Mouldy Furniture

[cookie 0]

Probably the carpenter did not paint a coat of sealer (primer) on the furniture...

A primer is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted.

[edit] When primers are used

Primer and paint form a chemical reaction[citation needed] that allows the paint to adhere much better than if paint were used alone. In general, a primer is necessary when painting any kind of porous materials, such as concrete and especially wood (see detailed description below). Priming is mandatory if painted material is not water resistant and will be exposed to the elements. Priming gypsum board (drywall) is also standard practice when building a new home or building because it seals the wall and aids in preventing mold. Priming is also done for dirty surfaces that, for some reason, cannot be cleaned, or before painting light colors over existing dark colors.

[edit] Primers for wood

There are several reasons why using a primer before painting wood is mandatory. First of all, wood is very porous and will absorb the solvent from paint, drying the paint prematurely. As most paints undergo chemical reactions during the process of curing (for example, latex and alkyd-based paints actually polymerize when curing), they depend on water or solvent being evaporated slowly rather than being absorbed quickly by the underlying material. A layer of primer will help the paint to undergo proper complete curing cycle.

Secondly, without a primer, several layers of paint (as many as eight) can be necessary to completely obscure the wood grain and ensure even color. In general, primers are anywhere from 10 to 75 per cent cheaper than paint, and using a primer prior to painting is more economical. It also helps to obtain an even color, as wood is not uniform.

Lastly, if wood is exposed to moisture, a thin layer of paint will still be water permeable. The end result will be warped parts, mildew, and dry rot. Primer adds to the waterproofness of the paint.

Edited July 2, 2007 by cookie

[sepultura 0]

As the previous post mentions, the wood needs to be dried and treated properly before they sell it to you. Looks like they decided to cheap-out on this. It's the same with leather. My 15-year old wallet has been sitting in the cupboard for god knows how long, and it is clean and nice. I bought a watch with leather strap last year, and it has turned green now