I'm in the middle of making a bed frame for my daughter, and she's really loving the look of the whitewashed primer I started with. I'm curious if it's necessary to apply paint on top of the primer, or if I can just leave it as is? Additionally, do I need to apply a sealant irrespective of my decision? The primer I used is Sherwin-Williams all-purpose power primer, and I had planned on using their showcase interior flat paint if needed.
3 Answers
I feel you! That fresh primer does have a nice clean look. But if you want to keep it looking good, I’d suggest applying a protective finish like matte or satin varnish. It’ll help resist dust and dings much better than just primer. Just do a test patch beforehand to make sure it doesn’t alter the appearance too much.
You probably don't want to leave it with just primer. It doesn’t provide much protection and can get dirty pretty quickly. You’ll definitely need some kind of coating to safeguard it from scratches and grime. Consider using a matte polyurethane; it’ll protect it without changing the look too drastically. Just keep in mind that matte finishes can show dirt more than glossier ones.
Primer alone won't cut it, especially for furniture. It’s not built to protect anything, so definitely add a clear coat like polyurethane. It’s clear and can help keep your current finish intact while adding a layer of durability.