Applying a primer helps seal the plywood’s surface, preventing moisture from seeping in and protecting it from damage. But if you use the wrong primer, you can expose your furniture to early wear and tear, or even mildew or mold.
That is why our woodworking professionals have tested the best primers for plywood to help you decide the best for your wood surface.
Reviews of the Top Primers for Plywood
1. Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
It’s a high-quality primer that you can use indoors. Primers like this one are made for surfaces that have been painted before, like brick, metal surfaces, shiny surfaces, wood, painted plywood floor, and anything else that might be difficult to paint.
The most effective method for preventing painting problems is to apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick one. Approximately one hour after application, it will be dry to the touch.
The Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer in White is terrific since it prevents stains very effectively and can be used with either oil or latex paint. This primer only needs one thin coat, saving you time and money.
What We Like
- Ideal for spray painting plywood edges
- A thin layer as the final coat will suffice
What We Don't Like
- Prepare the surface properly
- Not the best alternative for oil-based primers
2. Tamiya TAM87042 Surface Primer in Light Gray
The Tamiya TAM87042 Surface Primer is built to last, with exceptional resistance to abrasion and extreme temperatures. These aerosol primers are highly adaptable, user-friendly, and level well.
This plywood primer is dry to the touch in as little as an hour or two. Plus, you can use it on wood, metal, and fiberglass. As a result of its matte and smooth finish, your plywood surfaces will look great even after years of use.
If you need to do touch-ups, you have the option of using either a paintbrush or a roller. Additionally, when it comes to priming plywood for optimal paint adhesion, it serves as a great choice, providing a strong bond for various types of paint.
What We Like
- Best for interior and exterior surfaces
- Durable plywood paint primer
What We Don't Like
- Might not be a good choice if you’re considering oil-based primers
- Requires well-ventilated areas
3. KILZ 2 All-Purpose Primer, Interior/Exterior
The KILZ 2 All-Purpose Primer is an excellent choice since it has a layer that prevents mildew growth, which in turn prevents stains and covers over the old paint job. Painting over an already-existing surface will be unnecessary.
With this primer, you won’t have to worry about peeling paint, ink, grease, pencil, and felt marker stains. Using it to paint plywood will strengthen the bond between the first coat and succeeding coats.
It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including plaster, glossy surfaces, interior and exterior drywall, paneling, previously painted drywall, masonry, brick, stucco, and other surfaces.
What We Like
- Seals porous surfaces
- Low volatile organic compounds
What We Don't Like
- Watery primer coat
- May require more thin coats
4. Rust-Oleum 207014 Marine Wood and Fiberglass Primer
It’s an excellent primer, particularly for fiberglass and wood. It’s touch dry after one or two hours but must dry for a whole night to cure correctly. Depending on the surface, one can cover up to 100 square feet of plywood walls.
It’s also very simple to sand. You can use the primer on both unfinished wood and previously painted surfaces.
The Rust-Oleum 207014 Marine Primer may be sanded quickly. It produces a smooth, even surface, but concealing dark colors requires three or four coats, while light colors need a thin coating or a second coat.
What We Like
- User-friendly wood primer
- Can be used on bare wood
What We Don't Like
- Not an exterior paint
- Not ideal for plywood floors
Primers for Plywood: Buyer’s Guide
Stained/Unstained or Painted/Unpainted Plywood?
Prime any wooden surfaces you don’t plan to stain or paint with oil-based paints. The wood itself necessitates a compound with superior adhesive properties.
Using a stain-blocking primer that provides excellent adherence over one coat of stain or paint is essential when working on previously painted or stained plywood.
Plywood’s Age
Our experts recommend an oil or latex primer for old plywood because it can enter the wood grain more effectively, allowing the paint to adhere better.
Nature of Your Project
Choose the best plywood primer for your project to avoid the most common painting issues. An interior or exterior primer is the best option for any project. A suitable primer prevents mildew growth, lessens surface cracking, and stops soil erosion.
Final Color
Users might have to add a layer of paint to cover up the current dark tone. What constitutes the best primer for covering a dark stain is ultimately determined by what you hope to accomplish.
Invest in a white primer if you want to use a light color on the walls. If you want the primer to match the paint, you can mix the paint into the white primer or go for a tinted base coat.
Type of Primer: Oil-Based, Latex/Water-Based, or Shellac-Based?
Most surfaces, including masonry and galvanized metal, can be applied with an oil-based primer. Yet, this primer is the most widely used for wood since it completely seals the wood’s surface, allowing subsequent coats of paint to adhere without a hitch.
Water-based primers are great for use on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Primers made from shellac produce the most remarkable results. It works well on any surface and prevents tannin staining, water damage, and corrosion.
Primers made with shellac do an excellent job of masking and avoiding stains while sealing unpleasant odors, including those caused by food, pets, and smoke [1].
Do You Need to Prime Plywood Before Painting? What are the Advantages?
It is recommended to prime plywood before painting it because it aids to seal the wood and provides a smooth surface suitable for paint. Therefore, it is a crucial stage in the painting process. Painting plywood without first priming might lead to peeling or chipping the paint.
Improves Adhesion
Priming the plywood surface enhances the paint’s ability to adhere to the wood. The paint might stay put on the wood with a primer and eventually peel or chip.
Seals Wood
Plywood is made of thin sheets of veneer bonded and typically chemically treated to prolong its lifespan. The primer seals the wood, and any contaminants in the wood will not seep into the paint.
Hides Flaws
As a result of priming, flaws in the wood, like knots, are less noticeable. In the case of painting over rough plywood, this is of utmost importance.
Enhanced Durability
Plywood’s painted finish is more long-lasting with priming first. Without a primer, the paint could not hold up as well against the elements.
Painting Plywood in 4 Steps
Step #1: Fill Gaps & Holes
To prepare the wood for painting, use a putty knife to fill up any cracks, gouges, cuts, or nail holes that have formed due to knots or other surface deformations.
Let the filler dry for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature and product, and then sand away any wood filler that isn’t level with the wooden surface. This way it won’t be tough to paint surfaces.
Step #2: Get Rid of Sharp Edges, Sand, and Clean Your Plywood
Round off the plywood’s edges to avoid injury when relocating heavy furniture. Use a power sander or fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand any rough spots.
Speaking of power sander, you might want to check the following:
Protect the plywood wood filler from further damage by covering up the repaired holes with joint compound and letting it dry for a full day.
Step #3: Apply Your Chosen Primer
After cleaning and lightly sanding the surface, you can apply two coats of oil-based, shellac, or latex primer by brushing or spraying. Ensure your electric spray gun is suitable for use with priming before beginning.
You should give the layers 4-6 hours to dry. Before painting, softly sand the plywood to remove dust and other debris that could contaminate the paint.
Step #4: Apply Your Chosen Paint
Spray guns require fast, smooth, and uncut passes with consistent trigger pressure. If you want a professional-looking result, use only the best materials for plywood.
The one significant difference is that much preparation is required to get a homogeneous and smooth surface.
More product recommendations here:
Our Top Pick For a Primer for Plywood:
Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Primer/Sealer
Our unanimous choice for the best primer for plywood is the Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer. It lasts long, even when exposed to the elements, making it ideal for any plywood project.
It is also easy to apply on various surfaces, including fiberglass, wood, and metal.
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