.
- Flat or eggshell paint helps reduce glare.
- Check for drips or sags during drying.
How to Paint a Plywood Floor?
- Use an industrial-grade heavy-duty primer.
- Apply floor or porch paint designed for traffic.
- Use three coats and finish with polyurethane for durability.
- Allow the surface to fully cure before use.
Painting Plywood to Royal Touche Standards
At Royale Touche, we believe in quality craftsmanship whether you are using our high-end decorative laminates or painting plywood. Royale Touche products are built with durability and surface uniformity, making them a great base for any painted plywood project. Starting with Royale Touche plywood means smoother, stronger, more uniform surfaces for your creative needs.
Conclusion
Whether it is cabinet refurbishing, ceiling beautification, or flooring reinvention, painting plywood is a modern and affordable solution. Knowing the process to paint plywood correctly, using quality materials, proper prep, and priming means you get professional-looking results that last. With confidence drawn from this guidance, you now know how to paint plywood and can take on any home project with style and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I paint a plywood door?
Remove the door, sand the surface and apply primer. Paint the door with a foam roller to get an even coat. Use durable semi-gloss paint.
How do I paint plywood cabinets?
Clean the cabinets before painting, remove handles or hardware if needed, and then apply primer. Semi-gloss enamel or good cabinet-grade paint is better. Sanding between coats improves quality.
How do I paint a plywood ceiling?
Protect surroundings, apply stain-blocking primer, then paint the area using a roller or extension pole. Flat paints for ceilings typically minimize reflection.
Can I paint a plywood floor?
Sand the surface, apply primer, and coat with floor-grade paint. Polyurethane adds durability for high-traffic areas.
Related Blogs
Which is the Best Plywood for Ceilings?
