How to Paint a Hardboard

Prepping

• 1

  Lift and remove any loose or peeling paint gently, using a paint scraper. Gently press the paint scraper into the wood and move downward to scrape paint. Do not dig or gouge into the hardboard.

• 2

  Combine three parts warm water to one part household bleach in a bucket. Use a sponge to rub on any mildew on the hardboard. Let the mixture work into the hardboard for 20 minutes. Add more solution as needed to remove mildew, if necessary. Use a cloth dampened in cool water to wash away the bleach solution once all mildew is removed.

• 3

  Mix 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap per every cup of warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge in the mixture and clean the hardboard. Remove any dirt, dust and debris from the wood. Use a cloth dampened in cool water to remove soap residue.

Priming

• 4

  Pour latex primer into a paint tray. Depending on the size of the item you are painting, dip a paintbrush or paint roller into the paint. Roll or paint over the textured portion of a paint tray to remove excess primer.

• 5

  Prime the hardboard. Beginning at the top of the hardboard, slowly paint downward in a long, even stroke. Continue until the hardboard is covered in a layer of primer. Allow the hardboard to dry.

• 6

  Add a second layer of primer, if needed.

Painting

• 7

  Pry open the paint can with a butter knife. Use a paint mixing stick to stir the paint thoroughly. Pour the paint into a paint tray.

• 8

  Dip a paintbrush or roller into the paint, depending on the size of the object to be painted. Roll or paint over the textured portion of a paint tray to remove excess primer.

• 9

  Paint the hardboard. Beginning at the top of the hardboard, slowly paint downward in a long, even stroke. Continue until the hardboard is covered in a layer of paint. Allow the paint to dry.

• 10

  Add two to three coats of paint depending on desired color.