How to paint wood table without primer?

KyAnne

I have an old bare wood side table to use on my covered back patio. It's been out in the weather for years without rotting or anything (just stained green from some kind of growth but still solid) but I'd like to sand it and ideally paint it to make it look nicer.

I have various left over paints suitable but no primer and I don't want to spend any money (I would not buy this table in any state for $50, so I'm not going to spend $50 on primer + all the time & effort!). I don't care if it's not a perfect finish as long as it doesn't peel off or go funny straight away.

So I guess my options are:

a) do an undercoat (in lieu of primer) with white/light blue acrylic interior wall paint, then top coat of blue water-based enamel exterior/interior paint

b) do an undercoat (in lieu of primer) with white water-based enamel exterior paint, then top coat of blue water-based enamel exterior/interior paint

c) do an undercoat with white self-priming masonry exterior paint, then top coat of blue water-based enamel exterior/interior paint. The masonry paint is not meant for timber but it is self-priming. What would happen if I use it on wood? And can I paint over the top with water-based enamel?

d) Cabot's exterior varnish stain

e) Wattle Instant Estapol matt (rest of label unreadable due to rust. don't know if water or oil based!)

f) Cabot's gloss exterior clear polyurethane

g) I have a very old pot of blue "Natur" wood stain from Ikea but the label is illegible. I think this would need clear polyurethane on top

I'd prefer a top coat of blue paint to varnish in this case as I generally find paint is more 'forgiving' and lasts longer, and I like the pop of colour, but would it be a real disaster to paint without using any real primer? Although not ideal, are any of these options at all feasible

I also have an old tin of Fungishield. Should that go on first under paint or varnish? would it affect/limit what paint/varnish I put on top of it?

EricL

Hello @KyAnne

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your wood table without a primer.

Let me try and answer your queries:

• I don't recommend using interior paint outside as it has no UV protection. Once exposed to the elements even with the enamel paint on top it will peel off as it is generally speaking the weak link in the chain.
• Although both paints are exterior rated, I can't tell how long it will stay on.
• White self-priming masonry exterior paint, then topcoat of blue water-based enamel exterior/interior paint. Sounds promising but the primer for the masonry is rated for masonry only. This means that it will not be able to withstand movement and wood as you know is a natural product that expands and contracts.
• Cabot's exterior varnish stain - Yes! This is the one that would work properly without a primer. If the table is properly sanded down, the varnish will anchor properly into the timber fibres.
• Wattle Instant Estapol matt - unless you can determine this is an exterior rated varnish or paint, I suggest giving this a pass.
• "Natur" wood stain - again, unless you can determine this is an exterior rated varnish or paint, I suggest giving this a pass.

One other thing to keep in mind is the different paint brands. There’s no way to guarantee that paints from different manufacturers will bond well together or react as expected, so it’s generally best to avoid mixing them on the same project.

A primer is usually recommended because it gives the topcoat a solid surface to adhere to. I completely understand wanting to make use of leftover paint rather than letting it go to waste. Out of the products you mentioned, the Cabot's Gloss Exterior Clear Polyurethane is the only one I’d feel comfortable applying without a primer.

It’s also worth considering the age of the paint, as stored paint can deteriorate over time and may not perform as intended.

That said, if I were painting a piece of timber furniture without using a primer, I’d start by sanding it back to bare wood. Since you're keen to use the blue water-based interior/exterior enamel, I'd apply it in very thin coats, allowing each coat a full day to cure before applying the next. For the best level of protection, I’d aim for at least three coats and stick with that paint alone rather than combining it with any of the other products you have.

Just keep in mind that because we're working without a primer and using older leftover paint, it's difficult to predict exactly how durable the finish will be over time.

Just in case you change your mind, I suggest looking at the https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-flat-aquablock-waterproof-primer-undercoat_p1560469 . It's currently the best value for money in regard to paint primers.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric