new wooden gates - do I sand them before I paint them and other obtuse questions

[handlemecarefully]

Sorry had to post under housekeeping as there wasn't a DIY subject.

Just had these gates put up. They are sort of rough hewn 'naked' wood (in it's natural state iyswim). Do I just go ahead and paint them? or do I have to sand them first (please say 'no'). Do I put anything else on them before I paint them, and what sort of paint do I use.

Both dh and I are 'DIY challenged'

Ok it is not the most rivetting subject but I do need to know...

I think use primer on them first. You can just go ahead and paint, but the paints soaks in so you need more coats. If use primer first, that "seals" the wood so just one or two coats of paint should do.

(should point out I am complete amateur but have learnt by mistakes!)

Find tins of primer beside undercoat in B&Q etc, and these days backs of tins give plenty of basic advice

Thanks kittyb

sorry but you should sand between coats. i have just painted 21 kitchen doors and drawers it has been a steep learning curve.

prime- sand a lot (with a pad of fine paper) - prime again - sand a bit - first coat gloss/eggshell - quick sand - final coat eggshell/gloss 3months later - fantastic doors/gate/windows

OMG all that sanding. Ok - thanks Manitz. I suppose we ought to do it properly

I just painted my one with fence paint!

it really depends what sort of gate you've got. i'm going to creosote or equiv my side gate. I can't picture what sort of gate you're talking about and must admit that the kitchen door business was cos the house was full of decorators making me do all that. in my first flat i just painted the cobwebs in with as many coats as would cover.

If you do go the professional route the 3m between coats pads are about 3.50 for 1. I found the local decorating shop does black un branded pads for 50p a go. I would avoid the chain diy stores as they are a bit expensive.

ah yes i forgot to add that the real nightmare is the dust and you need to clean it off so a dry paintbrush dusts it off and i was advised for the final coat use a tacksheet which is like a sticky muslin and gets it all off. the first sand is the most important as the first coat really affects the wood and brings out all the fibres, after that you can slack off a bit.

god i think i'm sending myself to sleep...

For rough-cut outside wood you don't have to sand, no, hmc - let alone sand, prime, sand, undercoat, sand and finish (that's for inside smooth wood.)

All you need is one of the fence-type products eg Ducksback or Ronseal Fencelife (there are other brands but can't think of them atm) - just slap it on.

btw I just bought a new gate, from a wood-yard ,and it is "pressure-treated" naked wood which means that in theory it needs no treatment at all for about 15 years.

Prob a good idea to do something to it in the next 5 years or so but no great urgency.

Thanks janh - Manitz it's not that I don't appreciate your advice I do, but I am a lazy feck and JanH has offered me a lifeline so I'll grab it

fair enough. at least you now know what to do should you decide to paint your kitchen doors. BUY NEW ONES.

lol!