DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi

About a year ago my husband painted a new wooden garden fence and wooden top to the sandpit. He used a combined primer and undercoat. All the paint is now peeling off...badly!

Was it a mistake to use a combined primer and undercoat?

I want to paint the fence and sandpit lid again, but don't want to make the same mistake as before.

Please help.

Jo

jopugh,
"Was it a mistake to use a combined primer and undercoat?" ----> Yes you need to use a stain intended for applying to external bare timber.
You will have to remove all the old paint - try using a pressure washer.
end

Thanks Stoneyboy

Once I've stained the fence (having removed all the paint!), can I then paint it?

Jo

jopugh,
No you must allow the wood to breathe through stained finish. See if you can locate an architectural stain in the colur you want.
end

paint will not adhere properly to a stain. was the timber exterior grade? if it is pressure treated timber it cannot be painted. unseasoned timber cannot be painted either. many hardwoods, teak in particular, will also resist paint. best to stain it.