Table of Contents
Quick Steps Overview
- Sand corbels smooth with 120, 150, then 220-grit sandpaper
- Fill any gaps or imperfections with 2-pack wood filler
- Sand filler smooth once cured
- Apply 1-2 coats of Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer
- Sand lightly between primer coats
- Apply 2-3 coats of Rust-Oleum Top Coat for protection
- Allow full cure time before installation
Wood corbels add elegant architectural detail to kitchens, mantels, and doorways, but unfinished wood needs proper preparation and sealing to look its best and withstand daily use. A professional finish protects the wood from moisture, prevents cracking, and creates a smooth, paintable surface. With the right materials and technique, you can achieve a flawless finish that rivals professional carpentry work.
If you're in the market for beautifully designed wood corbels made in the UK check out our offerings.
Materials You'll Need
Gathering your supplies before starting ensures a smooth workflow and professional results. You'll need sandpaper in three grits (120, 150, and 220), 2-pack wood filler for repairs, Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer for excellent adhesion and stain blocking, and Zinsser Top Coat for a durable protective finish. You'll also want tack cloths for dust removal, quality brushes or foam applicators, painter's tape, and drop cloths to protect your work area.
Don't forget safety equipment including a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves. Working in a well-ventilated space is essential, especially when applying primer and topcoat. Having all materials within reach before you begin prevents interruptions that could affect the quality of your finish.
Step 1: Initial Sanding
Start by examining your corbels for rough spots, mill marks, or splinters. Begin sanding with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any obvious imperfections and create an even surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating visible scratches that will show through your finish.
Progress to 150-grit sandpaper for a smoother surface, then finish with 220-grit for a silky feel. Pay careful attention to carved details and decorative elements, using folded sandpaper or sanding sponges to reach intricate areas. After sanding, wipe down the entire corbel with a tack cloth to remove every trace of dust.
Step 2: Filling Imperfections
Inspect your corbels closely for nail holes, gaps, knots, or other imperfections that need filling. Mix your 2-pack wood filler according to the manufacturer's instructions, working quickly as it begins to set within minutes. Use a putty knife to press filler firmly into holes and gaps, slightly overfilling to account for shrinkage.
Allow the filler to cure completely—usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on temperature and humidity. Once hard, sand the filled areas smooth with 220-grit sandpaper until they're flush with the surrounding wood surface. Remove all sanding dust with a tack cloth before proceeding to ensure proper primer adhesion.
Step 3: Applying Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer
Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer is an excellent choice for wood corbels because it blocks stains, seals knots and resin, and provides superior adhesion for topcoats.
If you use a standard primer on wood with knots over time leech tannings into your paint and will discolour. So its important to use a primer sealer to stop this occurring.
Stir the primer thoroughly but avoid shaking, which creates bubbles. Use a quality brush to apply a thin, even coat, working with the wood grain.
Priming steps:
- Apply primer in long, smooth strokes to avoid brush marks
- Pay special attention to end grain, which absorbs more primer
- Work primer into carved details and crevices with a smaller brush
- Allow the first coat to dry for 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any raised grain
- Remove dust with a tack cloth
- Apply a second coat if wood grain is still visible or coverage is uneven
- Let the final primer coat dry for at least 2 hours before topcoating
Step 4: Applying Rust-Oleum Top Coat
Once your primer is fully dry, you're ready for the protective topcoat. Rust-Oleum Top Coat provides a durable, smooth finish that resists moisture and wear. It's available in various sheens, so choose one that matches your project—satin or semi-gloss work well for most corbel applications.
Topcoat application steps:
- Stir the topcoat gently to avoid creating bubbles
- Apply a thin, even coat using smooth, overlapping strokes
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
- Work from top to bottom to catch any drips
- Allow 2-4 hours drying time (check manufacturer's recommendations)
- Lightly sand with 320-grit sandpaper for smoothness between coats
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth
- Apply 2-3 total coats for maximum durability and a professional appearance
- Allow 24-48 hours cure time before handling or installation
Final Tips
Temperature and humidity significantly affect drying times and finish quality. Work in temperatures between 50-85°F with moderate humidity for best results. If you notice brush marks in your finish, you may be applying coats too thickly—thin, multiple coats always produce better results than thick single coats.
Once fully cured, your finished corbels are ready to install. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging the fresh finish. If installing in moisture-prone areas like kitchens or bathrooms, consider an extra topcoat for added protection. With proper finishing, your corbels will maintain their beautiful appearance for years while adding timeless architectural character to your space.
