I am using red meranti for deck railings for the first time. The customer wants to paint the rail system. I would like to prime all the rail parts and end grain and was wondering if anyone knew if it was OK to use a latex primer on the meranti. I have been searching for some info on the web but did not come up with anything.
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Sorry Des I have been so involved in another thread I have shirked my duties.
I can look it up, but what is Meranti made of, is it a composite or something?
-zen
Meranti is part of the mahogany family I believe.
I would use oil primer and 2 coats of 100% acrylic for the top coat
edit: Sorry, suposed to be for des
Meranti is part of the mahogany family I believe.
huh, not familiar with the wood. If its like mahogany, you can expect serious tannin bleed.
If the deck is exposed, not covered, I would try to persuade the client to go with a semi transparent deck stain. Solids, paint included, stay on the surface and peel no matter what you try, overtime.
If that isnt an option I think I would try to use an exterior blocking primer, then your 100% acrylic top coats.
Im of the new school and think you are better off with a water prime with water top coat, even if it means a blocking coat of shellac, which is totally compatible, but has to be covered fully.
Kilz 2 may have a product for exterior, Im not sure if it is rated for that, maybe the premium. <--- just checked the can, yes on that.
-zen
When finishing woods with high oils, like teak, it can also be helpful to rub them down first with mineral spirits to remove some of these oils that are close to the surface. I did this a few times when spar varnishing topsides of yachts.
Edited 2/20/2005 5:20 pm ET by zendo
Edited 2/20/2005 5:21 pm ET by zendo
I've used Meranti on some decks but only for the floor. It does like to move. I can't answer your question other than to say, I still prefer oil based primers outside. The best exterior top coat I have used is by California, Acrylic house and trim. It has stood up on PT which is notorious for shedding paint.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match