On the surface, it may seem counterintuitive.
But when getting ready to paint new pre-primed wood, you should ABSOLUTELY prime it again prior to working through the rest of your prep and finish coating.
Priming pre-primed wood again before painting is important for several reasons. While pre-primed wood may seem ready for paint, adding another coat of primer ensures a better, longer-lasting finish.
Primer helps paint stick to surfaces. The primer already on pre-primed wood is often applied in a factory and may not always be thick or even enough. It can sometimes be too thin or not as smooth as needed. By applying another coat of primer, you better ensure the paint will stick properly. This extra layer of primer gives the paint a solid surface to hold onto, which helps the paint last longer without peeling or chipping.
The original factory primer might also not cover the wood perfectly. There can be small areas where the primer is too light or where the wood is still slightly visible. Adding your own coat of primer helps make sure the wood is fully covered. When the wood is evenly primed, the paint you put on top will look better and more consistent. You will have to worry a lot less about uneven colors or spots that show through the paint.
Wood is a natural material that can absorb moisture and paint differently in certain areas. Even if the wood is pre-primed, it might not be fully sealed. Applying another coat of primer helps better seal the surface of the wood. This means the paint won’t soak into the wood in some areas more than others, which can lead to uneven drying or a blotchy finish. Sealing the wood also protects it from moisture, which is especially important for outdoor projects or areas that might get wet.
Painting over a properly primed surface makes the paint job more durable. Paint that sticks well to a well-primed surface will hold up better over time. This is particularly important for exterior wood, which is exposed to the weather, or for areas that experience a lot of wear and tear, like doors, fences, or siding. Adding another layer of primer gives your paint job more strength to resist peeling, cracking, or fading.
Factory-applied primer might not create the smoothest surface. There can be small imperfections like bumps, rough spots, or even tiny cracks. By applying another coat of primer (in conjunction with sanding as necessary), you help fill in those imperfections and create a smoother surface for your paint. A smooth surface makes the final paint job look more professional and polished.
Another factor is that sometimes the factory primer might not be compatible with the type of paint you plan to use. For example, if you’re using an oil-based paint but the pre-primer is meant for water-based paint, the two may not bond properly. This could cause the paint to peel or bubble. By applying a primer that matches the type of paint you are using, you better ensure that the paint will adhere properly and last longer.
If the wood has been stored outside or exposed to moisture or sunlight for a while, the pre-primer may have degraded to some degree. Sunlight and rain can weaken the primer, reducing its ability to help the paint stick. Re-priming the wood (while incorporating proper preparation methods) gives it a fresh coat of protection, which is especially important for outdoor projects. It ensures that the wood is fully protected from the elements and that your paint will stay looking good for a long time.
‘Cedar bleed’, as one specific example, may also not be properly neutralized with the coating of primer put on at the factory. By priming with a proper tannin bleed-blocking primer, this will ensure a better looking finish for a longer time period after your finish coat is applied.
While it might seem like extra work and money to add another coat of primer, it actually saves time and money in the long run. A poorly primed surface can lead to paint peeling or chipping, which means you’d have to repaint sooner. By spending a little extra time and money on re-priming, you ensure that your paint job lasts longer, which saves you from having to redo things in the near future.
Priming pre-primed wood again before painting helps ensure better adhesion, coverage, and durability. It also protects the wood from moisture, helps smooth out imperfections, and in achieving a finish paint’s true color. Even though the wood is pre-primed, adding another coat of primer can make a big difference in how your finished project looks and how long it lasts!
