What Does Paint Grade Mean?

You want your house to look beautiful. And you want your work to last for a long time. So, you must learn what paint grade means. Then, you have to choose the best materials and products for each project.

What does paint grade mean? It defines the type of millwork on your building materials. Some materials look great with a specific paint grade. That’s because of wood grain and other features that can affect the surface. But stain grade is something else. And it’s more expensive because it looks best with a clear finish.

Paint grade means the material is ready for paint. The wood also features a smooth surface, with all knots and heavy grain patterns removed. You can find paint-grade building materials at most major retailers. However, the prices may vary depending on several factors.

Most manufacturers produce paint-grade products from specific materials. They construct cabinets, countertops, flooring, doors, and other home features using graded wood. So, expect to see poplar, birch, maple, pine, and alder as your primary resources.

NOTE: Some hardware stores sell paint-grade plywood for custom projects. But you have to ask an associate for help.

Paint grade materials and stain grade materials aren’t the same things. But you can find them both in the same stores. That’s because they offer different finishes and fade at different speeds. So, homeowners get to decide which products and grades they prefer.

Stain grade materials are typically higher quality than paint grade cabinets and doors. Paint grade means the wood looks best after being coated with color. You don’t always have to prime it, either. However, homeowners must touch up their pigments often because lacquer peels over time. So, some people finish with a polyurethane.

Complete projects faster and create a modern look with paint-grade wood. But show off nature’s beauty with stain-grade products. And remember that stain grade holds color for longer. Therefore, the first few coats might take a while, but the upkeep is easier.

You should consider durability when weighing your options. Countertops and cabinets can take a beating in high-traffic areas. And that means your chosen finish can fade or scratch over time.

If you want to paint cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom, think about the pros and cons. Remember that your color can crack, chip, and peel if you don’t maintain it. Plus, you must repaint the surface every few years to keep it looking fresh.

Meanwhile, staining cabinets and doors helps you enjoy a beautiful home for longer. Stain-grade materials are already more durable in most cases. And thick, epoxy-based stains can make them even more robust. So, play with the options. Then choose the one that suits your lifestyle best.

DID YOU KNOW: You can buy paint-grade MDF or stain-grade MDF to make custom cabinet doors cheaper.

If paint grade defines the readiness of materials, then what does paint grade MDF mean? MDF is an acronym that stands for “medium density fiberboard.” So, it includes building materials such as plywood and veneer. Thus, paint grade MDF is non-wood material ready for layers of paint. Plus, you usually don’t have to prime the surface because it’s already smooth.

Paint grade MDF is a highly durable composite textile that helps painters produce a grain-free finish. This type of material is perfect for hiding the details of natural wood or creating the illusion of plastic or stone. However, you have to choose between three distinct varieties:

Try to use the best colors when painting MDF. The material is already less durable than most natural woods. And whatever you apply to the surface will affect the finish. So, read labels carefully and ask an associate for some help.

Look for oil-based paints to begin. You can find them in various quantities at your local hardware store. But be sure to pick a compatible primer for underneath. Or buy a paint and primer duo to save some time.

NOTE: You might need some paint thinner when using oil-based lacquer on paint grade MDF.

You can paint stain-grade materials, but you have to use best practices. That means you must strip any existing finish from the surface first. Then, wash it and let it dry before applying primer or color.

Next, paint stain-grade wood with high-quality lacquer to prevent cracking and peeling. Or hire experts to finish the work so you can focus on other things. Either way, always test a section of your building materials to determine it looks under paint vs. stain.

TIP: Try several different colors and finishes to find the one that looks best in your home.

Pine stain is in a different class. You might hear some homeowners call it “knotty pine” because of the prevalence of knots in the grain. It usually has several character defects. But those defects can look good with specific design elements.

People don’t use knotty pine as much anymore. Yet, it still offers the long-lasting beauty it always has. Thus, pine stain is a unique grade that helps enhance the wood’s natural appearance. And in most cases, you can buy large sheets of finishing or unfinished knotty pine at your local hardware store. Plus, it’s cheaper than many other building materials.

TIP: Compare the prices at your favorite retailers to find the best deal. Then, try to buy in bulk to save more money.

Related Questions

Does Painting Cabinets Decrease the Value?

Feel free to paint your kitchen and bathroom cabinets any color. But remember that some home buyers might not like an unnatural look. Painted cabinets can either make or break your sale. So, understand the real estate market before refinishing surfaces in your home.Interestingly, pale or warm yellow paints perform well in commercial houses. That’s because pastel paint helps brighten the space to make it look bigger. And when paired with an open concept layout, you can create the illusion of a large room. Thus, you should compare different designs to determine the most valuable option.

Is It Cheaper to Paint, Stain, or Replace the Wood Trim in My Home?

There is much to consider when deciding whether to paint, stain, or replace the trim in your home. For one, replacing it can cost more money. And you’ll still have to paint or stain it before installation. Meanwhile, staining wood trim can look great. But you must remove old lacquer by sanding the surface. Plus, you have to use stain-grade materials, or the finish will suffer.Painting trim is usually the most innovative approach. If you choose paint grade trim, you can apply one or two coats of color for a professional look. But test a small section first. Then, compare the finishes to determine which option works best.