Choosing the Best Wood Primer for Your Fence: A Detailed Comparison 

A wooden fence can enhance the look of your property, offering a natural charm, however, they often face issues like mould, pests, and rot. To keep your fence in good shape and looking beautiful for a longer time, applying a primer before painting is essential.  

If you’re tired of browsing online, and overwhelmed by the choices, you’re not alone. With so many wood primers available in Australia and New Zealand, making the right choice can be tough. The first step is to find out whether your timber fence needs a primer or an undercoat. If you’re confident that primer is the way to go, keep reading. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to signature property owners in Australia and New Zealand. Our Master Blend collection includes high-quality fence paints. This range, developed by paint specialists after extensive research, also includes special primers designed for both steel and timber. While we think our wood primer is the best, we understand that it might not be right for every paint project. 

Based on facts and industry insight in this blog, we will walk you through the details of why primer is needed, what you should look for while choosing one and the top options of wood primers available in Australia. You’ll learn what are their features, benefits, and costs, to make an informed decision. 

Why Primer Matters 

You might ask, “Why can’t I just paint my wood fence directly?” The answer is that primer prepares the surface, helping the paint stick better and last longer. It also prevents issues like uneven coverage, peeling, and stains from showing through. 

Primer seals the wood, blocks stains, and ensures the paint job looks good and lasts longer. Here’s what you should know to choose the right primer for your wood fence. 

1. Type of Wood

For fences made from redwoods like cedar or Douglas fir, an alkyd- or oil-based primer is recommended. These primers prevent the red pigments in the wood from bleeding into your paint. For other wood types, an acrylic latex primer or oil primer will suffice. 

2. Mildewcide and Zinc Oxide:

Ensure the primer contains these ingredients. Mildewcide kills existing mildew spores, while zinc helps prevent future mildew growth. This is particularly important in warm, humid climates prone to mildew. 

3. Compatibility with Paint

Check if the primer is compatible with your chosen paint. Some primers are specially formulated for specific paint types, such as high-gloss finishes. 

4. VOC Ratings

If you’re concerned about the health effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), look for primers with low or no VOCs. Water-based primers are usually low in VOCs and are good for you as well as the planet. 

It’ll be worth having a checklist ready to evaluate different paint primers. Learn the details about how to choose the best primer for your wooden fences. 

Top Wood Primers in Australia and New Zealand 

Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat 

Here are some key features of Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat. 

• Type: Water-based 

• Price: Approximately AUD $60 per 4L or $38 per Litre 

• Details: 

• Adhesion: Provides a good base for paint. 

• Flow and Sanding: Allows for a smooth finish. 

• Low Sheen: Helps the topcoat adhere better. 

• Eco-Friendly: Approved by Environmental Choice. 

• Best For: Timber fences like Matai, Spotted Gum, and Totara. 

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer

Zinsser Bulls Eye is a primer plus undercoat and below are the specifications. 

• Type: Water-based 

• Price: Approximately $27.5 per litre 

• Details: 

• Drying Time: Touch dry in 1 hour. 

• Mould and Mildew Resistance: Suitable for humid conditions. 

• Rust Protection: Works on new metal surfaces. 

• Stain Sealing: Covers stains and tannin bleed. 

• Best For: Various interior and exterior surfaces, including wood. 

Dulux 1Step® Prep Water-Based Primer

The Dulux 1Step® Prep Water-Based Primer is ideal to use with Dulux paint products.

• Type: Water-based 

• Price: Approximately $51.90 per litre 

• Details: 

• Adhesion: Provides a good base for paint. 

• Mould Resistance: Works well in damp areas. 

• Low VOC: Low levels of harmful chemicals. 

• Coverage Rate: Up to 14m²/L. 

• Best For: General paint surfaces, both inside and outside. 

Dulux 1Step® Prep Oil-Based Primer

If you are using Dulux paint for your top coat then Dulux 1Step Prep oil-based primer is a good idea. 

• Type: Oil-based 

• Price: Approximately AUD $25.5 per litre 

• Details: 

• Adhesion: Works well with different topcoats. 

• Stain Blocking: Prevents water-based stains from showing through. 

• Drying Time: Touch dry in 30 minutes, re-coat in 1 hour. 

• Best For: Use under Dulux topcoats, whether water or oil-based. 

Wattyl Water-Based Prep Acrylic Timber Primer

The Wattyl Timber Primer is suitable for wood in outdoor settings as well as inside the home. 

• Type: Water-based 

• Price: Approximately AUD $23 per litre  

• Details: 

• Quality: Provides a smooth base for topcoats. 

• Crack and Peel Resistance: Helps prevent issues with topcoats. 

• Drying Time: Fast and easy to apply. 

• Best For: Bare timber surfaces, both inside and outside. 

Forever Timber Primer by Stock & Noble

Forever Primer is a premium quality primer and undercoat with advanced adhesion properties for timber fences. 

• Type: Water-based 

• Price: Approximately $16 per litre 

• Details: 

• Technology: Combines oil-based performance with water-based ease. Higher performing than typical water-based acrylic primers. 

• Hot Weather Technology: Designed to be applied smoothly in high temperatures. 

• Anti-Mould Defence: Helps fences look beautiful for longer. 

• Fast Drying: single pack, ready-to-use primer with quick application and drying. 

• Eco-Friendly: Safe for the environment, applicator and animals. 

• Compatibility: Works best with Forever Fence Paints from the Master Blend Range. 

• Best For: Creating durable, attractive fences with a sustainable approach. Also works on rough-sawn timber surface. 

Which Paint Primer Should You Choose For Your Timber Fences? 

You are getting ready for your paint project and want to know which primer would be ideal for your fences. Through this blog, we discussed how choosing the right primer for your wood fence depends on several factors including the type of wood, climate, your budget and your chosen range of topcoats. 

After looking at all the different options of wood primers available in Australia, here’s a quick summary that can help you: 

If you need a primer that combines the benefits of oil-based and water-based options, Forever Timber Primer by Stock and Noble is a good choice. It’s designed to handle high temperatures and offers a blend of performance and environmental safety. 

For a reliable all-rounder, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer offers fast drying and effective mould resistance. If you want a water-based primer known for durability, Dulux 1Step® Prep Water-Based Primer is a solid option. 

For tough conditions and strong adhesion, Dulux 1Step® Prep Oil-Based Primer might be the best fit. And if you’re looking for a high-quality, smooth finish, Wattyl Water-Based Prep Acrylic Timber Primer is worth considering. 

By understanding your specific needs and comparing these options, you can choose the primer that will best protect and enhance your wooden fence, ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come.  

What’s also important to get those good-looking fences is the right process of applying the wood primer. Learn the steps, pro tips and hacks to get the most beautiful finish on your fences.  

If you have more questions on the cost, application, usage or suitability of a primer or paint with your timber or steel fences, feel free to get some professional advice. Over a personalised consultation, our experts will discuss your requirements and help you create your dream property, just the way you imagined.