Have a paint job in hand? Not sure which would be the best clear primers for wood? Do not look further because we have got you covered in this mega guide!
In this Clear Primers review we will discuss
- What Clear primers are, their advantages and how to use them?
- The different types of Clear primers you are going to find in the market.
- What should you stress on before buying the best clear primer for your project?
- Our top picks and most favorite Clear paint primers.
No more hiding the wood grains, show off the wood with a great range of clear primers available in the market!
My Top Picks
With so many primers available in the market, it’s best that we provide the ones that we think can handle the challenge. Check out my top picks below.
1 Rust-Oleum 312283 RockSolid Deck Start Wood Primer
- Works on weather or worn out wooden surfaces
- Requires no sanding or stripping.
- Water-based
- Dries to touch in an hour.
2 Country Chic’s Clear Bonding Primer
- Ideal for small DIY projects.
- Very easy to apply and handle.
- No bad odors or low odors.
- Has great adhesive properties
- Eco-friendly.
3 Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler. Clear Gel
- Easy to use for DIYers as well as professionals.
- Water-based product, low in VOC.
- Can be used with other products.
- Good longevity.
Comparison For Best Clear Primers for wood
1 Spray Primer Model- Rust-Oleum Clear Wood Primer
- Quantity- 128 Fl. Oz Or, 1 Gallon.
- Product Weight– 4.99 lbs
- Style: Water-based clear primer
- Latest Price – Amazon
2 Spray Primer Model- Country Chic’s Clear Bonding Primer
- Quantity- 16 Fl. Oz
- Product Weight- 1.12 lbs
- Style- Water-based clear primer
- Latest Price – Amazon
3 Spray Primer Model- Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler. Clear Gel
- Quantity-128 Fl. Oz Or, 1 Gallon.
- Product Weight- 1.1 lbs
- Style- Water-based Clear Primer
- Latest Price- Amazon
What Is A Clear Primer?
Primer is a preparatory coating that is applied on surfaces such as wood before painting on them. Basically, it is an undercoat that helps to enhance the paint color on top.
Clear Primers help to ensure the durability of the paint and increase the adhesion of the paint to the surface. These primers also work as a protective coating that ensures that the quality of the wood is preserved and moisture is kept out of the wood.
The primer has a transparent coating on it which makes it possible for the wood grains to be visible and helps in keeping that elegant wooden look.
It is a complete support for the wooden surface that you are about to paint on, curing the surface, hiding any stains on it, and making sure that the top coat has a smooth finish to it.
The Difference Between Primer And Paint Explained
Paint and primers have numerous differences between themselves. They are two complete entities that you are going to need for your painting job. Below we have listed the many differences you can find between them.
- Paints contain pigments that provide color to them, whereas primers work as sealers as they contain resins that help to seal the porous surface of the wood and keeps it safe from moisture, mildew or fungus.
- Primers are an undercoat that is applied on the surface to prepare it for painting. Paints, being a topcoat, help to provide color to the surface and require the undercoat to have a smooth finish and increase its longevity.
- Primers help to solve ‘problems’ on the wooden surface. They help to hide smoke stains and prevent wood tannins from leaking to the top coat.
Primers and paints are very different products. They both go hand in hand to provide a professional finish and longevity to your work.
What Type Of Clear Primer Should I Apply?
Clear primers come in a lot of different forms and types and it can get really confusing to decide which one to pick. There are a few criteria that one needs to understand whether the primer complements the surface you are about to use it on.
Below we have listed down the many types of clear primers available and when you should use them.
Oil-Based Clear Primer
- Oil-based Clear primers are popular because they go well with all types of surfaces.
- They go well with oil-based paints or even latex paints.
- Oil-based clear primers are the best choice for you if you plan on repainting a surface.
- Also if you have stains on the wooden surface then you can certainly go for oil-based paints because they work as great stain blockers.
- Oil-based clear primers work great when used with dry wood. The oil in the primer helps to nourish the wood.
Clear Latex Primers
- Oil-Based clear primers do not bond well with water-based or acrylic paints.
