If you need to undertake some priming on your building materials but want to avoid using harsh chemicals or environmentally-damaging substances there are a few other options at your disposal.  Although they may not be as cost-effective as the generic priming solutions, they should make you feel as though you are living in a healthier, greener environment.

One of the best non-chemical ways to prime a building surface is with high pressure water or air.  This is not a common treatment but can be effective for some wood surfaces.  Drying or steaming can encourage the surface to weather, forming a seal (albeit not a strong one).  High-pressure water can be used to blast away any irregularities in the surface.  While these methods are not foolproof they should go a long way towards protecting your surfaces.

Another way you can prime your work materials is with oils or fats taken from animal by-products and plants.  These too are not as efficient or as effective as the more generic primers but may be suitable for some projects.  Wood in particular is receptive to oils, which soak into the surface and form a barrier against age and decay.  Fats, too, may be effective on some surfaces, though generally they are hard to use and may have unsightly odours.

Unfortunately metals are not as easy to protect without chemicals as they are far less absorbent than most woods.  Talk to your local metal building products supplier to see if they have any environmentally-friendly solutions.