Wood furniture gives a rich and luxurious look to your home. No wonder they’ve found a place in both classic and contemporary interior designs. But they can also pose a design dilemma. Since wooden furniture lasts long, you may have purchased your sofa set or dining set years ago. These may not go well with the new look you seek for your home. There might also be some family heirloom furniture that you have to reinvent or upcycle.
You can achieve a lot with the right wood primer and wood finish. But these terms may leave you a little confused. Are they the same product? In what order should they be used? Can one of them be skipped? Let’s try to answer all your questions about types of wood finishes and primers.
What is a Wood Primer?
source: indigopaints.com
Wood is a porous material, which means that paint tends to seep into it. To prevent this, wood primers are used. They also ensure an even wood surface with a pronounced grain. Wood primer acts as a sealant, ensuring that the paint or varnish remains intact as a topcoat.
A wood primer is applied before a wood finish and helps to:
- Protect wood from environmental elements, like algal growth
- Hide unwanted stains present on the surface
- Improve adhesion of top coatings
- Prevent peeling of top coatings
- Prevent paint from seeping into the substrate
- Prevent discolouration
- Promote a better finish.
Preparing the Wooden Surface for Primer
source: pinterest.com
For best results, the surface needs to be prepared beforehand. This includes washing, drying, and sanding the surface effectively. This helps remove dust particles, salt deposits, old paint, and any microbial growth. Sanding also creates a better bonding substrate. After that, the surface can be treated with a putty paste to fill any cracks and holes. At least 2 coats of the primer need to be applied before the wood finish. Remember to give the primer sufficient time to dry before proceeding.
What is a Wood Finish?
Wood finish is applied over the primer to protect the surface from the effects of sun, water, grease, and household chemicals. They are clear and often polyurethane-based to provide wooden furniture a matte or glossy finish. This also improves the lifespan of the wood.
There is a range of Berger wood finish products for both wooden and non-wooden substrates. They have waterproofing properties, protect the surface against UV damage, and can be tinted with a variety of colours for an exquisite new look.
source: indigopaints.com
The different types of wood finishes also require different application methods. Penetrating finishes, like wax and oil, give a natural look and dissolve into the surface. Surface wood finishes, like lacquers, water-based finishes, PU-based wood finish, and shellac, create a thick layer and give a glossy or matte look to the furniture. Each coat is typically followed by sanding.
Wood Primer vs. Wood Finish
| Wood Primer | Wood Finish |
| Primer is a preparatory base coat, applied to the surface before the wood finish. | Finish acts as a performance and decorative coating to provide a glossy or matte effect. |
| Works as a bonding agent that allows the paint to better adhere to wood. | Provides a protective covering against dust, microbes, and water. It also adds colour and sheen. |
| Primer is made of solvent, synthetic resin, and an additive agent. | Wood finish will usually have pigment, binder, and solvent. |
| Prevents the resins and tannins in the wood from leaching out on the surface | May contain plasticisers to prevent hairline cracks in the wood. |
| Can be applied with a spray gun or cloth. | Can be applied with a spray gun, cloth, or brush. |
source: mrright.in
Now that you understand the difference between wood primers and finishes, it’s time to choose the right products. With Berger Paints wood polish, you get to choose eco-friendly products that offer excellent clarity, and a classy finish. So, go ahead and get a free consultation from the experts. Berger Paints ensures that only highly trained professionals handle your expensive woodwork, while following stringent COVID-19 safety protocols. The professionals will also clean up and disinfect your home after their job is done. In addition, you can access digital project booking, quotations, invoices, and contactless delivery of sanitised products for maximum safety.