- This is where you should go for latex or water-based clear primers. Latex clear primers are ideal for drywalls as well as softwood.
- Latex clear primers are not suitable for stain blocking or keeping any kind of wood imperfections at bay compared to oil-based or shellac primers. If you have a surface that has major stains on it, then its best to opt for Oil-based clear primers.
- Latex clear primers are the most popular type of clear primers available in the market.
How To Use Clear Primers For Wood?
Clear primers or matte varnish are really easy to use. You don’t need much preparation before you go on with the task. Below we have outlined a guide on how to use clear primers for wood. Remember that it is best to use Clear primers on surfaces that do not have a lot of obstructions on them.
Equipment Needed:
- Clear Primer.
- 140 grit sandpaper.
- Brush.
- Clothes.
Prepare The Surface
Before you start with the task it is necessary that you prepare the surface for painting. It is best to sand away any obstructions on the wood using sandpaper. Before moving forward to the next step, make sure you wipe away any dust or other particles from the surface using a piece of cloth.
Apply The Clear Primer
Once the surface is ready, you can move on to applying the clear primer to the wood using the brush. Make sure you apply a uniform coat with strokes in the same direction. Let the coating settle in and dry.
A lot of people suggest using rollers for primers, you can use that instead of a brush as well.
Preparation For Second Coat
Once the primer has dried out, you can proceed with applying a second coat of the matte varnish.
The Top 6 Best Clear Primers for Wood
Clear Primers may come in various different brands and forms in the market. It can be really tiresome to go through all the options that are available and pick one from the list. That is why we bring you the 6 best clear primers for wood that you can certainly go for.
1 Country Chic’s Clear Bonding Primer
Country Chic’s clear bonding primer is the best clear primer for wood that you can get. It is really easy to apply, you just need to brush it on and it dries. Country Chic is a well known brand in the market so you can certainly rely on this one.
- Water-based primer with ultra-low VOC.
- The primer becomes clear once it dries out.
What We Liked
- Doesn’t give off any odor or smell.
- Doesn’t require sanding.
- Great adhesive properties.
- Versatile. Suitable for multiple surfaces.
What We Didn’t Like
- The solution is really thin and might need multiple coats.
2 DecoArt DS17-9 Dads17-9 Multi Purpose Clear Primer
DecoArt’s sealant or multipurpose Clear primer works pretty well to seal painted projects or even wood. The primer dries to become clear and completely locks out the wooden surface beneath.
- It has a water-based formula. Can be used with both water-based or acrylic paints.
- Non-Toxic
- Can be mixed with paint as the primer is all-purpose.
What We Liked
- Dries really fast.
- Doesn’t require sanding.
- Really cheap compared to other clear primers.
- Comes with some shine in it.
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires multiple coats of priming.
3 Shabby Chic Multi Surface Clear Primer
Shabby Chic’s multi-surface sealant/clear primer for wood that can be used with acrylic or water-based paints. Shabby’s Chic Clear Sealant Primer can be used with both interior and exterior paints.
- Can be used with chalk-based paint for a satin finish.
- Protects the surface from harsh natural conditions.
What We Liked
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces.
- The primer coating contracts and expands with the surface making it highly durable.
- Only a single coat is required for priming the wooden surface.
- Can be used with any form of wooden structure.
What We Didn’t Like
- The quantity is less compared to other similar products.
4 Liquitex 7616 Professional Gesso Surface Prep Clear Primer
Liquitex’s professional clear primer for wood is the best you can get for surface of a wood project. It can not only be used on its own but can also be mixed with paints to reduce their viscosity and increase longevity.
- Fluid in nature.
- Can be used with acrylic paints or oil based paints.
What We Liked
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces.
- Only one coat is enough.
- Best price product. Very reasonable.
What We Didn’t Like
- Viscosity is very low to be used as stand alone.
5 Aqua Coat, Best First Drying Clear Wood Primer Gel
Aqua Coat’s non-toxic, fast drying clear primer is by far one of the best clear primers for wood. The products are used by both professionals and DIYers.
- It has been designed to be very easy to use for everyone in general.
