Prime Your Wooden Panels
Once you have a panel prepared for paint and have thoroughly wiped it clean and free of dust, it is time to prime the wooden panel. Using a primer is key to getting a durable topcoat, sealing, and protecting the panel from the weather, filling any imperfections, enhancing the adhesion of the paint topcoats to your panel, and getting a smooth finish.
It is usually recommended that after the first prime coat, you sand it lightly to scuff it up with a fine sandpaper (220 grit or 320 grit). After sanding lightly, it is important to clean it again to remove any sanding dust. You should now have the surface smooth, scuffed, and ready for your final coat of primer. Occasionally, one can “get away” with one coat of a primer but normally plan to give your project 2 coats.
Application of Primers
I usually prefer to brush apply primers and paints. However, one can also apply primers with a short nap roller, or spray. Brushing is preferred because you can “work in” the primer to any nooks and crannies and brush it out for an even application or allow for the primer to build up as desired.
It is possible to do a similar job with a roller, but it will not be as versatile and may leave a stippled finish. Spraying can be a problem if you don’t have a commercial spray unit due to the fact that most exterior primers are thick and can be difficult to push through a spray gun unless it is thinned. Once you start thinning the primer, it loses its effectiveness.
Types of Primers
I think we should pause here to discuss the many types of primers that are available to prime wooden panels. Here is a brief list of various types of primers for use with wood products:
· Wood Primer for bare wood or wood that has a color coat and has any loose paint removed then has been sanded smooth.
· Primer/Filler for building up layers of primer to fill in scratches and small dents in the surface to be painted.
· Multipurpose Primer that can be used several different surfaces and comes in a fast dry water base that will accept both oil and water based topcoats.
· Stain Blocking Primer that will cover various types of paints and stains.
· Paint that also has primer in the paint. I generally don’t recommend this type of primer because it is usually formulated for interior home use.
Popular Brands of Primers
There are also several brands of primers that may be more regionally available. I have not used all of these brands and since that is the case, results may vary:
· Zinsser Primer
· Jay Cooke’s High Build
· Kilz Premium Primer
· Johnstone’s Primer
· X-I-M Primer/Sealer
· Sherwin-Williams All-Purpose Primer
· Glidden Primer
· Many more brands
Check with your local sign materials suppliers for brands available in your area.
Considerations about Primers
The modern paint industry is constantly reformulating their products and offering new and improved primers as well as paints so again, check with your local sign materials suppliers for their recommendations. It is always best to select a finish topcoat and then select a primer that is compatible with the substrate and the topcoat. If you have not used the primer before or if it has been over a year, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and understand how, when, where, what to use it on, and how long does it take to dry under your current conditions.