Painting on Bamboo: Primers

[Mark Meckes]

Can anyone recommend a good primer to apply to the
bamboo, prior to painting, that can help prevent cracking and chipping?
Because of the waxy nature of the culm surface, would a solvent based primer be necessary, or are water based primers (which are less hazardous/odorous), be available that work?
Any suggestions or thoughts on this subject greatly appreciated.

Mark

[bambooda]

Hello Mark,
On bamboo varieties that have a lot of wax I found that it is necessary to use a propane torch to heat the culm until the wax comes to the surface and then wipe it off quickly with fine steel wool in order for finishes to stick.
I use primarily clear lacquers on my work and if I don't do the heat process, the finish will peel off.
For insurance on some pieces I've used fine sandpaper (#280) and lightly sanded the surface to give it added "tooth" in addition to the heat process.
On varieties without a lot of wax, the sanding is sufficient. Generally speaking, I think oil based finishes or primers stick better than water based.
The bamboo needs to be dried or later shrinkage will wrinkle the finish.

Ciao, Cal

[koolbamboo]

Hello Mark, I have been using a product for saltilio tiles as a primer for polyurethane with U.V. Its made by a company called Roval 1044 and 1088. There are two one is water based and the other is not. 1044 has a formula based on is acrylic resin I usually wipe it on with a cloth for a satin shine and I paint it on for a higher gloss. If the subject piece has to take full unrelenting sun I paint with Helmsmans polyurethane satin with U.V. protection after an application of this product. I have applied a hand rubbed looking finish to Guadua and phyllostachys with excellent results. Cheers Will

[juliesad00]

so after you sand and use a primer, what kind of paint? i have bamboo patio furniture i bought i'd like to paint and i was thinking acrylic?! thanks.