- Provides that glass finish to your furniture, giving them a very classy look.
- Water-based formula.
- Environmental Friendly.
- Low VOC content and no fumes given off.
- Can be mixed with other products.
What We Liked
- Dries really fast.
- Provides excellent adhesion between the surface and the paint.
- Requires very small amounts to cover large surfaces.
- Extremely clear.
- Very easy to apply and handle.
What We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable to use with oak.
- Very large quantity, not suitable for small projects.
6 Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Start Clear Wood Primer
Rust-Oleum Clear Wood Primer is a very well known as a clear primer for wood in the primer industry. They are always considered to be one of the best in the world and there is no doubt that their clear primer lives up to Zinsser’s brand name.
- Works on all kinds of wooden surfaces.
- Can be used with weathered or worn out surfaces.
- It has a water-based formula with low VOC content.
- The solution applies milky white and dries clear.
What We Liked
- Doesn’t require any sanding.
- Dries to touch in an hour.
- Can cover up to 450 square feet in one coat.
- Very adhesive.
What We Didn’t Like
- Very large quantity, not suitable for small projects.
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Clear Primers For Wood? (Buying Guide)
Picking up the right clear primer for your project is challenging. Before you go on with buying one there are a few things that you need to consider and we have listed all of them below.
Primer and Paint Compatibility
It is necessary that you make sure that the Primer you are about to use is compatible with your paint. Some clear primers do not mix well with oil-based paints. So make sure that you check if they compliment each other.
The Viscosity
Viscosity for a primer is really important. A primer with less viscosity can cover more surface. On the other hand a clear primer with more viscosity can stick to the wooden surface much better.
The Quantity
Clear Primers have very low shelf lives. Do make sure that you are not buying too much primer as you are probably going to waste your money. Determine the amount you are going to need and buy the primer accordingly.
Interior or Exterior
Some clear primers are not suitable to be used outside as they cannot withstand the harsh conditions outside. If you are working on an exterior project, it is necessary that you buy a clear primer that is compatible.
Is it Better to Use Paint or Paint with Clear Primer?
A lot of people tend to use Paint on its own and believe that priming is an unnecessary step while painting. Painting without priming can cause the paint to not last long. The paint might show off peeling, get scratched, or even get exposed to the wood tannins.
Clear Primers are very important to increase the longevity of the paint and also to make sure that paint doesn’t get scratched or peeled off easilym by increasing the durability. They also help to stop the wood tannins from bleeding out into the top coat.
Clear Primers not only help to protect the paint but they also help to make sure that the paint coat is smooth and has a good texture. Looking at all the paints we have discussed here we can say that it is best to use paint with primer for your next DIY project if you want your project to last.
Conclusion
There is not much data available on Clear Primers as they are not used much. There might not be a lot of options available in the market and that only makes the task easier for you to pick one.
Clear Primers are one of the easiest primers to buy and use. It is also the best option for wooden furniture, if you are looking to show off those grains to your guests. We hope that this guide contains all the information that you might need to find the best clear primer for yourself.
Happy painting!
For more information about top primers for wood check the article here
Are there any clear primers?
Yes, clear primers can easily be found in the market. They are primers that dry off to give a clear finish to it and may often come in gel form.
What kind of primer do you use on bare wood?
It is best to use a multi-purpose oil-based primer for bare wood. Do make sure that you use a primer on a bare wood surface as it provides a smoother texture and allows the paint to look smooth and stick to the surface better.
Why should one use an oil based primer on new wood?
Oil-based primers help to seal the porous surface of a wood giving a smooth surface to paint on. This makes them ideal to be used on new wood.
Clear primer or sealant: which one is better for painting on wood?
Sealant is a clear gel that helps to protect the wood from moisture in turn protecting it from algae or fungi. Sealants help to make the wood waterproof.
Clear primers help to create a smooth surface to paint on, and help to increase the longevity of the paint. It is best to use a clear primer for painting on wood.
Is there a clear spray primer?
Yes, Clear spray primers are available in the market and work just as great as brush-on primers. To know more about Clear spray primers you can check out my article on spray primers.