Two men working on the porch of a house, installing or repairing the porch columns. One man is standing and the other is kneeling. They are using tools, and there are drawers and construction materials nearby. The house has gray siding and glass doors, with a background of green trees and an overcast sky.

Start with the better finish.

Factory primed for a simpler,
longer-lasting result.

Prime Columns are available factory primed or raw. for the simplest path to a properly finished column, choose our pre-primed option - then apply your quality exterior latex topcoat.

TALK TO A COLUMN EXPERT

IMPORTANT - KEEP COLUMNS DRY
Prime Columns must be kept completely dry - including the interior walls - and completely sealed prior to installation.

Our columns are made from KDAT southern Yellow Pine, which can pick up moisture rapidly from ambient humidity.

FACTORY PRIMED (RECOMMENDED)
The easier path to a finished column.
Our factory-primed columns arrive ready for the required exterior latex topcoat, eliminating the field-applied oil-based primer required for raw columns. It’s a simpler process, saves time on the job site, and helps ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish.

ASK ABOUT FACTORY-PRIMED COLUMNS
A person in gloves applying white paint to a wooden surface with a wide brush.

THE ADVANTAGE OF FACTORY PRIMED

  • One important step is already done.

  • Consistent, high-quality primer.

  • Saves time on the jobsite.

  • Better long-term protection.

  • Ready for your finish coat.

FINISHING RAW COLUMNS
Prefer to prime it yourself?
Raw columns can be field finished. To effectively seal the column from the elements:

  • Apply an oil-based primer

  • Apply a quality exterior latex topcoat

* Column must be completely sealed prior to installation

Two hollow rectangular wooden beams, one light-colored with a red textured edge and one natural wood-colored, placed on a white surface.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

Download our complete finishing requirements.

DOWNLOAD PDF

STAINING A PRIME COLUMN
For a natural wood appearance.
For customers who prefer a stained finish, Waterlox® is the best staining system we have tested and the only system we have found to work completely when properly applied before exposure to the elements.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Two cans of Waterlox Marine sealer, one labeled 'Sealer' and the other 'Satin Finish'.

THE WATERLOX® SYSTEM

MARINE Exterior Sealer/Primer - TB3809
MARINE Satin Exterior Finish - TB6032

The only system we have found to work completely when applied before exposure to the elements.

MIX

80% Waterlox Marine Sealer
20% Interior oil-based stain
4:1 ratio

SEAL & STAIN

Apply generously 2 coats of the sealer/stain mixture. The stain mixed with Waterlox must be an interior oil-based stain. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.

FINISH

Apply generously 2 coats of Waterlox Marine Finish, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.

MAINTAIN

Apply another coat of Marine Finish
when needed. Light cleaning may
be required first.

DO NOT USE WATER-BASED STAINS OR SEALERS

WATER-BASED PRODUCTS CAN CAUSE WOOD MOVEMENT

Water-based stains or sealers do not provide adequate protection from the elements. Using water-based stains or sealers can lead to splitting, cracking, and warping of the wood.

Questions about your next project?
Our column experts can help you choose the right column and connect you with a dealer near you.

TALK TO A COLUMN EXPERT
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