Choosing the right primer for your wood surfaces, both interior and exterior is crucial to the longevity and appearance of your paint job.
Primers serve as an essential step in the painting process, creating a proper foundation to ensure better adhesion and durability, while also preventing potential issues like peeling or bleedthrough.
The best primer for your project depends on factors such as whether it’s new bare wood, if it has knots or not, or if it’s been painted before.
We’ll discuss this and more and also recommend some primers for you.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Primer for Wood?
When it comes to choosing the best primer for wood it depends on whether it’s indoor or outdoor, what condition it’s in, and if it’s been treated before or not.
Best Primer for Interior Wood
The best primer for interior wood would be a water-based alkyd, acrylic or urethane-enhanced acrylic primer.
If the wood has knots and/or tannins that would bleed through the paint then a shellac-based primer is the best choice since this binder will block and prevent bleed-through.
Water-based primers have a low odor and low VOCs and that’s why it’s the best choice for interior use.
Shellac-based primers use alcohol as a carrier but also come in a water-based version although it can have a smell to it.
Objects such as wooden kitchen cabinets which only has been treated with a clear coat will usually bleed through the top coat if it hasn’t been primed properly.
Best Primer for Exterior Wood
For untreated exterior wood, an oil-based alkyd primer is usually the best choice. Solvent-based primers penetrate into the wood and provide excellent adhesion for the topcoat.
They also prevent tannin bleed, which can be a problem with certain types of wood.
For previously painted exterior wood, an acrylic latex primer is often a good choice. Acrylic latex primers offer good adhesion and flexibility, and they’re less likely to crack and peel in changing weather conditions.
Primer Recommendations for Interior and Exterior Wood Surfaces
Here are some recommendations for the best wood primers for both interior and exterior surfaces.
Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer: Best Primer for Interior Wood
The Rust-Oleum Zinsser B-I-N Primer is a popular product and a go-to option by contractors that offers several beneficial features.
It’s an ultimate stain blocker that serves as a primer-sealer, stain killer, and bond coat. It is recommended for use on a variety of surfaces including interior ceilings, walls, doors, trim, cabinets, furniture, and more.
The primer is also suitable for exterior use but is limited to spot priming.
This primer can block water, grease, rust, smoke, asphalt, graffiti, and many other types of stains. Furthermore, it can be applied to a wide range of materials including new and previously painted drywall, plaster, wood, metal, vinyl, PVC, fiberglass, and masonry.
It effectively blocks stains and odors resulting from water and fire damage, and it seals stains from dark colors, grease, rust, and more.
This primer dries in minutes and can be recoated in 45 minutes, making it highly efficient for use in various projects.
Pros:
Excellent Coverage: Covers various surfaces in just one or two coats.
Versatile: It’s been used effectively on a variety of surfaces including oak cabinets, laminate, dark wood, varnished surfaces, and even particleboard floors.
Fast-Drying: The primer dries incredibly fast, which can be beneficial for quick projects.
Effective Stain and Odor Blocker: Covers water/mold stains and blocks odors, including cat urine.
Good Adhesion: The primer has been praised for its excellent adhesion capabilities, especially when used on different surfaces such as cabinets and laminates.
Cons:
Can be Runny: Some users find it to be too thin and runny, which can make it harder to work with and potentially more messy.
Expensive: The primer is considered pricey by some users, although most of them seem to believe that it is worth the cost due to its performance.
Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer
Extreme Bond Interior-Exterior Bonding Primer is a high-grade, urethane-modified acrylic primer that provides exceptional adhesion to various hard-to-paint surfaces.
This primer is designed for application on surfaces like wood, PVC, plastics, glass, aluminum, varnished woodwork, and even fluoropolymer coatings, amongst others.
Its adhesion capabilities are so strong that sanding is not required for most clean, paintable surfaces. It dries quickly, accepts Hi-Performance coatings such as epoxies and urethanes, and ensures a uniform appearance of topcoats.
This primer is great for interior priming and for spot priming exterior wood and other surfaces.
