I’m trimming out some vinyl windows and will be using cedar 5/4. I won’t be getting to the painting of the trim for a few months and want to have it sit protected for the duration so I want to prime it with a good exterior primer. Someone at HD told me ONLY to use an oil-based primer with cedar! I don’t want to work with oil base which then must be followed with oil based over coat /final coat.
Is it or is it not OK to use a good quality latex primer over cedar?
Thanks –
T
Replies
They are correct about using a oil based primer over cedar. You will get too much bleed through with a latex primer.
You can use latex paint over a oil based primer.
Why are you using cedar if it is going to be painted. Up here in the NW most everyone uses WhiteWood, this is a pre-primed trim wood available in all trim sizes for window trim, corner boards, facia, barge, etc.
Thanks to all who responded for all of the feedback.
Kgmz >>> this "Whitewood" ... where is it 'gettable' ... Home D???
I wanted to use something that would have great longevity and that I wouldn't have to mess with much after installing. I can't find anything about 'whitewood' online other than related to furniture ... why do you speak of it as such a 'prized' material for trim?
Thanks -
T.
http://www.azek.com/this was used on my house.
I use pre-primed facia and barge boards, generally to save time. Most good lumberyards carry 1" and 2" material around here, in various widths. The quality of finish is mediocre-obviously machine sprayed with blobs and skips. These may cause problems later.I use latex (actually acrylic) primers over cedar on small jobs and when budget can afford it.I am in a similar climate to yours. I am in Vancouver, BC. Make sure you use a premium brand--Kilz or Zinnser--My thinking is that a water-based primer is better on top of wet lumber.I can send you pics of trim that I painted and installed 2 1/2 years ago that look like new. Thay have NO topcoat.Painting all six sides is important and not that time-consuming as these primers dry very quickly.Good luckAlan
I have actually seen some whitewood at some HD's. But the best place to get it is a real lumber yard, they will have all sizes and lengths. From 1x2 to 1x12, 5/4x3 to 5/4x10, and 2 x stock.
I like it because it is primed all the way around and saves time. And it is true some pieces can be ugly, but when I go to the lumber yard and pick it up I am choosy and pick through the stack. If it is delivered I take the ugly pieces back and get better ones.
We have accounts at Lumbermen's and Gray Lumber, so that is where I usually get it.
Here is one brands brochure.
http://www.woodtone.com/docs/RealTrim%20Web%20Brochure.pdf
These guys are manufacturers based in Seattle and Vancouver, BC.
And when you read the brochure it will say it is made of SPF. SPF stands for Spruce-Pine-Fir. Just in case you don't know. Also it mentions texture planing, these boards are not smooth on one side. It has a texture planed on it which gives it a better look and helps hold the paint.
I'd do what was previously recommended...oil primer, latex top coat.
Mongo
Somebody at HD actually gave you the right advice!
the answer to the question is, no it's not all right to use a latex primer over cedar.
primer won't really "protect" the wood, it just gives a "tooth" for the finish coat to adhere to and helps seal the tannins from bleeding through. If you let the primer sit for " a few months" it will have lost all those properties you're looking for it to provide..and basically will have been a waste of time and money..... as stated, you can use latex over oil-based primer.
Geoff