So, if you're wondering how to get an excellent paint job on your bare wood, keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What Do You Need To Know About Priming Wood?
Priming wood is a deeply important part of any DIY project whether you're priming bare wood, or repainting a piece of wood that's been painted many times.
Primer is a professional painter's best friend!
Why? Because in order to get new paint to really shine and create that beautiful color you're looking for, it's essential to make sure your wood surface is ready toacceptpaint.
Yes, you read that right. You need to prepare your wood grain to be ready to hold on to that paint color because...let's face it, wood can be picky!
It's a finicky (and beautiful) surface that, when treated right, can create a beautiful end-result.
So, when painting wood, there are a few key things to consider when you're trying to figure out exactly how much primer you'll need!
Unfinished Wood vs. Previously Painted Wood
One of the first considerations here is to evaluate whether your wood surface is unfinished wood or a piece of wood that you'll be repainting.
This is important because unfinished wood is aporous surface!
Meaning: it's going to absorb much, much more of what you place on it than wood that is being repainted.
That's because if this wood has been previously painted, it's still going to hold on to some of those old paint molecules deep inside the wood grain.
So even if you plan on sanding it off, it still might not need as many coats of primer as a completely bare piece of wood.
However, even if you're working with a previously painted wood plank or surface, you should still use primer on your surface to make sure it holds on to the new color as much as possible.
Quality & Color Of Wood
Another huge consideration when choosing how much primer you should use as well aswhat kindof primer to use, it's also important to consider the quality of the surface of your wood.
For instance, are you working with a stained piece of wood?
If so, you should consider a tintedprimer to thoroughly cover that stain before you start painting to make sure it's not going to show through that paint color.
Or, are you working with a piece of wood that has a dark color on it already?
You'll probably want to use more coats of primer to fully cover it up so it can accept the newpaint color well.
Where Will The Wood Item Be Placed?
This is another question most people don't consider, which iswhereis your finished project going to be placed when it's finished?
Is it a piece of furniture that will be placed outdoors or used in high-touch, high-traffic situations?
If so, you might want to consider using more coats of primer, and potentially a stain-blocking primer to prevent any staining on your nice newpaint color in the future.
This is something that a quality primer should typically take care of.
Read More >> How Do You Get Primer Off Your Hands?
Removing primer whether it is old or new paint is going to take some work.
If you are removing it from a large surface like a wall, it may be necessary to whip out an electric sanding tool like an orbital sander or palm sander to get the job done fast and efficiently.
And remember, if you are painting over an old wall, it's not necessary to remove the existing paint and primer first; you can smooth out the surface just by roughing it up with 220 grit sandpaper and go to town on the actual painting.
Priming the wall, however, is a great idea and necessary when painting over oil-based paints with water-based(latex) paint products.
What Types of Primer Should You Use?
Now that we've covered how to evaluate your wood surface, the next important question to address is:
What type of primer should I use?
Well, before we jump into that we should address one thing first...avoidself-priming paints!
Why? Because self-priming paints just don't do the trick, especially for bare wood surfaces.
While they can be nice in certain situations, they're not ideal when you're trying to ensure the highest quality finish coat possible.
Whew...now that that's out of the way, let's run through some of the best primers to look for in different situations!
What Type of Paint Are You Using?
So let me ask you a question: for this home improvement project of yours, have you chosen a type of paint yet?
This is important to understand because if you're using exterior paint, you'll want to use a high-build primer to make sure it can maintain the durability of your paint long term.
However, if you're using latex paint, you'll probably want to make sure you use a latex primer as well.
What Are The Best Types of Primers Out There?
There are several amazing brands of primers out there that you can find in pretty much anywhere!
Whether you're looking at Home Depot, Amazon, or your local paint store.
Another excellent all-purpose primer is theKilz Multi-Surface Sealer & Stainblockerwhich is also mildew-resistant and blocks light to medium stains.
