The Best Primers for Plywood: A Guide to Achieve a Smooth and Durable Finish

Many different types of primers are available on the market, and choosing the best one for your project can be challenging. This article will explore the top 5 best primers for plywood, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether working on a DIY project or a professional woodworking job, this guide will help you find the perfect primer for your needs.

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The Top 5 Best Primers for Plywood

Editors Choice- Zinsser Rust-OLEUM

best primer- Zinsser Rust-OLEUM

The Zinsser Rust-OLEUM is a white primer that comes in a matte finish. Zinsser is a water-based product that comes in 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) and is formulated to be suitable for interior and exterior use. 

Zinsser has been chosen as the top pick on this list for several reasons. First, its unique water-based formulation makes it the best primer before undertaking your paint job on that wooden project. This primer can easily penetrate the grain of the plywood. Good penetration ensures that the surface of the wood can attach well to the paint. Moreover, it can get rid of any unevenness resulting in a smoother paint job.

The key advantages of this primer are that it is the best stain blocker for plywood use. Moreover, it comes in an easy-to-use kit and covers approximately 350 to 400 square feet per gallon, depending on surface type.

Runner’s Up- Rust-Oleum 7582838 Professional Primer

Rust-Oleum Professional Primer

The Rust-Oleum 7582838 Professional Primer is a top-quality product by rust oleum that is the sturdiest primer you can get. It comes in a gray 15 Ounce (Pack of 1). The high durability oil-based formulation makes this product suitable for priming multiple surfaces. 

The unique qualities that make Rust-Oleum the second-best product on this list are that it comes in spray form, making it easy to use. Moreover, it is suited to use on multiple surfaces, including plywood. When applied on plywood, its unique oil-based formulation leaves an ideal protective coat and has high adhesiveness for paint or finish. This is the best primer for DIYers, given its easy application.

Benefits of this product are: it covers up to 14 sq ft, dries to touch in 15 minutes, and is ready for immediate topcoat application; Indoor/outdoor, easy to use, durable, and multiple surface use.

Best Budget- Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer

Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer

Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer comes in a gray 6.09 Fl Oz (Pack of 1). It has a matte finish since, like most primers, its main purpose is to facilitate the paint that comes after it. This product comes in a unique formulation that makes it suited for a variety of applications. 

Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer is the best option when it comes to value for your buck. Coming in an easy-to-use spray form, this primer has all the best characteristics of a suitable primer. It provides your plywood with an adhesive coat that is smooth to paint on. Moreover, it offers protection against stains on the wood, ensuring the durability of your paint or finish. 

Another benefit of this unique primer is that it can be used on multiple surfaces such as wood, plastic, and metal. Moreover, it is suitable for both interior and exterior use. It is easy to apply and provides durable protection. However, the greatest benefit of this primer is that it saves on your money and retains top qualities.

Buying Guide- Best Primer for Plywood

Unpainted or Unstained Plywood

When deciding which primer to use, it is important to consider the state of the wood at hand. That is whether the plywood in question is stained or painted on. The state of the plywood determines the type of primer to use.

For instance, plywood not stained or painted on should be primed with oil-based products. This is because the nature of the wood calls for a product that has excellent adhesive qualities.

Moreover, oil-based primers are able to stick well on the surface ensuring that uneven surfaces are well leveled by a hard coat that provides a good surface for the paint to hold on to well. 

Painted or Stained Plywood

When the plywood you are working on is painted or stained, it is recommended that you select a primer that is able to provide excellent adhesion over another coat of paint or stain. Oil-based primers are not suitable for such an application.

A stain-blocking primer should achieve the best adhesion and protection qualities. Whether a primer contains stain blockers is always indicated on the product. Lastly, if your wood is old and weathered, it is advisable to use an oil-based or latex primer.

Age of Plywood

For aged plywood, it is recommended to use oil-based, or latex primers as these can penetrate the grain of the wood better for better adhesion when the paint is applied.

Does plywood need to be primed before painting

Yes, plywood typically needs to be primed before painting. Priming is an essential step in the painting process because it helps to seal the wood and create a smooth surface that is ready for paint. Without priming, the paint may not adhere well to the plywood and may peel or chip over time.

There are several reasons why it is important to prime plywood before painting:

  1. Improves Adhesion: Priming helps improve paint’s adhesion to the plywood surface. The paint may not adhere well to the wood without a primer and may peel or chip over time.
  2. Seals the Wood: Plywood comprises layers of wood veneer glued together and often treated with chemicals to preserve the wood. Priming helps to seal the wood and prevent these chemicals from bleeding through the paint.
  3. Hides Imperfections: Priming helps to hide imperfections in the wood, such as knots and other blemishes. This is especially important when painting over plywood that is not perfectly smooth.
  4. Increases Durability: Priming helps increase the paint finish’s durability on plywood. The paint may not be as resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling without a primer.

Summary- Best Primer for Plywood

In conclusion, many different primers available on the market are suitable for plywood surfaces. Choosing one of the top 5 best primers for plywood can help achieve a smooth and durable finish on any woodworking project.