FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Latex Primer over Cedar Trim

newbuilder | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 7, 2007 12:43pm

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

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Kgmz | Apr 07, 2007 12:54am | #1

    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.

    1. newbuilder | Apr 07, 2007 04:11am | #5

      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.

      1. dockelly | Apr 07, 2007 04:47am | #6

        http://www.azek.com/this was used on my house.

      2. alanj | Apr 07, 2007 06:15am | #7

        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

      3. Kgmz | Apr 07, 2007 11:31am | #8

        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.

  2. User avater
    Mongo | Apr 07, 2007 02:16am | #2

    I'd do what was previously recommended...oil primer, latex top coat.

    Mongo

  3. BoJangles | Apr 07, 2007 02:22am | #3

    Somebody at HD actually gave you the right advice!

  4. Geoffrey | Apr 07, 2007 02:46am | #4

    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

                                                                          

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fight House Fires Through Design

Smart construction decisions and material choices can significantly improve occupant safety and survival in the event of a fire in the home.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Landscape Lighting Essentials
  • Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data