What primers and paint should I use?

Question

I need to paint bleachers. They are wooden and pretty rotted out. It isn't a hazard to sit on them or anything, they just look kinda crappy. They are about 7000 sq ft.

What is a good paint and primer to use? Do I even need primer? I'm trying to do this for as little money as possible, so if you can recommend certain brands that are relativly cheap and can cover a good deal with a single gallon, that would be great.

Answer 1

I agree with ETT, but two points to consider.  

1) If they already have paint on them, stain will not work.   Power-wash to remove dirt and any loose paint, then go at them with TOP QUALITY primer and paint.  Get the Town, or school to at least pay for the product.

2) If you can do stain, after it dries, wipe all the bleachers down; as excess stain can rub off.  Then you'll be known as the volunteer who damaged every ones clothes.

Good Luck with the project, it's nice of you to tackle it.

Answer 2

If you do paint them with cheap paint, I guarantee they are going to look even crappier really really fast and then you'll be known as the nice guy who painted the bleachers and made them look even crappier.

If you can't do paint, consider stain. It's far easier to apply than paint and is far less likely to chip as it weathers because it just soaks into the wood. Some are stain/sealant and protect it from further rotting but really require excellent prep work and serious direction following.

A little goes a very long way, but there is no possible way to cover  7,000 square feet with a gallon of anything... you'll need several gallons. Talk to your local hardware store paint guy and they'll figure it all out for you.

Get a sample pint, test it out and see how it looks and holds up. Then move on too the big project. Maybe you can get others to help pitch in on the project after you show them what you have in mind.

Good luck!

Answer 3

With the bleachers in such poor quality you will need to prime them. But before you prime them you will need to make sure the surface is clean of dirt and if needed spot sand some areas. As for what type of primer you should use, i am a huge fan of sherwin williams they have excellent customer service and great prices. Sherwin williams line of primers are called Pro Block and you will need the latex version. As for top coat you will need an Acrylic Latex. An acrylic latex has flexibility of a normal latex so it can breath with the wood but it also has the hardness of an oil based paint. Sherwin Williams exterior acrylic latex is called SuperPaint. Its a great paint and can be mixed into any color. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

primer is always a good idea. this way your paint will stick better, last  longer and you will use less paint in the long run.  I use a brand called  fresh start.  it is awesome!  it will go over any kind of old paint - latex or acrylic or what ever is on there already.   You can rent a paint sprayer. this way you will use less primer and paint. and it will go way way faster!

Good luck!