Do you really have to prime wood surfaces before painting? If you want the paint to adhere better and last longer with a smooth finish, then yes, you must.But is one coat of primer enough? Well, that depends on several factors, like the surface condition, the type of wood you’re painting on and so forth.

Yes, it kind of sounds like solving mathematical equations, but just trust the “primer” to ensure a flawless paint job.

Here, let us help you understand when to use a coat or two of primer and the factors that determine the number of primer coats on wood surfaces.

Understanding Primer

So, why is a coat of primer so important, especially when considering interior and exterior painting services in Sydney?

A primer preps the surface so that when you apply the shades, they stick more solidly. It always gives your paint a smoother finish and a higher sheen. This is crucial for achieving a professional look with interior and exterior painting services in Sydney

Factors Influencing the Number of Primer Coats

A primer can make or break the aesthetic appeal of your property. So, you must get the basics right before you coat any wood surfaces.

For starters, do you know the number of prime coats you need?

If you don’t, check out these factors that tell you when to use one coat of primer versus using two coats of primer.

 

Surface Condition

Know your surface condition. Are you painting on new or previously painted surfaces? Are there visible imperfections?

If you had a previous paint job and you’ve decided to repaint it with the same shade, a single paint coat will suffice. However, if you picked a different colour, you might need more than one coat of primer to cover up the old colour, especially if they are bold hues like orange and red.

On the other hand, if you’re painting on a new wall, generally you need 2 prime coats to ensure good bonding between the paint and the surface.

Type of Wood

In most cases, wood needs a primer. This is because bare wood seeps through the paint; thus, with priming, it can prevent moisture and other environmental damage.

Moreover, specific types of wood absorb primer at varying rates, affecting the number of primer coats you need.

For instance, softwoods such as cedar and redwood are lighter and are prone to bleed through the surface. Conversely, hardwoods like oak and mahogany are sturdier. They can wiggle through your paint, regardless of the coats you apply.

When to Use One Coat of Primer

Let’s go through the main situations where you only need one coat of primer.

Light Colour Changes

Very light colours like white, usually require only one coat of primer. The reason is that there’s little risk of the base coat manifesting on the surface.

Previously Painted Surfaces

When you’re painting over a previously painted surface, still in good condition with no peeling or damage, a single primer should be enough.

The old shade will serve as the base for the new paint, ensuring that the fresh paint meshes well on the surface.

Specific Scenarios

If you’re just dealing with minor paint repairs and touch-ups, a single coat of primer will do the job.

When to Use Two Coats of Primer

So, they say, when in doubt, use a double primer on the following surfaces.

Bare Wood Surface

You will need two coats of primer if you’re painting over a new wood that has never been touched before.

Most unpainted surfaces shine with a primer. As it goes, the first coat serves as the foundation and is being absorbed by the surface. Meanwhile, the second coat seals the remaining uncovered areas.

Stained or Dark Colours

It’s hard for your new paint to overpower the dark tones underneath. That’s why two coats of primer are required to properly showcase your new colour, making it more vibrant.

Porous Materials

Untreated woods and surfaces like MDF strongly take in the paint coats, so you’ll have to use two coats of primer to ensure your paint is prepared to penetrate the wood’s porous surface.

Varying levels of porosity can cause patchy colours on your wall. As such, primers ensure that paint clings properly to the porous material.

Application Techniques

Don’t think that you can just prime walls mindlessly. This is a crucial step of painting, where the lasting beauty of your paint job heavily lies—so, man up!

To effectively paint primer on walls, as if a pro did it, here are the steps to the correct application technique:

Preparation Steps

Never skip the prep work. Clean the walls, remove the furniture and repair the holes. To finish off, sand the wood, following the direction of the wood grain. Remember to apply only a little pressure to avoid scratching the surface.

A good preparation powers up the paint to work better. It will leave the wall smooth, allowing the primer to be properly absorbed by the surface.

Drying Time

The recommended drying time between coats is around 2 to 3 hours. Then again, this will still depend on the primer type.

For example, oil-based primers require a waiting time of 24 hours, while water-based primers only need three hours for the next coat of primer.

If you’re unsure, though, you can always read the primer can’s instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do you want the paint on your walls to look good? If you do, then please, never commit any of these primer mistakes.

Skipping Primer on New Wood

Whatever you do, do not skip the primer on your new wood. Wood surfaces should always be primed.

Raw wood sponges up the paint. Therefore, it cannot absorb the paint evenly, which results in an ugly, patchy surface. Plus, the primer is needed to adhere the topcoat to the bare new wood.

Using Incompatible Primers

Consider the tones splashed on your panels. When looking for a primer, find one that closely matches the shades on your surface.

Although primers are purposely used for protection, they’re also utilised to emphasise the colours of your paint. This is another reason the primer should also be compatible with the surface type for better coverage and result.

Every primer is specifically designed for each type of surface and paint. Your primer can only work well with the right material. Ignore this and you might end up damaging your home renovation project.

Conclusion

Value the primer—it’s a mainspring for any home painting project. It readies your wood surface for the best possible finish ever.

And though personal preference is important when choosing your primer, different surface conditions, wood types, paint colours and materials call for a certain type of primer.

So, when in doubt, always seek an expert. At A One Korean Painting, we will show you what proper priming looks like, delivering you a successful paint job.