What is the recommended method to prepare wood that has weep and pitch?

• A. Sealing
• B. Sanding
• C. Painting
• D. Cleaning

Answer: (A)

Pitch and weep cause oils from the wood to bleed into the finish, leaving stains and blotches. Sealing the surface with a barrier primer or sealer blocks those oils and provides a stable base for the topcoat. A shellac- or oil-based sealer is particularly effective at stopping resin from migrating, so after cleaning and a light sanding, apply the sealer, let it dry, then proceed with the finish. Sanding alone doesn't stop the bleed and painting directly on untreated wood can let the pitch show through, while cleaning helps prepare the surface but doesn't prevent bleed. Sealing is the right prep step to keep the finish clean and consistent.