Alkyd (oil-based) primers offer superior stain blocking—think tannin-rich woods, rust, smoke, or water stains. Alkyd-based primers are a good choice for both interior and exterior bare wood substrates. They are efficient in penetrating the wood's porous surface, and provide long lasting adhesion.
Wood Primer
Our tip for painting over rotting or weathered wood is to use oil-based primers, because oil primers seal the wood grains and prevent bubbling. Prime any filled spots first, and then work your way from the top of the exterior wall to the bottom.
In the category for best primer for painting stained wood, our results found two top performers. They are Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer. These top two primers were the very best at bonding in both the 24 hour test and the 38 day test. A close 3rd was Stix from Benjamin Moore.
Oil-Based Deck Paints: Oil-based paints penetrate deeply into the wood, providing a durable finish that's less likely to chip or peel. They're particularly effective for decks that have seen a lot of wear and tear.
For interior and exterior wood applications, use BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Multi-Surface Primer and Sealer. To apply the primer, use a high-quality 3/8 - 1/2" nap roller cover, nylon polyester brush or airless sprayer. Stir the primer occasionally.
Net-Trol is a powerful wood cleaner and brightener which restores greyed and weathered wood back to its natural colour. It effortlessly removes both surface and ground in dirt leaving the wood looking bright and vibrant.
Paint generally lasts longer as it forms a protective layer against weathering. However, stains won't peel like paints might over time.
We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces as it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.
You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint. Paint & primer in one paints are a newer option, which could be ideal for your situation and even shorten the project.
Make sure to use the correct type of paint and primer on your wooden surface. Your local Five Star Painting® experts recommend priming with a latex primer and a compatible exterior latex paint, also known as water-based paint. Do not oil-based paint because it does not adhere well to pressure-treated wood.
For wooden surfaces, exterior primers are generally better as they are designed for long-lasting results which will help in regard to cracking and erosion. However, not every primer on the market is going to work well on wood. There are specific primers designed for different types of wood.
How do you seal old raw wood? Clean the wood thoroughly with a damp cloth, then lightly sand the surface before applying your chosen sealer. Be sure to apply sealant in thin layers following the wood grain.
KILZ Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer is specially formulated to optimize the adhesion of masonry coatings. With proper application, this product provides a sound foundation for coatings with excellent resistance to water, alkali and efflorescence.
Acrylic. Acrylic paints are the most popular choice for exterior wood projects. They provide excellent coverage and can be applied quickly without special primers or sealers. They offer superior fade resistance, so they won't easily discolor due to sun exposure or moisture buildup.
When preparing wood for stain, you'll need to sand its surface. Use a sanding sponge or orbital sander. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and creating a darker color. Start with 120-grit sandpaper for pieces that already have a finish.
Manual Stripping to Remove the Gray from Wood
With this method, you sand off the old finish and the gray by hand or with an electric sander. Start with a coarse grit, and once complete, go over the wood again with a more medium grit. This will help to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining and re-sealing.
You can use a gel stain to restore the colour. Gel stains are great for antique furniture restoration. The best part is that you don't need to strip off the original old colour of your furniture. Gel stains can easily restore the faded and worn colour of wood furniture.
Weathering on exterior cladding occurs quickly but can be easily fixed with a high-quality paint job. For long-lasting results, thoroughly prepare the wood before you begin by scraping away old paint, removing rot, cleaning and sanding, and end by priming and painting the entire exterior.
Feast Watson Outdoor Furniture Oil penetrates deeply to enrich the timber with a natural matt finish that is available in clear or four tinted natural timber tones. With added eucalyptus oil, it has UV and mould resistant properties and has excellent water resistance.