Are you planning for painting a piece of wood furniture? You have to make sure to use a spray primer first! Spray primers are absolute superstars when it comes to priming wood, looking at how messy regular primers can get.
But, if you are not sure which primers are best as spray for wood to go for from all the options available then this article is for you!
To assist you with your painting endeavors, this guide will teach you all about Top Most Spray Primers:
My Top Picks
With so many primers available in the market, it’s best to provide the ones that we think can handle the challenge. Check out My top picks below.
1 Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer Spray
3 Krylon K05131507 ColorMaster Paint + Primer
Comparison Table For Best Spray Primers For Wood
| Spray Primer Model | Price | Quantity | Weight |
Style |
| Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer Spray |
Price | 13 ounces | 1.08 lbs | Oil-based primer |
| Tamiya Surface Primer |
Price | 6.08 ounces | 7.2 ounces | Acrylic |
| Krylon ColorMaster Paint+ Primer |
Price | 12 ounces | 1 lb | Acrylic |
What Is A Spray Paint Primer?
Most of us know what primers do. For those who do not, primers are a coat of paint put on a surface to prepare it for painting. They help increase the adhesivity between the topcoat and the surface, increase the paint’s longevity, and increase the smoothness of the topcoat.
A Spray Paint Primer, on the other hand, is a primer that comes in aerosol form. They are easier to use compared to regular primers, which require the use of a brush.
Spray paint primers achieve their task better than the normal ones, as they can easily access each nook and cranny of the wooden surface. Spray Primers have multiple advantages over roll-on primers or brush-on primers.
Paint and primer spray paints go hand in hand pretty well. Still, you need to know which type of spray paint would work best for the surface you will work on. We will be discussing that in detail.
Related Post: All types of best paint primers for wood use
How Many Varieties Of Spray Paint Primer?
Spray Primers come in varying forms and colors. Choosing the right product for your work is essential. We have listed all the available varieties to ease your search for the ideal spray paint primer.
Latex Primers
Latex or water-based primers are among the best primers types available. They work well with water-based or acrylic paints.
Besides wooden surfaces, these primers can also be used with concrete, drywalls, galvanized metals, and brick.
Latex primers do not become brittle and are ruthless against cracks. They are loved a lot due to their fast-drying feature.
Oil-based Primers
Oil-based primers are usable with a wider range of materials. They go well with oil-based or latex paints.
These primers are ideal for wooden surfaces as they help seal porous surfaces. They help prevent wood tannins from bleeding and getting exposed on the topcoat.
However, Oil-based primers contain toxic compounds (Volatile organic compounds) and take a lot of time to dry. It should not matter if you have patience!
Shellac Primers
Shellac Primers include shellac that helps hide stains in wood. Shellac Sprays can help hide smoke, water damage, or other permanent stains.
These primers might be challenging to clean up when used with a brush, but then in the spray form, they are beneficial.
Why Should You Use Spray Paint Primers?
Spray paint primers have a lot of benefits over regular primers, influencing one to pick them.
Reachability
Brush-on primers and roll-on primers require multiple coats to reach every grain of the wooden surface. On the other hand, Spray primers have a uniform reach throughout the surface of the wood.
Finish
Spray Primers help achieve an even finish on the surface, enabling the topcoat to be even. Brush-on primers may cause you to have brush marks, drips, or runs that show up on the topcoat.
Drying
Regular primers have the downside of taking a lot of time to dry. Every coat of primer can take from 4 hours to a day to completely dry out. Spray paint primers dry pretty quickly compared to them, mainly due to thinner coats.
Ease of Use
Spray Paint Primers are easy to use and hassle-free, unlike standard primers. Regular primers require you to use a brush or a roller for the coating.
In the case of Spray paint primers, you only need to spray the primer onto the surface. It is much easier to use, not messy, and doesn’t require much cleaning once the job is done.
How To Use Spray Primers?
Spray Primers are very easy to use, thanks to their aerosol form. Below we have put on a step-to-step guide on primers on a wooden surface to prepare it for painting. We suggest that you watch the video below, as it might help you understand the process much better.
Equipment Needed
- 360 grit Sandpaper
- 140 grit Sandpaper
- Primer Spray
- Tack Cloth
Prepare The Surface
You would need to start with sanding down the surface using a 360 grit sandpaper. The surface needs to be smooth and even before applying the primer to it. Use a cloth to remove any dust or fine particles from the surface. Make sure the surface is dry; this will aid with the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
How To Apply The Primer Spray
Once the surface is ready, you can move on to spraying the primer to the surface. Keep the Primer Spray about a foot above the surface and try to ensure a set distance. Make sure that you have a steady movement throughout the spraying process. Making sudden stops can cause drips and runs as a build-up of primer is created at one spot.
Preparation for second coat
Once the primer has dried out, sand down the first coat of the primer to achieve an even surface using the 140 grit sandpaper. Sanding the primer helps to increase adhesion and allows you to keep the surface smooth.
Repeat three (3) More Times
Apply a second coat of the primer as stated above, then sand it down again. You should apply at least four (4) coats of the spray primer to achieve a suitable thickness. Once the Primer is set and has dried, sand it down again and continue to apply the top coat of paint.
