The quality of your final paint job can be affected by the primer you choose. It is important to not just pick the first primer that you see. Different surfaces may require different primers. Knowing when and which primer you should use will help paint dry smoother, last longer, and have a uniform color.
When Primer can be skipped
First, you need to know when primer can be skipped. If a painter is covering up paint that is still in good condition, this is the case. Primer is a good choice for inexperienced artists. It will conceal mistakes and make uneven strokes more visible.
Why Use Colored Primer
Primers are usually available in white. However, it is possible to tint primers to make them grayer or to match the color of the asbestos floor tile. This is especially true if the new paint color is very different from the previous paint color, or if the room is going to be painted in a dark color. Tinted primers can reduce the amount of paint you need.
How to Use Oil-Based Stain Blocking Primer
A stain-blocking primer may be necessary in certain circumstances to prevent stains from showing through the paint. Oil-based primers are best for covering odors and stains caused by water, nicotine, smoke, rust, wood tannins, and other water-based substances. These primers can also be used in moist areas or areas prone to mildew.
How to Use Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer
Water-based mastic removers are the best for covering crayons, inks, scuff marks, and grease. These primers (also known as latex primers) may not be as effective at covering other types of stains as oil-based stain-blocking primers. Water-based primers offer other advantages, such as being easy to clean and available in low-, or no-VOC formulations. They can be used on softwoods, concrete, drywall, galvanized steel, concrete, and brick.
Why Use an Oil-Based Primer
Although oil-based primers can be more obnoxious and difficult to clean up, they do have their place. Oil-based primers should be used to prime MDF to prevent swelling. They also can be used to prime interior bare woods to ensure that paint dries evenly and wood grain doesn’t show through. Woodwork with previous paint jobs is best served by an oil-based enamel primer.
Drywall Primer
A special drywall primer-sealer will work best for new drywall. It helps to keep seams from appearing different from the rest. The primer will reduce the appearance of drywall scuffs and ridges as well as pockmarks. You can use self-priming water-based flat paint if the drywall is smooth.
Exterior Primer
An exterior primer is required if the home’s surface has not been painted previously. You can use a 100-percent acrylic exterior primer if your home’s exterior is made of wood. However, it’s important to prepare the wood properly before applying the best stain blocking primer. The siding should be power washed, cleaned of dirt and mildew, and then sanded. For laminates, plastic trim, and galvanized steel, you can use latex bonding primers.
