Do you prime??? With what?

[creativecars]

I know this is a broad question and I meant for it to be, but the question is still open.
Do you prime? With what?
I will start...
For interior painted surfaces (sheetrock, trim)... Yes, Kilz
Wood trim, showing grain... No, a clear sealer
Automotive finish quality... Yes, primer, surfacer, sealer
Floor paint... No
Now for the second part of my question. Do you prime smaller metal projects?
Like brackets, racks, metal benches or cabinets? I usually just paint them, but I am building some nicer tables and stands for the shop and a repaint for my trailer frame and fenders will be coming up soon.
Thanks for your input...

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

For interior painted surfaces (sheetrock, trim)... Yes, Kilz
+ Behind Wallpaper, or paneling I'll tint the primer close to the color of the covering.
Wood trim, showing grain... no, usually stain (and a pre-stain treatment for soft woods).
Top with oil, varnish, shellac or wax.
Automotive finish quality... Yes, primer (maybe 2 coats), paint (2 or 3 coats), clear (as many coats as it takes to get the look I'm after).

Do you prime smaller metal projects?
Like brackets, racks, metal benches or cabinets?
I usually just paint them.
I am building some nicer tables and stands for the shop. For the shop, I'd just paint them.
Repaint for my trailer frame and fenders will be coming up soon. Touching up my boat or utility trailer, or frame, I just paint. Full repaint nice enclosed trailer I'd primer.

 

[creativecars]

With a spray gun or rattle can???

 

[Airframer]

Aircraft - Chromate primer which is slowly being replaced by chromate-free primer.

 

[rippered]

For interior painted surfaces (sheetrock, trim)... Yes, Kilz
+ Behind Wallpaper, or paneling I'll tint the primer close to the color of the covering. .

I've hung thousands of rolls of wallpaper and I would not suggest using paint primer. I would use sizing which is a primer specifically for wallpaper. It makes it much easier to hang and remove. Either way something under the paper is better than nothing.

 

[creativecars]

I've hung thousands of rolls of wallpaper and I would not suggest using paint primer. I would use sizing which is a primer specifically for wallpaper. It makes it much easier to hang and remove. Either way something under the paper is better than nothing.

That is great to know. Thanks for the tip.

 

[olds34dude]

Use Zinnser 123 under the wallpaper and other projects in or outside, do not use cheap flat wall or ceiling paint , it will fail. 123 is one of the best universal primers available. no wallpaper paste manufacturer will stand behind an oil base primer such as Kilz . I too, have installed 1000's of rolls over the past 40 years. D

 

[creativecars]

Great, Keep up the tips.

Does anyone prime their small metal projects, or just hit them with a spray can??

 

[creativecars]

bump

 

[Fizbin]

Well in my experience, primimg is all about the smoothness of the finish.

If you want a good professional-looking surface: prime, sand, 1st coat of paint, sand, 2nd coat of paint (then wet sanding and a clear coat is optional).

If you just want it painted: slap a coat or two on there and move on.

 

[Ign]

Smaller metal projects, depends upon the color I'm painting, color of base material and how long I want the painted finish to last. If I prime it's with the gray or rusty metal Rustoleum primer (Professional). For black I use Rustoluem's black (they might call it dark gray??) automotive primer.

 

[creativecars]

Smaller metal projects, depends upon the color I'm painting, color of base material and how long I want the painted finish to last. If I prime it's with the gray or rusty metal Rustoleum primer (Professional). For black I use Rustoluem's black (they might call it dark gray??) automotive primer.

Thanks for your input. My welding table is almost done and I am looking at Rustoleum dark blue for it. It is pretty clean secondary steel so i can wire brush it and make it nice. I will then use the same color throughout the garage for brackets, tables and accent type things.

 

[DekeT]

Regardless of primer on not, no surface is good to cover unless you clean it thoroughly. Degreaser or soap and water, whatever gets it almost good enough to eat off of is the best way to start your paint job.

 

[Hornman]

Great, Keep up the tips.

Does anyone prime their small metal projects, or just hit them with a spray can??

I prime all my small metal projects I care about. Either SEM self etching rattle can or two part epoxy for the detail gun.

 

[creativecars]

I prime all my small metal projects I care about. Either SEM self etching rattle can or two part epoxy for the detail gun.

That SEM is a bit pricey for the amount you get from a spray can. Does it seem to go far? I am thinking about my welding table.