What are the Best Spray Primers for Wood?
You have already learned about the different forms of primers available in the market. It can be stressful to pick one from so many options. Not to worry, we have listed some of the best spray primers available for wooden surfaces.
1 Rustoleum Spray Paint Primer
Rustoleum Spray Paint Primer is an all-purpose industrial-grade spray primer created for commercial or residential use:
- It has an oil-based formula that seals the wooden surface and protects it.
- The primer sticks to the working surface pretty well and doesn’t require sanding.
- It hides imperfections on wood pretty well with the first coat itself.
Strengths Of Rustoleum Spray Paint Primer
- Dries fast. It takes up to 30 minutes to dry.
- Doesn’t require sanding.
- Blocks stains well.
- Versatile. Suitable for multiple surfaces.
Weaknesses Of Rustoleum Spray Paint Primer
- It cannot be used with all kinds of paints as it has an oil-based formula.
2 Krylon Ultra Flat Primer
One of the best spray paint for wood furniture. The Krylon Colormaster is a best spray paint primer that can mix with a primer. Hassle-free and saves you a lot of time:
- Water-based formula; compatible with a wide range of acrylic or water-based paints.
- It comes in varying colors, so you can pick the one you want to get to match your interior.
- It can be painted on again after applying the paint + primer. This results in the topcoat being smoother.
Strengths Of Krylon Ultra Flat Primer
- Dries fast. It takes up to 10 minutes to dry.
- Doesn’t require sanding.
- Can use it for indoor and outdoor projects
Weaknesses Of Krylon Ultra Flat Primer
- The Spray Primer is expensive.
3 Tamiya Surface Primer
Tamiya brings you a premium spray primer. It is made with high-quality materials and gives a top-notch performance:
- High coverage saves you a lot of time. Only a single coat is sufficient, and you can move on to the next step of your project.
- The nozzle reduces wastage by reducing sputtering and clogging.
- The ingredients are of premium quality, giving your wooden surface a durable finish.
Strengths Of Tamiya Surface Primer
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces.
- Highly durable, thanks to the premium ingredients used in it.
- Only a single coat is required for priming the wooden surface.
Weaknesses Of Tamiya Surface Primer
- The Spray Primer is expensive and comes in a small can. But since multiple coats are not necessary, it is not an issue.
4 White Spray Paint For Wood
Another great quality spray primer by Rust-Oleum. Best value for money primer that also provides excellent coverage:
- Ideal for use on interior and exterior surfaces.
- Flat Primer spray. You do not need to sand the surface to prepare it for painting.
- It can cover a wide area of 12 sq. ft for each can.
Strengths Of spray primer by Rust-Oleum
- Very reasonably priced for the quality it has to offer.
- The coat dries fast. It takes up to 20 minutes to dry.
- Versatile spray primer; can use with multiple surfaces.
Weaknesses Of spray primer by Rust-Oleum
- The nozzle of the spray can get clogged.
5 Gray Spray Paint For Wood
A Gray-colored paint plus primer by Rust-oleum goes well for your furniture. It is best to be used with furniture that you will be painted grey or black:
- Ideal for use on a wide range of interior surfaces.
- Oil-based paint primers that provide a timeless look.
- Excellent adhesion and easy to apply.
- Dries up in just 20 minutes.
Strengths Of Gray-colored paint plus primer by Rust-oleum
- Gives an ultra-matte velvety smooth finish.
- The coat dries fast. It takes up to 20 minutes to dry.
- Versatile spray primer; can use with multiple surfaces.
- Hassle-free paint and primer together.
Weaknesses Of Gray-colored paint plus primer by Rust-oleum
- Oil-based formula cannot be used with all types of paints.
6 Black Aerosol Spray Paint Primer For Wood
When you are going to paint something black Wood, White Primers is not a suitable primer at all. It is best to apply a black-colored primer as this will help to highlight the topcoat more, because:
- Spray Paint and primer in one can doesn’t require separate priming for the surface.
- Easy to use big spray tip.
- Dries up in just 20 minutes.
Strengths Of Aerosol Spray Paint Primer
- Hassle-free paint and primer together.
- High-quality paint that gives a premium paint finish.
- Flat black spray finish.
Weaknesses Of Aerosol Spray Paint Primer
- The nozzle is not changeable.
7 Exterior Spray Paint For Wood
This Enamel paint by Rust-oleum is excellent to use with wooden surfaces outside. It protects the surface from extreme exterior conditions:
- 30 oz. can cover up to 25 sq. ft.
- Great color retention provides long-lasting protection.
- Satin finish creates a silky look.
- Sprays 50% faster with a high-output tip.
Strengths Of Enamel paint by Rust-oleum
- Spray faster thanks to a high-output tip.
- Long-lasting paint.
Weaknesses Of Enamel paint by Rust-oleum
- Takes up to 2-4 hours to dry.
8 Outdoor Spray Paint For Wood
Another exterior Fusion spray paint for outdoor use that doesn’t drip or run, unlike ordinary spray paints available on the market:
- This spray can cover up to 25 sq. ft.
