[anuvanoob]

I want to paint my front porch railings which are a mix of unpainted pressure treated wood and bare & prime cedar. There's gaps as big as 1/4" in some places (see attached photos). How do I fill these and smaller gaps (it doesn't have to be perfect) so I can paint?


P.S. - Also, considering the mix of wood, should I prime the railings with some cheap flat white paint, use Bullseye primer or would I be okay with just the desired paint color (Valspar Duramax high-hiding paint + primer in Chef White in satin finish)??

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[mark sr]

Caulking would be the best filler for the gaps but you want to make sure the gap isn't subject to movement. Caulking can handle a little movement but will fail if there is a lot.


Exterior oil base wood primer is best, exterior latex wood primer is 2nd best. No primer [paint/primer in one] is at the bottom of the heap.

 

[anuvanoob]

Caulking would be the best filler for the gaps but you want to make sure the gap isn't subject to movement. Caulking can handle a little movement but will fail if there is a lot.


Exterior oil base wood primer is best, exterior latex wood primer is 2nd best. No primer [paint/primer in one] is at the bottom of the heap.

I have three kids age 5 years and younger, so I imagine they would lean or climb on the railings in the coming years. Is there a next recommendation if I wanted something to protect against that kind of movement?

 

[woodco]

Use some Big stretch. Prime, then caulk. then paint. It is what it is...

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Due to weather changes that outdoor wood is going to move regardless so don't waste your time, effort and money just to see failure result. Work paint into the gaps as best you can to protect the wood, stand back and tell self, job well done. Put a liberal coating of vaseline on those kids exposed surfaces and allow them to help.
Pictured is natural movement of deck lumber. About a 1/8" to 1/4" to nearly 5/8" gap the cat has to be careful of. In July they may all be closed with buckling of some. That's just life in the outdoor wood world.