Generally, you need to prime any surface prior to applying paint, especially wood. Exterior wood surfaces, like the floor and railings of a porch, are always exposed to moisture, temperature, and continuous use and foot traffic, therefore priming is much more significant here than almost anywhere else to make sure a superbly finished project.
Why Prime
When dealing with wood, you’re handling a naturally porous substance. The grain of this wood absorbs whatever you use to it, and seldom is wood consistently porous using the same grain all the way through. Without repainting, the wood will absorb the paint at different rates, leading to an uneven paint finish. Priming fills in the small pores and grain of the wood, resulting in a level surface that won’t absorb extra moisture or paint from rain or clogs, which can result in mold and rotting. Priming also blocks inner oils, resins and stains from pops up through the paint.
Products to Use
Prime the wood porch flooring using a wood-specific primer. Read and follow your chosen primer’s instructions to make sure it is acceptable for outdoor use. Many outside primers contain sealers, and some even contain mildewcides that will help to prevent any buildup of mold or rot inside the wood. Some manufacturers create paint and primer in one so that you only need to apply 1 product rather than 2. Follow instructions to make certain that this substance is suitable to be used on outside wood.
Organizing to Prime
The wood surface of your porch has to be completely smooth and clean until you can correctly apply primer. Otherwise, you’ll have the ability to see dust and dirt through the primer and paint. In the same way, contaminants such as grease or oil can impact how in which the primer bonds into the wood, making an uneven application. Wash the surface with trisodium phosphate mixed with warm water follow specific cleaner instructions for dilution rates. This will remove all dirt, dust, grease and wax. Ensure that you peel away any loose or chipped old paint from the surface as well. Finally, sand the surface smooth; the primer is going to have a better bonding surface, and the finished paint job will probably be more attractive.
Priming Procedure
Mark off the region of your porch that you don’t want to paint; use plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. You should do exactly the same with the areas where the porch matches your home so you don’t accidentally get primer and paint on your house. Apply primer using a paintbrush or roller to each surface that you plan to cover with paint. You’ll need to apply at least 2 coats of primer; follow the special instructions on your chosen product to specify if you want some more. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second; again, your product instructions can provide you with advice for that. Some may need only an hour or two of drying period, while some may want to dry immediately.