Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 10, 2006 07:07pm | #1

   Any latex paint primer will raise the grain, but it doesn't matter, since you can (and should) sand it smooth.

   For your built-ins, I would suggest you stay with the alkyd primer that you have, since I still think wood should be primed and painted with oil paints.

   However, I often do use this Benjamin Moore latex primer, which is compatible with either oil or latex top coats:

   http://tinyurl.com/y27rg3

   Once primed, my favorite finish is BM Satin Impervo, which is an oil based enamel, with a satin finish.

   I'm not saying the BM products are better than other brands, but I am familiar with them.

   On wear surfaces, such as shelves, I will usually finish off with a single coat of any water based poly, chosen to match the sheen level of the paint. This top coat is invisible, and will prevent any scuffing marks if you slide things around on the shelf.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Quickstep | Dec 11, 2006 03:45am | #2

   Thanks for the tip. On flat surfaces, I would be happy to sand out the raised grain nibs, but on routed surfaces, I rather avoid it and the alkyd I've been using lets me get away with that, so I guess I'll stick with it. By the way, I've been using Sherwin Williams Pro-Classic for topcoat for a while now. It behaves very much like oil based and stuff doesn't stick to it once it has dried, unlike regular latex. I give it a coat of clear wax just to make sure. So far, so good.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 11, 2006 04:12am | #3

   Sounds like a plan.................... good luck.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   Pondfish | Dec 11, 2006 02:16pm | #4

   It isn't latex, but BIN 123 is an excellent, sandable (shellac-based) primer.  It's great for when you need to hide knots or lumber markings, but it is also an excellent and tintable primer.  I've used it on lots of builtins and trim.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005