Our final recommendation for an amazing primer is thisSherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Interior/Exterior Latex Primer & Sealer.
This leads us ultimately to the meat of this article...
How Many Coats Of Primer Should You Use On Wood?
While this will vary depending on all of the above-mentioned factors, I'm going to outline what you should look for when deciding how many coats of primer to use.
When Should You Use One Coat Of Primer?
One coat of primer will often suffice for wood surfaces if you're painting over an existing coat of paint and even sometimes on bare wood. So how can you tell if it's enough?
If your surface looks like it's fully covered with your primer of choice after one coat of primer and it has dried to the touch with no ability to see through to the wood, you're probably good to go!
Worst comes to worst, you can apply an extra coat of paint if you're not happy with the paint color after a single coat of primer and paint.
When Should You Use More Coats Of Primer?
Those instances when you should use more coats of primer are the situations where you're working with a really worn down piece of wood that is just thirsty for coverage.
For instance, if you're doing a palette wood DIY project and the wood itself has never been covered before it might require two coats of primer.
The best way to prep that kind of wood, however, before you ever put primer on is to make sure you're sanding it enough with a high-quality piece of sandpaper.
This will help it accept the primer and paint color much better.
Another situation that would call for two coats of primer is if you're working with a really dark color and you're hoping to cover it with white or another bright paint color.
In that situation, you'll want to make absolutely sure that the underlying color won't show through when it's finished and you could stand to try out two coats of primer and maybe an extra coat of paint as well.
Supplies You’ll Need For Priming Wood
Now that we've covered the essential things you need to know before you start priming your wood, let's go over some of the key supplies you should gather before you begin!
- Sandpaper(a few different grits)
- Painting mask with ventilator
- Several paint brushes (one for paint and one for primer at least)
- Primer of choice
- Paint color
- Plastic drop cloths
How To Prime Wood For Paint (5-Step Guide)
- Sand Your Wood Thoroughly
- Clean Your Wood
- Apply First Coat Of Primer
- Optional: Apply Second Coat Of Primer
- Apply Paint Color
Step 1 - Sand Your Wood Thoroughly
This is a step thatcannotbe avoided, even if you're repainting a piece of wood.
Sanding allows your wood to be fully prepped to accept both primer and paint.
As in the example mentioned above, if you're working with a rough piece of wood like palette wood or old, worn-out wood, make sure you put it through several grits of sandpaper to smooth out that surface to accept primer.
Step 2 - Clean Your Wood
Now that you've sanded the wood enough for it to fully accept your primer and paint, make sure you use an air compressor to get all the little dust particles off the surface fully.
You can also run a damp rag over the surface to ensure that it's completely dust-free.
Just make sure you don't use a rag that's super wet since we don't want any additional moisture on the surface before we apply primer.
Step 3 - Apply FirstCoat Of Primer
Now for the main event: Primer!
It's time to apply the firstcoat of primer.
As with applying any form of paint or primer, you want to make sure you're using enough of it to fully coat the wood, but not so much that you're creating extra goopy spots and drip marks.
Just make sure you apply it in clean, even strokes and distribute it well so that the coating is even all the way around.
Step 4 - Optional: Apply SecondCoat Of Primer
Alright, so you've applied your firstcoat of primer and you've decided it's best to apply a second coat just to seal in the deal (pun intended).
You want to make sure the first coat is fully dried before you move on to this step.
Then, apply the primer using the same method as before and ensure that there aren't any extra goopy spots.
Step 5 - Apply Paint Color
Finally! It's time for paint.
Once your first coat (and possibly second coat) of primer has dried, it's time to apply your firstcoat of paint.
Make sure you follow the same method as with the primer to ensure an even coating and watch carefully for any spots where the primer color is peeking through.
You want to make sure that the paint color is bold, strong, and even everywhere when applying the first coat.
And if you decide you need a second coat as well, go ahead and apply that after the first coat is dry to make sure there is absolutely no lingering color from the primer (or the wood) coming through.