- Comes with various finishes.
- All-purpose spray paint that bonds to any surface without the need for sanding or regular primers.
- 5X adhesion formula that ensures that the paint sticks to the material.
Strengths Of Fusion spray paint for outdoor
- Great adhesion between surface and paint.
- Durable and lasts long.
- Dries quickly in 20 minutes.
- Value for money
Weaknesses of Fusion spray paint for outdoor
- The coat of paint is thin; a few coats are required to achieve the desired thickness.
9 Latex Primer For Wood
Latex-based primers are loved for their versatility. Liquitex’s Professional Spray Paint might be one of the best Latex Primer plus Paint on the market:
- Highly pigmented formula that gives bold colors.
- Can use it on multiple surfaces.
- Contains a low odor compared to other spray paints or primers.
- Soluble with water, can use it with acrylic paint or water-based products.
Strengths Of Latex Primer plus Paint
- Can be used with a wide range of colors.
- Easy to clean.
- Low on toxic chemicals.
- Dries up super fast compared to oil-based primers.
Weaknesses Of Latex Primer plus Paint
- Requires a few coats to achieve the perfect thickness.
10 Clear Spray Primer
Krylon’s Gloss Clear Primer Spray is a revolution in the market. It doesn’t require any sanding, and no extra coats are needed. The first coat settles in pretty well and provides a smooth surface to paint on:
- Provides excellent adhesion between the paint and the surface.
- Dries to the touch within 25 minutes and takes 2 hours to completely dry.
- Non-yellowing clear spray.
Strengths Of Krylon’s Gloss Clear Primer Spray
- It does not require any sanding
- and Has stain-blocking capabilities.
Weaknesses Of Krylon’s Gloss Clear Primer Spray
- Requires a few coats to achieve the perfect thickness.
- It takes a lot of time to dry to be handled.
- Doesn’t work as a filler.
What Are The Advantages Of Wood Primer Spray?
- A wood surface with wood primer spray has multiple benefits that will influence you to consider including it in your DIY project.
- It helps seal the wooden surface completely, protecting it from extreme conditions. Also, locking the oil or tannins in the wood from leaking to the topcoat.
- Helps hide joints on the wooden surface and fill up any holes or crevices & increases the longevity of the wood, and makes the wood durable as well.
- Increases adhesion between the paint and the working surface. Also, it improves the overall outlook of the paint and helps show the actual color.
- It provides a smooth surface to paint on & helps to hide stains on the wooden surface. It prevents the paint from tearing, cracking, or peeling off.
- Spray primers do not require brushes and are hassle-free compared to brush-on or roll-on primers.
- Spray primers dry quickly compared to regular primers.
The advantages listed above are enough reasons for you not to miss out on the critical step of priming your wood before painting.
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Spray Primers For Wood? (Buying Guide)
Picking up a suitable primer for your project is challenging. Before you go on with buying one, you need to consider a few things.
Primer and Paint Compatibility
Your primer needs to match the formula of the paint you will be using. An oil-based paint goes well with an oil-based primer; water-based primers complement water-based, acrylic, or latex paints. Be sure to check the compatibility of your paint and primer.
The Surface of your Project
If you plan to work on a wooden surface, you must ensure that the primer spray you buy is made for this surface. A metal or plastic primer might not work well on a wooden surface.
The Quality of the Surface
Study the surface of your wood. Check what deformities it might have. If your project’s surface has multiple stains, you need to go for a stain-blocking primer. If your surface has holes or crevices, you need to use a primer to help fill them up.
The Paint
The primer’s color should be neutral enough so that the paint shows its actual color. Use a black or gray primer to paint the surface black. Use a white primer for brighter colors. It is a good idea to mix some of the paint with the primer to achieve a base that is closer to the topcoat.
Conclusion
Primers are a vital part of any painting project if you try to ensure that your work lasts. With many people complaining that it takes a lot of effort to prime up a surface before painting, a primer spray helps fix that by making the whole process effortless. Choosing the best spray primer for wood furniture can be challenging, but we have tried to help you overcome that in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Prime Wood Before Spray Painting?
Yes, priming the wood before painting is a significant step. It helps to increase the longevity of the paint and makes the project durable. Some paints come with mixed primers; if you use that, you do not need to prime the wood separately.
Can You Spray Paint Wood Without Sanding?
Yes, you definitely can spray paint on wood without sanding, but then you would need to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve that desired smooth finish to your paint. Also, sanding a wooden surface and priming it increases the adhesion between the paint and the surface.
What Grit Sandpaper for a Primer on Wood?
Before applying the primer, you should use 360-400 grit sandpaper. After applying a coat of primer, you can use 140 grit paper.
What Primer Should I Use on This Wood Paneling?
It is best to use a stain-blocking latex primer or an oil-based primer for wood panelings is best. Kilz 2 All-purpose exterior/interior primer is a good option for wood panelings.
Can I Use Acrylic Paint in Place of a Spray Primer For Wood?
Yes, acrylic paint can be used as a general primer in certain wood conditions. If the wooden surface is in pristine condition, that is. You would still need to prepare the surface of the wood using sandpaper.