The Art of Furniture Finishing Part 4 -Why You Should Always Prime Furniture Before Painting

When refinishing furniture, it’s tempting to skip priming, especially with the popularity of paints that claim to have built-in primers. However, skipping the priming step can lead to a host of problems down the road, from stains bleeding through your paint to poor adhesion on tricky surfaces. Priming is the foundation of a professional-looking and long-lasting finish, and in this post, I’ll explain why it’s non-negotiable in furniture refinishing—even when the paint label says otherwise.

The Truth About “Paint with Built-In Primer”

Paint with built-in primer sounds convenient, but it’s important to understand what it actually does. These products combine paint and a mild bonding primer, which is great for some projects, like walls or previously painted furniture in good condition. But when it comes to furniture refinishing—especially over bare wood, glossy surfaces, or challenging materials—it simply doesn’t provide the adhesion or stain-blocking power you need.

Built-in primers don’t:

   •   Block tannin stains from bleeding through (especially common with woods like mahogany, cherry, or oak).

   •   Adhere well to slick or glossy surfaces like laminate or previously sealed furniture.

   •   Offer the durability needed for high-use items like tables or cabinets.

For furniture, you need specialized primers for specific challenges, like stain blocking and strong adhesion.

Why Stain-Blocking Primers Are Essential

Even if you strip off the previous finish, the wood underneath can still cause problems. Natural tannins in wood, as well as stains or old dyes absorbed deep into the grain, can bleed through your paint, ruining your hard work. This is where a stain-blocking primer comes to the rescue.

My go-to stain-blocking primer is Wise Owl Stain Eliminating Primer. It creates a barrier that stops stains dead in their tracks, so you’re left with a clean, flawless finish.

Why I prefer Wise Owl:

   •   It’s easy to work with—no stickiness like some other primers (looking at you, BIN).

   •   It provides excellent coverage and stain-blocking power, even on difficult woods.

   •   It rolls and brushes beautifully, leaving a smooth surface without brush or roller marks.

If you’re tired of stains ruining your painted pieces, Wise Owl is a must-have in your refinishing toolkit.

The Power of Bonding Primers

Sometimes, the biggest challenge in furniture refinishing isn’t stains—it’s getting paint to stick. Glossy surfaces like laminate, glass, or even factory finishes can be a nightmare to paint without the right primer. Enter Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer—a game changer for those tough surfaces.

Why I always keep Stix on hand:

   •   It adheres to virtually any surface, from plastic and vinyl to glossy painted finishes.

   •   It dries to an extremely hard, durable film that can handle any type of topcoat.

   •   Like Wise Owl, it levels beautifully with a brush or roller, making it perfect for hand-finishers.

Whether you’re refinishing a shiny laminate dresser or painting over a sealed surface, Stix ensures your paint will stay put.

My Favorite Tools for Brushing and Rolling

Both Wise Owl and Stix primers are a dream for hand refinishing. They roll and brush smoothly, leaving no marks behind—a must for a professional finish. If you’ve ever struggled with streaks or uneven texture in your primer, these products will change the game.

Ready to Prime Like a Pro?

When it comes to refinishing furniture, primer is the unsung hero of the process. Stain-blocking primers like Wise Owl and bonding primers like Stix are worth every penny, saving you headaches and ensuring a flawless finish that lasts.

So, the next time you’re tempted to skip the primer—or rely on a built-in option—remember: a little extra effort in the beginning can save you from a lot of frustration later on. Here is an example of wood that has been primed on the right side. The left side is unprimed. 

For more tips and tools to help with your furniture refinishing projects, check out my online store or browse the rest of my refinishing series! Happy painting!