Author Topic: Primer on Untreated Wood  (Read 4442 times)

Vandal09

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Primer on Untreated Wood
« on: January 05, 2017, 03:37:27 PM »
Hi all- I've started to paint trim, windows, baseboards, and beams in my downstairs. The wood has never been treated with even a clear coat to protect it. It's bare pine. Beforehand, I hit all the knots with this really watery primer, which was recommended by the paint guy at my local hardware store. I did one coat of primer so far, but it looks uneven and streaky- like you can see the brush strokes. All wood is covered though. I already planned on two coats of white trim paint, but should I be considering a second coat of primer too?

Papa bear

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Re: Primer on Untreated Wood
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2017, 04:12:01 PM »
I'm not sure if you were clear enough.  Did you prime everything or only the knots?  For the trim and woodwork, is this unfinished trim? Or has it been stained and finished already? 

Make sure you prime all bare wood. And if you haven't primed everything yet, rough sand (60-80 grit) the beam as it's probably dimensional lumber. Fine sand the woodwork and trim (180-220 grit).  If the woodwork and trim has been finished with stain and finish coat, make sure you sand the finish coat off or your paint won't adhere properly.

I usually use 1 coat of primer.  personally I use zinsser latex based primer.  (I feel it covers better than kilz, but kilz does a fine job as well)

You will paint with your finish paint after the primer dries.  If you want to avoid brush strokes, you can use a small foam roller especially on flat areas.

I've never had problems brush painting a finish coat for trim work, but have used the foam roller for furniture or cabinets.

If you are painting pine lumber on the beam, you won't have a very smooth finish.  If you go with a glossy finish, you will show imperfections more than if you use flat paint.   Most woodwork trim should be fairly clear wood and won't have the same problems.


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Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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Re: Primer on Untreated Wood
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2017, 04:30:49 PM »
Between the rough and fine sanding, wipe the wood with a damp cloth. This will cause the wood fibers to lift before final sanding, then they get sanded off during the final sanding. If you don't, the fibers can lift during priming.

Just thought I'd throw that in there.... may not be important, but good luck!

Vandal09

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Re: Primer on Untreated Wood
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2017, 05:43:46 PM »
I'm not sure if you were clear enough.  Did you prime everything or only the knots?  For the trim and woodwork, is this unfinished trim? Or has it been stained and finished already? 

**I used a very watery primer product (I don't have the can near me) on all the knots (the paint store guy said I had to use it, as the Kilz primer wouldn't cover it on its own. After that dried, all the wood was covered with the Kilz primer. All the wood is unstained and unfinished.

Make sure you prime all bare wood. And if you haven't primed everything yet, rough sand (60-80 grit) the beam as it's probably dimensional lumber. Fine sand the woodwork and trim (180-220 grit).  If the woodwork and trim has been finished with stain and finish coat, make sure you sand the finish coat off or your paint won't adhere properly.

**All the bare, unfinished wood was primed, it just looks streaky to me. I didn't sand anything down- none of the wood was particularly rough, so I figured it'd be ok.


Papa bear

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Re: Primer on Untreated Wood
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2017, 06:12:29 PM »
Must have been some nasty dark knots? I've never used anything special for them. 

You should be good to go to paint over the primer now with 1 coat.  If you have decent paint you should have no problem with coverage.  If you have cheap paint you may need a 2nd coat to finish it up.


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aerofreaky`

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Re: Primer on Untreated Wood
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2017, 07:37:48 PM »
Look at the product you're using. I would suggest a heavy duty primer sealer. Zinsser makes a good product that cleans up with ammonia and water.  It contains a shellac.  I highly recommend it for sealing knots. 

 

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