Pros:
Versatility: It can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, from plastics and glass to varnished woodwork and fluoropolymer coatings.
Excellent Adhesion: It strongly bonds to slick and glossy surfaces, eliminating the need for sanding in many cases.
Fast Drying: This primer dries quickly, allowing for recoating in a relatively short amount of time.
Compliant: It complies with a host of environmental and safety standards, making it a responsible choice for users.
Cons:
Limitations on Some Surfaces: It’s not suitable for use in areas subject to excessive water or on large exterior wood surfaces. It also doesn’t adhere to certain plastic types like polypropylene, polyethylene, or thermoplastic polyolefins.
Limited Shelf Life: While 36 months of shelf life seems long, it might lead to waste if not used within this timeframe.
Zinsser Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer
Cover Stain is a versatile product, offering extensive applicability for both interior and exterior surfaces where an oil-based primer is needed.
This primer stands out for its excellent penetration, flexibility, and stain-blocking properties, and is notably effective on dense, glossy surfaces without necessitating sanding or de-glossing.
Moreover, it offers exceptional adherence to a broad spectrum of surfaces, from wood, metal, vinyl, PVC to masonry, thus increasing its uses.
Its high hiding formula and fast drying properties – becoming ready for recoating in less than 1 hour – add to its list of attractive features.
Pros:
Versatility: The primer can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, both interior and exterior, making it highly versatile.
Stain Blocking: It boasts excellent stain blocking properties, effectively masking stains from fire, smoke, and water.
Adhesion: It adheres strongly to glossy surfaces without the need for prior sanding or de-glossing.
Fast Drying: It dries quickly, allowing for recoating after an hour.
Cons:
Limited Application: The primer cannot be used on floors, decks, roof surfaces, or any surface in constant or prolonged contact with water.
Incompatibility: It is not compatible with other oil-based or water-based products, limiting its use in mixed-product projects.
High VOCs: If applied in a non-ventilated area a respirator is needed.
PPG SEAL GRIP Interior/Exterior Universal Primer/Sealer
The SEAL GRIP Acrylic Primer is a versatile, premium-grade primer formulated to cater to the needs of both residential and commercial markets.
Its distinctive composition allows it to block most stains such as water, smoke, ink, markers, and tannin.
Additionally, it exhibits excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces. This primer is suitable for use on a variety of substrates like wood, masonry, plaster, wallboard, cement, brick, stucco, cement composition board, and wall coverings.
Pros:
Versatility: It’s suitable for both interior and exterior applications on various substrates.
Stain Blocking: It’s effective in blocking a wide range of stains.
Excellent Adhesion: It adheres well to glossy surfaces.
Tintable: It can be customized to match a variety of color schemes.
Fast Drying: It allows top coating in as little as one hour.
Cons:
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Behr Bonding Primer
The BEHR Bonding Primer is a versatile, high-adhesion primer suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including Kynar, PVC, vinyl, Formica, glass, tile, glazed brick, fiberglass, chalky paints, glossy finishes, architectural plastics, and metals.
Its exceptional bonding properties reduce the need for sanding dense, glossy surfaces, thus saving time and effort. This primer’s compatibility with alkyd, oil, and water-based topcoats makes it an excellent choice for various painting projects.
It dries to the touch in approximately 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to wait for 1 hour before applying a topcoat.
Pros:
Versatile: Works with a variety of surfaces, increasing its usability across projects.
High-adhesion: Reduces the need for sanding, saving both time and effort.
Quick Recoat Time: Enhances project turnover rate.
Easy Clean-up: Soap and water cleanup simplifies the post-project process.
Cons:
Availability: Can only be purchased from the Home Depot
Zinsser Odorless
Zinsser Odorless is an alkyd primer engineered with high solids and low VOCs intended for interior usage. It’s specifically formulated for scenarios where oil-based performance is desirable but odor minimization is crucial.
