A TSP cleanser removes existing tannins for reduced mahogany bleeding.
Wood tannin, a natural acidic stain, can seep out of wood pores long after a tree is cut and turned into lumber. Cedar, redwood, walnut, mahogany and a few other types of wood are notorious for high tannin saturation. While tannin bleeding may be a problem if you use general purpose primer and paint on mahogany, there are products available to eliminate bleeding. If you properly prepare the surface, you can prevent tannin seepage for a lasting paint job.
Instructions
1. Sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper if the surface is finished and sealed in gloss. If you're working with raw, unfinished mahogany, you can skip this step.
2. Clean the surface with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleanser and a rag. TSP will clean dirt and sanding dust from the wood's surface, but it is also great for cutting through oily residue. Any current tannin deposits will be wiped clean when you use TSP.
3. Dry the surface using a clean towel or rag.
4. Apply stain-blocking alkyd primer to the mahogany using a paintbrush or paint roller. Although most stain-blocking alkyd primers are marketed for exterior use, they will accept interior-grade paint too, so you can use them on a mahogany dresser, headboard or other indoor item. Wait for the primer to fully dry before proceeding.
5. Paint the primed mahogany surface using a paintbrush or roller and any exterior or interior oil-based paint. While you can use a latex paint if you prefer, oil-based paint will cover the stain-blocking primer in fewer coats.
6. Apply additional coats of paint as necessary after the previous coat dries. With a stain-blocking undercoating, the painted finish will last for years without any tannin bleeding.
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