How to finish a new wood post?
by
Jake
How do we finish a new wood post we are going to use outside to put our house number on and a hanging planter? Paint or stain, what is best for the elements and does it need primer first?
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If it's treated lumber, you must wait until it has cured, before doing either paint or stain. If staining, use a Marine grade (think boats) Spar Urethane or equivalent, covering all surfaces well. I'd probably use 2-3 coats.
If painting, you'll need a very good quality exterior paint for wood. Priming would help with adhesion. Then paint at least 2 coats and seal with a polyurethane or similar, to reduce the need for repeat painting.
If you're so inclined, some people have set their wooden posts into sleeves, to avoid ground contact issues.
Get the best quality exterior paint you can afford. Primer and paint. I’m in the mid west...our temps swing from negative 40 F to 115 F. I have never “sealed” the paint. Me thinks it’s a gimmick to sell another product. Chalk paint milk paint...those are different.
Hi Jake, are you going to dig it in and use concrete to hold in place or use one of those no dig post holders? Concrete will preserve the bottom that is under ground. Use what ever it is you like, be it paint or stain, just make sure it is clean and dry before you put the coat on it