Final Thoughts On Applying Primer To Wood
Well, there you have it! Now you have a thorough understanding of how to evaluate your wood surface and figure out how much primer you need.
Of course, there is a lot of room for trial and error here as every home improvement and DIY project is different and calls for different steps.
But luckily for you, wood is one of the easiest surfaces to work with for paint so long as it's not covered with lacquer, laminate, or other additional coatings.
So, here's hoping your next wood project turns out well and that you get the stunning paint coverage you're looking for.
Happy painting!
FAQs
How many coats of primer do I need to paint wood? ›
Don't over or under apply the primer: You should aim to apply two coats of primer to your wood's surface. Brush the primer on, and allow the first coat to dry completely before adding the second coat.
How do you know when you have enough coats of primer? ›Depending on how strong or bold the previous color is, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat of primer. However, it is not necessary to over apply the primer with so many coats. As long as the primer applies uniformly over the previous color, then one or two coats should be sufficient.
Can you put too many coats of primer on wood? ›Too much primer causes a different set of problems. Too many layers or an excessively thick layer increases the risk of the primer cracking, crazing, or chipping. It also takes longer to dry, slowing down your redecorating work. In the worst case scenario, it can damage drywall by causing it to bubble and peel.
How many coats of primer do I need? ›Use two coats of primer for priming unfinished surfaces like wood, when drastically changing paint colors on painted walls, or when going from a dark paint color to a light paint color.
Do I need 3 coats of primer? ›You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color. In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects.
Do you need 2 coats of paint over primer? ›On a new wall, you'll want to follow the rule and apply two coats of paint after primer. Follow the same standard for drywall. If you're repainting a wall, you'll only need one coat if you're using the same color and it's a quality paint.
What happens if you use too much primer? ›Using too much primer may make your skin feel clogged and coated. One of the main benefits of primer is a smooth skin surface for even makeup application. If you've applied too much, you may notice that your foundation grabs or clumps in certain areas.
How long should you wait between primer and first coat? ›A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer. If you're unsure, the instructions on the paint's label can give you the best final say.
Should I rub down between coats of primer? ›However, many professional painters do recommend sanding after all the coats of primer are done. Only after the primer as a whole has dried through its many coats, you could sand it to further ensure that the surface is completely smooth and free of debris.
How long to paint wood after primer? ›But for best results, don't paint until the primer completely dries—which can take up to 3 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Once the primer is completely dry, it's prime time for painting.
Should you sand between coats of primer on wood? ›
Sand the Primer
Let the primer dry completely, then sand it down before painting. Use very fine 220-grit sandpaper, and apply light pressure to prevent gouging the primer.
Most water-based primers dry relatively fast, in 3 or 4 hours. After that, they will be good to use for the next 30 days. As long as you paint your surfaces in that time period, your paint will stick with no problems.
How thick should primer coat be? ›For a normally clean environment, a coat of up to 50 microns is considered adequate. For a dusty or humid location requiring constant servicing and cleaning, a thicker coat, say, up to 70–80 microns, is considered to be adequate. A thickness of up to 50 microns is possible through one coat of primer and paint.
Do I have to sand after priming? ›An often overlooked and important step when renovating with new drywall. After the board is hung, finished and primed, remember to lightly sand the primed walls again before finish painting.
Can you use a roller to apply primer? ›Roll on the Primer
For the larger spaces of the wall, apply primer using a 9-inch paint roller with a 3/8- to 1/2-inch high quality roller cover. Fit the moistened roller cover onto your paint roller. Stir and pour the mixed primer into a paint tray. Dip the roller into the primer, making sure it's completely covered.
In most cases only one coat is necessary to prime most surfaces. If excessive absorption occurs over very porous substrates a second coat may be necessary. Spot priming is recommended only under high-hiding topcoat paints. For best results, prime entire surface before painting.
