How to choose a primer for painting wood?

Natural wood is one of the most common materials in the field of interior decoration and furnishings. Despite its many advantages, the massif is a vulnerable raw material that needs special processing and care. Many tools have been developed to improve the practicality and life of the tree. A quality wood primer will help you deal with various problems that you may encounter when working with the material. In the article, we will learn about the selection of a primer for wood for painting with acrylic paints.

Before priming a wooden surface, you need to identify the tasks of this tool for processing.

Many types of wood are subject to putrefactive processes. As a rule, such a disadvantage is present in the available wood species. Rotting spoils the appearance of the product and shortens its service life. This process occurs due to the contact of the surface with water. A humid environment is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. To interfere with this process, an antiseptic is added to the primer. The component retains the beauty of natural material for many years.

The composition strengthens the top layer of the wood. This property is especially important when working with old wood. After processing, the service life of products made of natural material increases significantly, be it structures (stairs, furniture, decorative elements), horizontal or vertical surfaces (floor, walls). Resins in the composition of the solution penetrate deep into the fibers and reliably fasten them together.

The wood has absorbent properties, which depend on the type. If you apply enamel to the surface of the material without pre-priming, a large amount of paint will be absorbed into the pores. As a result, most of the funds will be wasted. Micropores are sealed with primer, which creates a smooth and even surface for flawless application of paints and varnishes.

The tough protective film that appears on the wood increases the base's usability and lifespan. Products made from natural wood cost a lot, it is recommended to take care of their additional processing and protection. The primer will protect the array from corrosion, excess moisture, mold and other troubles.

The wood contains tannin (a natural dye). Over time, the component begins to emerge from the fibers to the surface, and therefore stains appear on the wood, spoiling the appearance of the surface. The primer will close the pores and seal the component inside.

The primer will transform the surface, make it textured and rough. Such changes have a positive effect on the adhesive properties of the material.

Pre-treatment of the primer allows you to fully reveal the beauty and richness of the paint. If you apply the enamel directly to the wood, the final result can be very different from what you want. Professionals use a white primer to reveal the shade.

The modern market offers a huge range of primers designed specifically for working with wood. To make the right choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the various solutions, their features and tasks. According to the functional aspects, the specialists divided the compositions into groups.

Their main task is to protect natural raw materials from harmful microorganisms. Such a composition is perfect for protecting the coating from the appearance of bacteria, removing existing microorganisms that spoil the wood.

To make the material more reliable, dense and durable, use such compounds. On store shelves, you can find them under the names "primers" or "deep penetration primers". This treatment will increase resistance to the vagaries of the weather.

Hydrophobic primers will prevent over-wetting of the material. The product is used in the processing of facades of premises. The solution is ideal for working in buildings with high humidity.

In terms of composition, treatment solutions have their own classification.

Acrylic penetrating primer is excellent for all types of paints and varnishes. This product is almost completely absorbed into the wood after application.

It has certain advantages:

• This primer does not have an unpleasant odor, due to which it is comfortable to work with the material.
• It takes several hours to dry (1 - 4). The time spent on processing is significantly reduced.
• The composition should be diluted with cool water.
• This primer is actively used for interior decoration.

Products of this type differ from others in their high hydrophobic properties. Pay attention to the composition if you plan to work in a humid environment. The treated surface (regardless of the dampness in the external environment) will exhibit a stable moisture level.

These products are used together with alkyd paints and varnishes. In terms of composition, these solutions are very similar. For painted surfaces, it is recommended to choose an alkyd primer. On sale you will find special pigmented alkyd types of mixtures that form a matte surface. For complete drying, you will have to wait 12 - 18 hours.

Polyvinyl acetate groups have a distinctive advantage - fast drying. The minimum time is half an hour. To improve the adhesion of the wood after the primer has dried, it is necessary to walk over the surface with ordinary PVA glue.

Such a primer will cost more than other formulations. It is used together in paints and varnishes, which include polyurethane resins. Polyurethane primers differ from enamels and varnishes of the same name in the percentage of the solvent and in the absence of tinting components.

This type of primer is used to smooth wood surfaces. It is an effective remedy for stopping holes from which resin flows. The compositions are used as an insulating element in soluble stains.

To select the right primer, several criteria must be taken into account.

Before buying a primer, you need to know exactly whether the tool is being purchased for indoor or outdoor work. Some formulations are specially designed for outdoor use, while others are recommended for indoor use. A correctly selected product is the key to a high-quality result.

There are primers on sale that are resistant to various external influences (dry and hot air, humidity, temperature drops). Be sure to consider these properties when choosing a product. The maximum hydrophobic effect allows the use of the primer in areas with high dampness.

This parameter should be taken into account when choosing a processing agent.In the hot season, it is recommended to carry out the priming procedure in the morning or afternoon. Drying time is significantly reduced if you work outdoors. The alkyd primer dries especially quickly and must be applied in several coats.

Depending on what you will be applying to the primed surface (varnish or paint), you should choose the type of composition. If you want to showcase the natural shade of natural wood, opt for clear compositions in tandem with varnishes. A white primer will reveal the fullness and richness of the paint. On a snow-white background, the color looks much more expressive.

Don't skimp on primers. The appearance of the surface, resistance to various external and internal factors depends on their quality. If your budget is tight, it's best to spend less on enamel or varnish. Be sure to read the instructions for the composition, especially if you are using the primer for the first time and carry out the work without the participation of a specialist. Purchase products at trusted retail outlets. Require appropriate certifications if necessary. If you buy a product remotely (for example, through the website), carefully read the description of the product, familiarize yourself with its composition.

The final result depends on the quality of the primer and surface preparation. Thoroughly remove dust particles and other contaminants from the wood. Sand the surface if necessary. Priming can be done on old paint if the type of enamel and color match.

In this case, it is not necessary to completely remove the old paint. Otherwise, remove old particles with a conventional spatula. Use a solvent if necessary. Grind the surface. If you are dealing with fresh wood, sanding and sanding the surface should be done. If there are minor flaws on the canvas, they are covered with acrylic putty.

For information on how to select and process wood, see the next video.