what paint to use for stuff in a garage?

jeauxbleaux · 08-09-2009, 12:13 AM

I've got some wheeled racks and such that I've put together to get seasonal tires, bicycles and such up off the garage floor and out of the way. I'm using 2x4's of various ages and laying around times, most are used. All are in pretty decent shape. The climate is an arctic climate, medium humidity, temperatures will range from -20f to 80F through the year. I'm basically lazy; once I get something finished, I don't want to ever have to mess with it again, including repaint, touch up, reseal, anything like that. Don't even want to have to vacuum it or wipe it down if I don't have to. I don't know squat about paint. When I was a kid, my dad gave me a can of paint and a brush. I moved brush back and forth. Paint dried. The end. So I go to Lowes to buy some paint. OMG, what is all this stuff? You need a degree in marketing to even know what the words are. So, these wooden frames and racks and such are in a garage. They'll get knocked and hit and moved and scuffed and generally used like they are in a garage. Is there a simple answer for a simple mind? What do I buy?

NAV · 08-11-2009, 01:13 PM

simple answer:

go to Sherwin-Williams, buy A-100 exterior acrylic primer and A-100 exterior acrylic finish semi-gloss.

prime and 2 coats of finish and it should last you a wile.

Matthewt1970 · 08-11-2009, 02:33 PM

The majority opinion around here is to use an oil based primer on bare wood. Especially with the various ages of the wood and with the abuse it will surely get.

NAV · 08-11-2009, 02:42 PM

the problem with oil based materials is that they dry hard. so if you dent the wood it will chip vs flex like an acrylic will. sounds like the shelving/rack will take a little abuse.

I have been a fan of alkyd over acrylic for most of my painting career. new voc regulations and advances in acrylics has changed my opinion.

the downside of using an acrylic primer is you will not get the stain blocking you get with an alkyd. so if you studs have knots in them you may get some bleed through

housepaintingny · 08-13-2009, 08:06 AM

I would prime with Sherwin Williams A100 acrylic also and then apply 2 top coats of there all purpose enamel. I am a painting contractor in NY and use A100 exterior primer a lot, along with using mostly Sherwin Williams products. We have used there all purpose enamel in facilities on hand rails and also in residential settings and it holds up pretty good.

jeauxbleaux · 08-14-2009, 06:08 PM

Thank you all. I've a way forward now. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend?

chrisn · 08-15-2009, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeauxbleaux

Thank you all. I've a way forward now. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend?

Baking a cake?