What is primer? Why is primer so important? Our experts will tell you when primer is needed and when to avoid it. They also explain why it can save you money and time.
We get it. We understand that painting is a difficult job. It feels like you are doing double the work by applying primer before painting. In many cases, however, skipping the primer step is not the solution you are looking for.
Primer is an undercoat you apply to the walls before applying paint. What’s the purpose of primer? There are many things primer is used for, in fact.
- Make the paint stick better
- Paint durability can be increased
- Protecting the surface you are painting
Primer is not necessary for all jobs, but it can make a difference in whether your paint job lasts.
Why do I need primer before painting?
This is when primer should be used before painting:
- Staining is done on the walls
- You are painting metal or plastic
- The surface was never painted
- You’re painting over a darker color
- Wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that you are either covering or painting over.
- Latex is applied to oil-based paint.
You’ll see that primer is a good choice in all cases.
Is there a case where it is not necessary?
Sometimes you don’t have to prime. This is where you can skip the line to get straight to the paint.
- Your new paint matches almost exactly the old
- Your walls aren’t stained and overall are in good condition
- Primer is already in your paint
Talking about Paint with Primer Already in it ….
Nearly all paint manufacturers now make self-priming paint. Is it worth the hype?
Most of these paints don’t contain any primer. They have a higher concentration of solids. These are the substances that allow paint to cover. You’re actually getting thicker paint. This does mask the underlying color but doesn’t make it more durable or more likely to stick. You’re losing out on two important benefits of primer.
For best results, it is recommended to use primer separately from the paint. If you aren’t sure if your project requires an undercoat, use it anyway. You’ll have a better looking, more durable paint job.