Does wood work need primer and undercoat before using gloss paint on wood?

I have woodwork shelving fixtures in my room that I want to repaint. I have been told that I should use primer followed by an undercoat before applying the gloss pain.
Are both coats required before the gloss paint or just one of these or could I even just use the gloss paint straight away?
I want the best results, but I don’t know what the overall benefit is to using both coats before the gloss paint anyway.

Asked by Joyce on 2nd Sep 2019
Expert Trade Answers
"No you don't need primer on previously painted wood unless there are bare areas,just undercoat and gloss"
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"Yes it’s advisable to put a primer and undercoat on before using gloss but if you are using satinwood then there is no need for undercoating as satinwood is self undercoating"
Answered on 21st Jan 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"Hi,
Best way to do the painting on the wood is to sand it down 1st to give the woodwork something for the paint to grip to, undercoat the wood then put 2 coats of gloss on."
Answered on 24th Jan 2020 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"Depending current state of area to be replenished.
An undercoat and gloss coat should be sufficient. If it is bare wood then a primer would be needed for best results."
Answered on 21st Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"If bare wood it will need primer,l use primer undercoat
Available from Screwfix or Toolstation.
The one l use is Leyland trade under £15 for a big tin,very good if you use Leyland trade satinwood paint that is self undercoating might need 2 coats if bare wood
Hope that helps
Brian"
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"You only need to use undercoat and then apply finish paint."
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Apr 2019 - report
"Hi Joyce, just a good quality undercoat and gloss is fine."
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Jan 2017 - report
"if it is already painted then rub down, apply undercoat and then gloss. If it's plain timber then apply all three."
Answered on 21st Jan 2020 - Member since Jan 2019 - report
"Yes, you need to prime first then undercoat and gloss.
If the wood you or painting is shiny I would use a zinner primer first.
Jamie."
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"No, you don't need primer unless its bare wood. Just rub it down undercoat it and gloss."
Answered on 15th Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"use primer only for unpainted wood.
undercoat is necessary to have the perfect color and gloss for shine and protection"
Answered on 10th Jun 2020 - Member since Jun 2020 - report
Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Ask a Trade

Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?

We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.

Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.

{{ first(ask.errors)[0] }}

By continuing you agree to the Community Guidelines.

Report Content

{{ first(reportForm.errors) }}

Thank you

Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.

Ready to get a price for your home improvement project?
Get started

Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year