How Do I Paint Mahogany?

Mahogany is a durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetry and fine finish work.

Painting mahogany can be a real challenge. When painting mahogany furniture in a light colour there will almost certainly be bleed through. You can prevent that if you take the proper precautions and use the right kind of products.

You may not think your substrate has grease and grime all over it but it's more than likely, it does. Make sure you thoroughly clean the wood with a grease remover (especially if it is a unit from the kitchen)! If you don't clean the mahogany properly, then the paint may not stick properly and will flake away easily.

Interior

Priming Options

Otex Akva

Helmi Primer

Intermediate (Blocking Primers)

Multistop (ensure it is left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat)

Akvi Isolator (ensure it is left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat)

Due to the dark tannins, we recommend 2 coats of our blocking primers

Topcoat Options

Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required

Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on the sheen level required

Empire Furniture Paint