Correct primer for satinwood paint

[wowfudge]

Can someone please advise what the correct primer for bare wood is when you intend to use satinwood paint for the top coats - we've got architrave and skirting boards to paint.

Also if I want to use satinwood on a radiator (I've done it before and it works fine on a rad but it was years ago) what primer should I use on top of the original white finish?

for wood, you can use white acrylic primer undercoat, which dries fast and is soft to wipe lightly with fine sandpaper (it is not durable outdoors)

For radiators, which are steel and easily rust, I would not use a water-based primer. If the factory spray is at all scratched, use an oil-based Metal Preservative primer. Put it in a jamjar and thin slightly with white spirit so you can apply two thin coats with a very soft brush.

You can prepare an old rad by rubbing it with a green pan scourer (not sandpaper). If there is any visible rust remaining, use wire wool then Kurust from a motoring shop. It is much easier to clean and paint a rad if you take it off the wall. Do the back first, then the edges, then the front last, after the back has completely dried.

Thank you PJ - can you give me any brand names for the primers so I know what I'm looking for please or will they say 'acrylic primer' and 'metal preservative primer'?

they will say "white acrylic primer undercoat" and "metal primer" or "anti-rust primer" (but not the one just for non-ferrous or galvanised, and definitely not hammerite). If necessary you can use a "universal primer" (read the back to see if it is recommended for steel, I expect it will be) and check it is not a dark colour.

I am using a Dulux metal primer which is light grey, some are cream or pink. You might see a red oxide one, but that would take a lot of topcoats to hide the colour (unless you are painting it red or black). Thin paint on rads is less likely to crack than thick paint. You might see an International Paints brand in the high street, their tins are usually red and they do a lot of "special" paints in small tins.

Thank you - much appreciated