### Wood Moisture Content Moisture content in wood refers to the amount of water present within its structure. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the wood's dry weight. Wood moisture content can significantly impact its properties, including its durability, dimensional stability, and susceptibility to damage. ### What Should the Moisture Content of Wood Be Before Painting? Determining the appropriate moisture content for wood before painting is crucial to ensure a successful and long-lasting paint job. The ideal range varies depending on the type of paint used and the climate conditions in the area where the wood will be used. In general, the following guidelines are recommended: * **Oil-based paints:** Wood moisture content should be between 10% and 15%. * **Water-based paints:** Wood moisture content should be between 8% and 12%. * **Exterior paints:** Wood moisture content should be below 15%. Wood with moisture content outside of these ranges may experience issues such as: * **Peeling or blistering:** Excess moisture can cause the paint to detach from the wood. * **Cracking:** High moisture content can lead to the wood shrinking and causing cracks to form in the paint. * **Mildew or rot:** Moisture trapped within the wood can create an environment conducive to mildew or rot growth.