Do I have to use primer???

[Former_Member]

I want to Paint some small wood pieces. I don't know yet if I'm going to use acrylic paint or spray paint. I was wonderin, Do I need to use primer first? I do intend to spay a sealant after I distress the wood :)

Also, when painting metals, do I need to use primer? For example, if I took an old chandelier or old brass candlesticks, would I need to primer those before I painted them? Also, should I use a sealant here?

Thanks!! I'm so clueless with paint stuff...lol!!!

[Former_Member]

If you thin the acrylics out, the first few layers might soak into the wood. If you get the chance, try it both ways and see which process you like better :)

No clue about metal though.

[Former_Member]

Thanks!!! It's sounds like primering it would be the best route to go :)

I also wondered about this:
Why is it when I read about people painting furniture, they put polyurothane on the top, but nowhere else. Do I need to put come type of sealant over the paint on the furniture, or just let it be? I've read so many different things.

[Former_Member]

I would think that primer wouldn't be needed when doing metal b/c the paint wouldn't soak into anything. I would definitely need a sealant though so the paint won't chip off.

[Former_Member]

You'd better use primer on the wood....the play dough will be watching you....

[Former_Member]

lol....!!! Yes, I better!!! I'd hate to get into any trouble with the playdough...lol!!!

[Former_Member]

Using a primer does more than seal the item to stop paint absorbtion. It makes the paint adhear better and easier to apply especially on metal items. Just browse the paint you are using and the manufacturer will give you the best tips to get the best looking results.

[Former_Member]

Thanks!!! I'll do that :) I never knew it made a difference on metal objects. Thanks for sharing that.

[rpfeikgraphics]

jandbdesigns says

...Why is it when I read about people painting furniture, they put polyurothane on the top, but nowhere else?...
*****
Probably because poly is a bit expensive, can be a bit drippy to apply, but it's a hard enough finish to take the abuse furniture tops can be called on to endure. I finished a coffee table top w/2 coats of poly about 15 yrs ago, and it still looks great after every day use.

[Former_Member]

Primer is really important when you are painting metal. First, it helps seal the metal and prevent rust and tarnish. Secondly, it helps the paint to "stick". Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer or Automotive Primer both work well for things like candlesticks. I think I have tried them all. lol

[Former_Member]

rpfeikgraphics says

jandbdesigns says

...Why is it when I read about people painting furniture, they put polyurothane on the top, but nowhere else?...
*****
Probably because poly is a bit expensive, can be a bit drippy to apply, but it's a hard enough finish to take the abuse furniture tops can be called on to endure. I finished a coffee table top w/2 coats of poly about 15 yrs ago, and it still looks great after every day use.
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THANKS!!!!

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much NeedfulNostalgia :) I definitely don't want my metal rusting :)

[Former_Member]

NeedfulNostalgia...

I forgot to ask. Is there a special sealant that you spray to keep the paint on the metal?

[Former_Member]

I really like the rustoleum Crystal clear enamel the best. It gives a beautiful, glass like finish and I feel that it really protects the finish. I have a few pieces that I sprayed for my home and they are still looking good over a year later. Considering that I have 3 kids, that is an accomplishment.LOL The only down side is I have only been able to find the enamel in gloss. The only satin top coat I have found is by krylon. It works OK on the metal. It takes more coats to offer the same protections as the enamel.

[Former_Member]

Tremclad paint makes both a gloss and a matte varnish. Tremclad paints and varnish are designed for metal but work very well on wood. All products are available as brush on and spray as far as I know.

[Former_Member]

Thanks SO MUCH NeedfulNostalgia and balmyatticarts :)

You can tell I know NOTHING about paints or finishes....lol!!!

[Former_Member]

Yeah, primer and gesso are important to use so the paint sticks, and you save your paint from sucking up into the support. There is clear gesso out there that can be used to seal wood, if you like woodgrain. If not, white gesso would be my choice of sealer for wood.

Not too familiar with painting on metal, but a sealer/primer is definitely important. If you use acrylic paints, they are water based and and polyurethane and oil based products will work fine over it. But not the other way around. If using water AND oil (or resin) based paint, always paint with the water based paint first. Acrylics painted over oil and resin based paints won't be stable and will not adhere well.

There are lots of options for a protective finish. I would look for something that won't yellow (acid free & UV stable). Right now I have a Krylon spray paint called Matte Finish that can be used to wood, metal, glass plastic etc.

[Former_Member]

Professional decorative painter, here, with another vote for primer on metal. You can get away without primer on untreated wood if you are doing a pickle or a wash of watered down color which will soak into the wood.