I am in the process of backpriming some trim pieces. At this time I am not painting over the priming. I have never seen anyone say that you have to paint the backprimed surfaced. However, I have read that priming without painting is basically useless (FHB, Dec03/Jan04). Do I need to paint the primed surfaces too?
As a follow-up question, I have seen some people say that you can use mis-mixed paint as a backprimer (color does not matter). Does the kind of paint matter? Since this would go on bare wood, is it a reasonable practice to skip the primer for backpriming?
thanks in advance.
Replies
I may be wrong, but I have never painted over back priming.
My understanding was / is that backpriming serves to seal the wood against airborne moisture vapor.....not against liquid water like the painted exposed front.
Sealing the back of the piece, then priming & painting the exposed front will help to stabilize the wood against warping, checking, cupping, etc.
Jim
Hi mwalter,
Does the kind of paint matter? Since this would go on bare wood, is it a reasonable practice to skip the primer for backpriming?
When back priming I've always used a 2" foam roller dipped in whatever paint or primer was left over from some other job. My understanding is back priming doesn't stop moisture from entering the wood, it simply allows it to change the woods moisture level slower and evenly with the front side.
Pedro the Mule - and don't brush with the stuff; tastes awful