Does Exterior Painting Wood Shingle Need to be Primed?

Does Exterior Painting Wood Shingle Need to be Primed

Wait, have you noticed the paint of wooden shingles peeling off and you want to get it repainted? Or is it like your newly constructed house’s wooden shingles that need to get painted? Situations barely matter because scenarios can be different but the confusion is the same. And that is the main doubt “Does a wooden shingle need a primer before getting painted?” If the same is your case, then this quick guide on the shingles will help you find the right answer to this. So, keep reading!

What are Wood Shingles?

In present times, wood shingles are becoming a popular house exterior choice as they add value and aesthetic look to the house. Not just this, these shingles are receptive to certain factors like environmental aspects, temperature fluctuations, moisture, and Ultraviolet rays. But with a lack of the right preparation and maintenance, they can crack, damage, or develop the growth of molds that would further result in repairs.

An Overview of Primers and Their Need?

Most of the time, homeowners tend to avoid using a primer. Yet, it is one of the most important parts of the exterior painting process. Its coats are very beneficial in correlating with the uppermost layer of the wooden surface. Infact, primers boost the smoothness of the texture and add an effective finish to it. Besides, below mentioned is a short list that comprises ten advantages of applying primer coat before the final paint. They are:

Wood Shingles
  • Primers offer a fine-line single finish coat. One coat of primer along with a coat of paint is an effective choice over a double coat of paint. 
  • Just like paints, primers also come in various accent colors, such as polycyclic topcoats.
  • A primer builds an eminent color modulation regardless of the shades and tints of paint. 
  • Furthermore, the application of primer is beneficial in sealing the original material to avoid the paint soaking within it and needs no additional costs. 
  • It helps to grant coverage to the seam and joints on the new drywall. 
  • Primer prevents the flow of any knots or other natural colors on the bare wood shingle surfaces. 
  • Additionally, primer before an exterior painting wood shingle keeps the stains due to its properties of selling over the mold spots and other discoloration.
  • Primer has a natural white color but can be like other neutral colors. Therefore, it can seamlessly offer a neutral surface while ensuring that the paint reflects its true colors.  
  • It is important to apply primer to wood shingles for a successful attachment to the paint job.
  • Above all, a primer builds upon the longevity of any of your painting jobs.

How to Pick the Right Primer for Your Wooden Shingles?

But before you select the primer for your wooden shingles, you need to check up on the following factors:

Right Primer for Your Wooden Shingles

1. Primer Type

Notably, there are only two main primers for wooden shingles available in the market and they are oil-based primers and water-based primers. Water-based primers are generally quick drying, simpler to clean up, and have less odor. Yet they fail to offer the exact level of stain blocking due to its oil-based counterpart. On the other hand, an oil-based primer coat gives ideal stain clogs and provides a stout finish. This is a reason that makes them a top choice for exterior wood shingles. However, 0il-based primers take longer hours to dry- up and need additional solvents for a quick cleanup.

2. Specific Formulations

The next is to look for the primer choices that are based upon the exterior wood surface-specific formulation. These types of primers are a reliable choice and withstand the diligence of exterior climatic conditions. Additionally, the right formulation works best for granting better protection against moisture and UV rays.

Wooden Shingles Color

3. Color

There are a few primers available that come along with a little tint.  This can be immensely perfect for your plans of using a light-colored topcoat. A tinted primer can improve the vitality of the final color and minimize the total coats of the paints required over the shingle.

Final Words

By now you must have got your answer to “Is there any need for primer before painting wood shingles?” Infact, not just an answer, but a big yes to this question with an ideal explanation. To conclude, it is really important to prime a wooden shingle as an essential step to make a difference in its durability and exterior paint look. Primer will indeed help you in sealing the wood, making a better adhesion, building the color coverage, and blocking stains. Remember, that a good primer layer sets down the preliminary for a beautiful and durable paint finish.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is it important to prime outer wood shingles before painting?

Absolutely, yes! Priming is an important part of the wood shingles painting. Primer makes it easy to paint the wood and makes it resistant to moisture. 

What is the process of painting wood shingles?

First of all, clean the debris and then remove all the dust from the shingles and make it smooth. Then, place a layer of primer and apply an even coat of paint above it. 

What happens if the primer is not applied before painting wooden shingles?

Just like drywall, not priming the wooden shingles can make the surfaces appear more blotchy. Since the pores in the wood absorb the paint evenly the pain starts to peel within two- to three years.  

What are the primers used for painting wooden shingles?

For a new wood that is not stained, a good quality latex primer or oil-based primer. Contrarily, stain-blocking primers are the best for painted or stained wood shingles. 

How often should I paint the wood shingles?

The wooden ceilings must be repainted every 7-8 years, but with proper maintenance, you can get it up to 10 years from a single-time painting application. 

What is better stain or paint after priming a wood shingles?

After applying the primer, it is better to apply the coats of paint on the wood shingles as it lasts longer. Meanwhile, the stains are not highly pigmented and have a translucent texture. 

I want to paint my wood shingles. Which is the best paint?

Shingle technicians suggest that acrylic latex exterior paint is the most suitable and lasting choice. 

Are there any substitutes for the primer to paint wood shingles?

Yes, usually sealers are used as an alternative to primers.

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