How long does 3 in 1 primer take to dry? ›DRYING TIME
Touch Dry Recoat The required number of coats is two. Ensure adequate ventilation. 30 minutes 2 hours at 25°C. Allow 4 hours in cold or humid areas.
Primer is not formulated to stand up to the elements and should be topcoated within several weeks to ensure proper bonding. If left uncovered for an extended period of time, primer will tend to deteriorate and chalk, which could prevent future coats of paint from adhering properly.
Can you paint straight over primer? ›Use primer when you're painting a porous surface or a surface that most paint won't adhere to. Also use primer when you need to cover a dark color with a lighter one. Always cover primer with a top coat of sealer or paint. You don't always have to use primer before paint.
How many coats of paint with primer in it? ›In most situations, a good rule of thumb is to use a primer plus two coats of paint. If you use this rule, you may do one more coat than needed but this won't hurt the final product. There are few situations where this rule of thumb will result in doing too few coats though which is why it is prevalent advice.
What happens if you paint wood without primer? ›
What happens if you don't prime bare wood is not pretty. Similar to new drywall, raw wood soaks up paint like a sponge. As a result, your surface will look blotchy since pores in the woodwork unevenly absorb the paint. More importantly, the painted wood will likely peel in two or three years without primer.
How much is too much primer? ›If you dip your primer brush and drag it along the top of the primer bottle to remove excess, the brush will be loaded with enough primer to use on one hand. You only want enough primer to cover the nail and not get any on the skin around the nail.
When should you not use a primer? ›Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer. In many cases all you'll need to do is spot-prime any bare areas that need to be addressed before applying your finish.
Is primer a waste of time? ›If you use a primer in certain interior situations, it might be a waste of money and be unnecessary. On the other hand, not using a primer can sometimes cost you more in the long run because you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the coverage and desired look you were envisioning.
Do you let primer dry first? ›One of the main missteps people make when it comes to priming is applying makeup too soon afterwards. As Phillips mentioned, you want to wait a full minute or more to allow the primer to dry completely before going in with makeup, as this will help to curb pilling or patchiness.
Will primer stick to finished wood? ›The oil based primer will stick to varnished or sealed wood. And then you can paint over it with latex paint. It is a pretty easy process all things considered.
Is it better to use primer or paint with primer? ›If the surface you are about to paint is previously painted (previously prepared), and you are going to re-paint with a similar color and sheen of paint, then you may use a paint and primer in one product. In most situations, paint professionals would recommend that you use a quality primer before painting.
Does primer soak into wood? ›Use a primer as the first layer before you apply paint on the wood. A primer soaks into the pores of the wood to ensure the paint adheres to the wood. Sanding is the best way of removing wood primer from timber, even though it takes a lot of effort and time.
What happens if you don't sand before primer? ›Sanding a surface removes the top glossy layer, allowing the substance to receive the primer. Without sanding the surface in advance, the new coat of paint won't stick to the previous layer.
Should primer be wet or dry sanded? ›Whether you wet sand primer or not depends entirely on what type of primer you're sanding. For latex paint primer (water, oil or shellac-based,) you don't need to wet sand, since the layer of paint will cover that perfectly smooth surface anyway. Auto-body primer, on the other hand, should be wet sanded.
What grit sandpaper before primer on wood? ›
For closed-grain woods (such as Cherry, Pine, Maple, Birch or Alder) that will be stained with water-based products use 150-grit followed by 220-grit. For open-grain woods (such as Oak, Ash, Mahogany, Parawood) that will be stained with water-based products use 120-grit, followed by 150-grit, then 180-grit.
Should I let primer set for 24 hours then paint? ›Normal recommendation is 24 hours just to be safe. That said I've painted after a few minutes at times. Depending the kind of painting you are doing. If you're applying a lot of wet coats (glazes, washes, very thin paint) then you should give it 24 hours.
How long should primer set before sanding? ›For best results allow Primer to dry for 1 hour before dry sanding. Test in an inconspicuous area to be sure Primer is dry enough for sanding. Block sand the area using 320-400 grit sandpaper.