The primer boasts excellent adherence to various surfaces such as wood, steel, plaster, drywall, stucco, and more without the necessity for sanding or de-glossing.
It’s notably effective at sealing porous surfaces and blocking a wide range of stains, such as water damage, smoke, graffiti, crayon, and pencil marks. The odorless primer tolerates pH levels up to 12.5, making it suitable for sealing freshly cured plaster, concrete, and masonry surfaces.
Pros:
High Performance: This primer provides excellent performance with high solids, low VOC content, and is designed for interior applications requiring oil-base performance.
Odorless: As the name suggests, it is an odorless primer. This means it can be used in closed environments without worrying about unpleasant or strong smells.
Versatility: It can be used on a wide range of interior surfaces like wood, steel, drywall, plaster, concrete, stucco, and masonry.
Adhesion: This primer provides excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces like enamel paints and varnishes, laminates, and ceramic tiles without the need for sanding or de-glossing.
Stain Blocking: It effectively blocks stains from water, nicotine, smoke, fire damage, graffiti, and crayon. It also seals porous and moderately chalky surfaces to provide a smooth finish.
High pH resistance: It can tolerate pH levels up to 12.5, making it ideal for sealing porous, freshly cured plaster, cement, concrete, and masonry surfaces.
Cons:
Limited Application: This primer is not recommended for exterior applications, or use under wallcoverings, floors, decks, roof surfaces or any surface subject to immersion or prolonged contact with water.
Clean-Up: Clean-up after use requires mineral spirits or paint thinner, which might not be as convenient as water clean-up for some users.
Types of Primers
There are different kinds of primers. They can be made up of different binders and also carriers, such as water and solvents.
Water-based Primers
As its name implies this type of primer has water as a carrier which makes it dry fast and is easy to clean up with soap and water. Water-based primers are appropriate for most types of wood and offer excellent adhesion.
When painting indoors it’s best to use water-based primers since the VOCs are lower, which means they emit fewer harmful chemicals into the air so you usually won’t need to wear a respirator.
Oil-based Primers
Oil-based primers are known for their durability and strong adhesion properties, making them an excellent choice for exterior wood surfaces and some challenging interior surfaces.
These primers have a solvent as their carrier, which allows them to penetrate deeper into the wood fibers, providing a solid foundation for the topcoat.
Oil-based primers are also highly effective at sealing stains, preventing tannin bleed, and offering superior resistance to moisture.
However, they do have a longer drying time compared to water-based primers and emit higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may require you to wear a respirator during application.
Additionally, oil-based primers require proper cleanup with mineral spirits or paint thinner, as soap and water will not suffice.
Shellac-based primers
Shellac-based primer is a type of primer that uses shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug, as its main ingredient.
Shellac is typically dissolved in alcohol to create a solution that can be applied to surfaces as a primer. However, there are also water-based shellac primers that combine the properties of shellac with a water-soluble solution.
Shellac-based primers, whether alcohol-based or water-based, are known for their exceptional adhesion and stain-blocking properties. They are particularly effective at sealing porous surfaces and providing a good surface for the paint to adhere to.
They are also excellent at preventing stains, odors, and knots in wood from showing through the paint. Another notable feature is that shellac-based primers dry very quickly compared to other types.
However, traditional shellac-based primers have a strong odor and require denatured alcohol for cleanup, unlike water-based primers which can be cleaned up with soap and water. The introduction of water-based shellac primers helps to mitigate some of these challenges, offering the benefits of shellac while being easier to clean up.
Shellac-based primers tend to be more expensive than other types of primers. However, they are often the preferred choice for professional painters dealing with surfaces that have significant stains or odors.
Surface Prep and Application Tips
Before you start priming you need to make sure your surface is prepared properly. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Remove any old, loose paint: If you’re working with previously painted wood you need to remove loose and peeling paint. Use a paint scraper and sand afterward to ensure a smooth surface.
- Clean the surface: Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the wood surface. Brush off the dust and debris and then clean it with a detergent.
