Either latex primer or oil-based primer is suitable for raw wood, depending on the type of paint you will use. However, keep in mind that for wood such as cedar or redwood, oil-based primer is actually necessary as it penetrates deeper into the wood, helping to prevent tannin stains.

When should you use an oil based primer?

Oil-based primers are ideal for interior and exterior unfinished or bare wood because they seal the porous surface of wood, enabling the coat of paint to better cover the surface. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint.

Do I need to prime old wood before painting?





All unfinished wood or bare wood surfaces should always be primed prior to painting. This goes for both interior and exterior paint projects. The reason you cannot skip bare wood priming is that wood is porous and has a grainy surface. Because primer contains high solids, it helps fill grains in the new wood.

Can I use a water based primer on wood?

An exception to wood is cedar because a water-based primer is not good for this type of wood. Cedar needs an oil based primer to prevent tannin stains from the wood coming through to the surface. Water-based primers are safer because they have low or no VOCs. Water-based primers are the easiest to work with.

Do you have to use oil-based paint over oil based primer?

Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. The exception is that an oil based primer may accept any kind of top coat paint. For that reason, an oil based primer is recommended to be applied over any oil based top coat, then a water based paint may be used as a top coat.

Which primer is best for wood?

7 Best Primers for Bare Wood

  1. KILZ General Purpose Exterior Latex Primer. …
  2. Diamond Brite Paint Oil Base Primer. …
  3. Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer. …
  4. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer. …
  5. Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover Primer. …
  6. Zinsser Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer.

Is oil based primer better?





Oil-based primer is better to apply to wood. The oil seals the grains of the wood and prevents the paint from bubbling due to water damage. Oil-based paint releases a higher number of Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

How do you get paint to stick to old wood?

Sand the old wood until the finish seems dull. Sanding produces dust, which may make it difficult for new paint to stick. As such, you should wipe the old wood surface with a mixture of 1 cup bleach, 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 2 gallons water. Let the wood air-dry before you apply primer.

Can I paint over old paint on wood?

Never attempt to paint an existing wood surface without preparing its surface. Applying a direct coat of paint over the old coating will not work and eventually will tend to peel, especially if it has a glossy finish. This painting technique needs to prepare the wooden surface first.

What happens if you don’t use primer before painting?

If you skip priming, you risk peeling paint, especially in humid conditions. Moreover, the lack of adhesion could make cleaning more difficult months after the paint has dried. You may find the paint wearing off as you’re trying to wipe off dirt or fingerprints.

Can I use water-based primer on oil-based paint?



Let’s break it down. You cannot use water-based paint on top of oil-based paint. You can use oil-based paint on top of water-based paint. You can use a water-based primer on top of an oil-based primer.

Can latex paint be used over oil-based primer?

So, Can You Paint Latex Over Oil-Based Primer? Yes, you can use latex paint over oil primer, but ensure that you have prepared the surface properly before using the latex over your oil-based primer.

Can I use water-based paint on wood?

Water-based paints dominate the market for interior paints and they are the most popular choice for DIY and professionals. They can be used on walls, ceilings, interior and exterior wood and metal (such as front doors and skirting boards) and still provide the durability of traditional solvent-based paints.

How many coats of primer do I need to paint wood?



two coats

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.

Can I use oil based undercoat on bare wood?

Don’t worry, it’ll be okay, especially internally. If it is an acrylic (water borne) paint the primer and the undercoat are often the same paint or very similar. If it is an oil based paint (now often referred to as solvent based) it is likely to be an alkyd with a very similar formulation to the primer.

Do you need to prime and undercoat wood?

You may need an undercoat for wood, but there is no need to apply any primer, as the surface is already painted. If it is not practical to sand down to remove the sheen, an “adhesion” primer like Zinsser B-I-N will help your paint bond to the surface. It has the additional benefit of blocking stains and odours.

What is the difference between a primer and an undercoat?



Although similar, both serve quite different functions. Primers act as a foundation for your paint to stick to while undercoats create a flat and level base for topcoats. One easy way to remember is if a surface is painted use an undercoat, if it’s new, use a primer.

Is undercoat really necessary?

It’s essential to use the correct primers and undercoats to allow paint to do its job properly. Undercoat is often required to seal unpainted surfaces or prepare the surface for painting. If you are transitioning from a dark to a light colour, the undercoat will help to obliterate the colour beneath.

Can you paint satinwood over undercoat?

As a rule of thumb, painting water-based satinwood straight over an oil-based gloss is not recommended. It will work, but over time, the glossiness of the undercoat prevents the second layer from adhering properly and you increase the chances of the yellowed gloss bleeding through.

Do I need to undercoat over old gloss?

Once the gloss sheen has been completely sanded off, you are ready to paint. You will need to add at least one coat of undercoat.

Should I sand undercoat before satinwood?



Satinwood is self undercoating so in theory you don’t need to undercoat …but personally I like to use undercoat especially over primed bare wood, filler etc as it goes on in no time, covers well, dries very quickly & flat so is very easy to rub down with finishing paper to give an excellent finish for the top coat.