What is the ideal primer length? ›IDT recommends you aim for primers between 18–30 bases; however, the most important considerations for primer design should be their Tm value and sequence specificity. Primers should also be free of strong secondary structures and self-complementarity.
How should primer look before painting? ›The primer coat doesn't have to be perfect, but it should cover the surface (no bare spots) and it shouldn't be so blotchy that you get drips or visible unevenness.
Why is my primer scratching off? ›Could be the surface was too glossy before priming or poor primer for this surface. I would scrape off a few square inches of the new primer, sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper, and re-prime. After it dries I would check the adhesion. If it adheres well, then you know what you'll have to do.
Why wet sand after primer? ›Whether you're talking about paint, primer, bare metal or anything in between, your car's body can be smoothed by wet sanding. Wet sanding, also known as color sanding, adds shine to a finished paint job.
Do you brush or roll primer in wood? ›With the help of a brush, roll or spray, you can apply primer on wood. If you want to choose an easy way, go for spray primer, though it will need you to use several coats to get good coverage. Brushing will take time and need more effort but will give you a thinner and even layer of the surface.
Do you apply primer with a roller or brush? ›Applying primer first is the best way to ensure a perfect finish later. Just as it does with makeup and on cars, primer creates a smooth base that promotes better adhesion and truer color from your topcoat paint. Pro-tip: Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in" around edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Should I sand between coats of primer on wood? ›Apply multiple coats, working in the direction of the wood grain, allowing each coat to dry as recommended by instructions on the paint can. Sand with fine sandpaper between coats after they dry. Make sure you remove sanding residue before applying additional coats.
How long do you leave primer on wood before painting? ›
Most water-based primers dry relatively fast, in 3 or 4 hours. After that, they will be good to use for the next 30 days. As long as you paint your surfaces in that time period, your paint will stick with no problems.
Should I sand between coats of primer? ›Actually, sanding between coats of primer is pointless. Once primer is dry, you should sand the primer before moving on to the basecoat color. Sanding between coats of primer will just extend how long it takes to complete the phase, while sanding at the end of the primer step yields the same results.
Is one coat of kilz primer enough? ›Usually one coat of Kilz will be enough to cover any texture issues, stains, previous colors, and odors. For darker colors, it is recommended to use two coats of Kilz. It will also be helpful to tint your Kilz primer, which can speed up the process too.
How long should you wait before applying a second coat of primer? ›Adding a Second Coat
A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer. If you're unsure, the instructions on the paint's label can give you the best final say.
For best results, allow to Primer to dry for 1 hour before dry sanding. Test in an inconspicuous area to be sure Primer is dry enough for sanding. Block sand the area using 320-400 grit sandpaper.
What roller to use for primer? ›Roll on the Primer
For the larger spaces of the wall, apply primer using a 9-inch paint roller with a 3/8- to 1/2-inch high quality roller cover. Fit the moistened roller cover onto your paint roller. Stir and pour the mixed primer into a paint tray.
After the board is hung, finished and primed, remember to lightly sand the primed walls again before finish painting. Now you may be thinking "SAND AGAIN?!?" after just finishing the messy drywall stage, but a light sand with 150 or 180 grit sandpaper is very important.
Is it better to sand primer or paint? ›Primer should be sanded before you apply the paint. A primer is used to help cover up the existing color of your wall. It is applied to create a blank, neutral surface before you coat your wall with your chosen paint color.
What grit sandpaper for primer on wood? ›For wood that will be clear-coated with a water-based topcoat, use 120-grit, followed by 150 or 220-grit.
How thick should my primer coat be? ›For a normally clean environment, a coat of up to 50 microns is considered adequate. For a dusty or humid location requiring constant servicing and cleaning, a thicker coat, say, up to 70–80 microns, is considered to be adequate. A thickness of up to 50 microns is possible through one coat of primer and paint.