- Sand the surface: Smooth out any rough or uneven areas on the wood surface by sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper (120 or higher). Sanding also helps to create a better bond between the primer and the surface. Make sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove any sanding dust afterward.
- Apply painter’s tape: If necessary, use painter’s tape to protect any areas that you don’t want to be primed or painted.
- Choose the right primer: Depending on your specific needs and the type of wood surface (interior or exterior), choose the best primer for your project, as discussed earlier in this article.
- Apply the primer: Stir the primer well before using it. Use a good-quality brush or roller to apply a thin, even coat of primer on the wood surface. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time and the number of coats required.
- Sand the primed surface: After the primer has dried, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any brush marks or imperfections and to ensure a smooth finish for the paint.
- Clean the surface again: Remove any sanding dust or debris from the primed surface before applying the top coat.
If the surface needs to be spackled and caulked I recommend doing that after you have primed so it will adhere properly. Remember to sand and spot prime if you do.
I also recommend wearing gloves since primers will really stick to your hands and is difficult to remove.
By following these prepping and application tips you’ll get a durable and professional-looking paint job on your wood surfaces.
What to Consider When Choosing Primer for Wood
When selecting a primer for your wood surfaces you should have the following in mind:
Presence of Tannins and Knots: If the wood contains tannins and knots, a stain-blocking primer is needed. This type of primer prevents tannin and knot bleed-through, ensuring an even, unblemished finish.
Location: The location of the wood. Indoor or outdoor. When indoor use a water-based because of the reason below. Outdoors a solvent-based primer is usually the best option since the primer is open longer which means that the primer will have longer time to soak into the wood, which is beneficial for exterior wood since it is exposed to a lot of humidity.
Although, If you have scraped peeling paint from a pre-painted wood siding for example, then you might only need to spot prime the bare wood with a water-based primer.
Safety and Environmental Impact: Opt for primers with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels. Such primers emit less smell and has lower health hazards. This is especially important for interior projects where proper ventilation may be limited.
Budget: If you have a lot of wood to prime, for example the siding of your house, then it’s important to consider the cost of the primer.
While high-quality primers may be more expensive, they often provide better coverage, adhesion, and stain-blocking properties, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the number of coats required and prolonging the life of your paint job.
However, if budget is a concern, look for a primer that offers a good balance between cost and performance.
How We Figured Out Which Wood Primers Are The Best
During my 25+ years as a professional painter, I’ve tried all kinds of primers. During my first years, solvent-based paint was still used a lot indoors and it was always planned to be used at the end of the workday because of the smell and VOCs.
Nowadays most paints and primers are water-based and I really recommend opting for these unless a solvent-based is absolutely necessary.
My own knowledge and experience have helped me when writing this guide. I’ve also researched by reading manufacturer’s technical and safety sheets, professional forums and I’ve watched Youtube videos where extensive testing of primers has been done.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about the topic.
What is the purpose of using a primer on wood surfaces?
Primers serve as an essential step in the painting process, creating a proper foundation to ensure better adhesion and durability, while also preventing potential issues like peeling or bleed-through.
What is the difference between water-based and oil-based primers?
Water-based primers, also known as latex primers, are quick-drying, easy to use, and easy to clean up with soap and water. Oil-based primers provide excellent adhesion, prevent tannin bleed, and are more suitable for exterior applications due to their smell, durability and moisture resistance.
How many coats of primer should I apply?
One coat of primer is usually sufficient for most applications but in some cases, you may need to apply two coats.
This can be the case when you’re painting with a stain-blocking primer which needs 2 coats to achieve full stain-blocking properties.
Do I need a separate primer for interior and exterior use?
Some primers are specially formulated for either interior or exterior use, while others are suitable for both applications.
Be sure to read the product label to determine if the primer you’re considering is suitable for your specific project.
Conclusion
Using the right primer for your wood surfaces, whether interior or exterior, is important so you’ll get a long-lasting and professional-looking paint job.
By following the advice in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to choose and apply the best primer for your wood surfaces.