Weathered wood can look charming, but when it comes time to paint it, it can be tricky to know where to start. You want to choose paint and primer that will adhere well to the wood and prevent chipping and peeling while also considering the overall look you want to achieve.
Acrylic latex paint is the best choice for weathered wood. It’s highly durable and will withstand all kinds of weather conditions. Before painting, apply primer. A shellac primer is a good choice. Shellac primers are designed to adhere well to wood and provide excellent stain-blocking capabilities.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 5 factors to consider when choosing paint for weathered wood
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for weathered wood
The 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Weathered Wood
1. Surface Preparation
Before you embark on any weathered wood painting project, you must ensure the surface is properly prepared. This step is critical because it helps ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
2. Climate and Weather
The climate and weather in your area can greatly affect your painted project. For example, if you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll want to choose a specially formulated paint to resist moisture.
Similarly, if you live in an area with intense sunlight, you’ll want to choose a paint with UV protection to prevent fading and cracking.
3. Type of Paint
The type of paint you choose for your weathered wood project will also influence how long the paint lasts. Several types of paint are available, including oil-based, acrylic, and enamel. The type of paint you choose will depend on the look you want and the durability level you need.
4. Durability
Weathered wood in your home exterior can face harsh weather elements, from heavy rain to scorching sun rays, intense humidity, and salt spray in a coastal environment.
It’s essential to choose a paint that is durable and resistant to these weather conditions. Selecting high-quality paint that has a low VOC is vital. The lower the VOC levels, the longer the paint will last and the better protection it offers against weather elements.
5. Maintenance
After applying paint to your weathered wood, it’s vital to maintain your surfaces to ensure they last a long time. Regular maintenance will help rid the surface of grime, mildew, and dirt that may harm the finish of your paintwork.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is a durable option that works well on weathered wood. This type of paint provides excellent adhesion and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
However, oil-based paint requires patience, as it takes longer to dry than other paints. It also has a strong odor, and you’ll need to use mineral spirits to clean up after use.
But, if you’re looking for a long-lasting paint finish that will keep your weathered wood looking great for years to come, oil-based paint is a reliable option.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that dries quickly and has a low odor. This paint finish is an excellent option for weathered wood because it provides a protective layer that can withstand light to moderate weather conditions. However, it’s not as durable as oil-based paint, so you may need to reapply the paint finish every few years.
Latex paint
Latex paint is another option that works well on weathered wood. It’s water-based and dries quickly, so it’s an ideal choice for outdoor projects.
Latex paint is easy to apply, providing a durable finish that can withstand moderate weather conditions. However, like acrylic paint, it’s not as durable as oil-based paint. So if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you may want to consider another option.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
The best paint finish for weathered wood is a high-quality exterior-grade paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish.
These finishes offer a good balance of durability, protection, and visual appeal. Before painting, it’s essential to properly prepare the weathered wood surface to ensure the best results.
A satin finish provides a subtle sheen that reflects some light, making it a popular choice for exterior wood surfaces. This finish is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and mildew. It also helps to conceal minor imperfections in the weathered wood.
A semi-gloss finish offers a higher sheen level than a satin finish, adding durability and moisture resistance. This finish is easier to clean and more resistant to chipping and scuffing. However, due to its reflective nature, it may highlight imperfections in the weathered wood.
Before applying paint, ensure the weathered wood is properly prepared by cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface. This will help to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to and provide better protection against the elements.
Choose a high-quality paint specifically designed for wood surfaces to ensure long-lasting results and protection against weather-related damage.
The Best Paint and Primer for Weathered Wood
Choosing the right paint and primer for your project is crucial for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish. The quality and type of paint and primer can affect your painted surface’s adhesion, coverage, and durability.
Additionally, spray paint can be a great option if you’re painting weathered wood, as it allows for even coverage and can penetrate deep into the cracks and crevices of the wood.
Best Paint
If you’re looking for paint that can give your old and weathered wood a completely new and uniform look while concealing all cracks and imperfections, KILZ Over Amor Wood and Concrete Resurfacer is the answer. This product is hands down the best paint for weathered wood, and here’s why.
First, its advanced formula boasts a 100% acrylic resin that creates a textured finish and is durable enough to hide cracks and splinters up to 1/4 inch.
Its slip-resistant texture ensures maximum safety, making it ideal for horizontal surfaces like decks, porches, and boat docks. Plus, it’s available in an array of solid colors that give the surface a fresh and vibrant look.
Even better, KILZ Over Armor Textured Coating provides superior coverage, with each 1-gallon can covering approximately 75 square feet (2m² per liter).
A second coat must be applied to achieve optimal film uniformity and crack coverage. The paint dries to the touch in just four hours, and you can recoat it in four to six hours.
Best Primer
Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer is the go-to primer for weathered wood surfaces. Its quick-drying feature allows for recoating in 45 minutes and can be applied in freezing temperatures. Regarding surface adhesion, B-I-N Primer requires no scuff sanding, making it ideal for glossier surfaces.
What sets B-I-N Primer apart from other primers is its easy-hiding formula that blocks stubborn stains. It also has excellent enamel holdout, sealing porous surfaces efficiently.
This advanced formula permanently blocks most odors of every kind and even seals bleeding knots and sap streaks.
If you are looking for a primer that can withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions, Zinsser B-I-N Primer is the perfect choice. It also dries to a non-toxic, hypoallergenic film, making it safer for home use.