How to Know if You Need to Prime Before You Paint

woman painting — Robert Kneschke/Sutterstock

The question of whether or not to prime number earlier painting seems as old as, well, painting itself. And the reply seems to be different depending on who you talk to. Paint manufacturers say "yes" — it is an essential wall painting technique — considering they want the all-time possible surface for the paint to shine. Practise-it-yourself (DIY) fans and some contractors desire to skip priming considering it adds an additional stride. The reality is that not every painting project is the same, and the reply is not a articulate-cut one.

And and then, of course, there'south cocky-priming paint, a product that was created precisely to cut out that actress stride. According to tests done by Consumer Reports, self-priming paint volition become the job done most of the fourth dimension. But what should you practise if youdon't have self-priming paint?

Let's start with the nuts — what exactly is primer, and what is it meant to do? Fifty-fifty though information technology goes on in a similar fashion to paint, recollect of primer more than like a glue that binds to the surface and gives it a smooth and compatible quality.

Here's when primer is a must:

Well-nigh new drywall

Often, what determines whether or not a surface should be primed is if the surface is as well porous. The consequence is that also much of the paint volition be drawn in, and you will end upwards needing multiple coats of paint. This is peculiarly true of fresh, unpainted drywall and, in item, the mud used on the seams. Even with a polish sanding, it absorbs paint differently and volition announced blotchy and dull without a primer.

For drywall, at that place are two choices that piece of work all-time. If you are an practiced or accept hired professionals and are working with an uncommonly smooth surface, standard drywall primer volition be sufficient. If, however, your drywall has pocket-sized imperfections similar pockmarks, scuffing, or fine ridges, a high-build drywall primer-sealer is a better option. Although more expensive, it will smoothen and level an uneven surface.

A glossy surface

Glossy surfaces practise not hold paint well. Any color will have a much harder time locking in. The primer's slightly crude and porous nature provides the perfect texture for the paint to adhere to.

When drastically changing a color

There is no need to prime if yous are applying a slightly unlike color, simply someday you are making a big change, it is a good idea. The concluding thing you desire is to go through the work of painting only to run into the quondam color showing through. This is particularly truthful if y'all are going from dark to light or from light to night. Enquire the paint retailer to tint your primer. I coat of a practiced primer will ensure a bare canvas for the new shade, and since primer is typically cheaper than paint, it also makes skilful economic sense.

a window frame being primed — stockphoto-graf/Shutterstock

To embrace stains

Taking an old furniture slice or transforming night trim with a fresh coat of pigment can breathe new life into a space. Just remember, paint is made to showcase color, not cover upwardly what'southward beneath. If the surface you are painting is stained, it is best to use a primer then paint on acme. This volition ensure the stain doesn't bleed through and also gives the paint a surface to agree on to. The result — an updated wait that will last much longer.

To cover odors

If y'all've just moved into a home and the previous owners smoked, had pets, cooked stiff-smelling foods, you lot're going to want to prime before you paint. High-quality primers can seal in those odors in a way that regular paint hasn't been designed to — which means if y'all don't prime number, those odors will come up right dorsum.

Exteriors

Although you lot may be able to skip priming on an interior task, the same is not true of exterior ones. Since it is exposed to the elements and takes much more of a beating, it will demand a coat of exterior paint primer.

For whatever of these situations, brand sure to paint over primer inside 48 hours. Most primers are made to physically and chemically bond with the paint applied over them. If you wait too long, information technology will lose its effectiveness.

When you don't need to prime

At that place are times when priming simply isn't necessary. If the surface has already been painted and it is in practiced shape, you can skip the primer. Only make sure at that place is no chipping or peeling. By and large speaking, interior walls that just need a touch on-up or are beingness painted a similar shade volition be merely fine with no priming.

If your drywall is smooth and you are planning on using a flat paint, you can use two coats of self-priming, water-based flat paint. Any imperfections will exist less visible in apartment pigment, and this pigment is made to forgive other blemishes.

Sometimes, priming your walls isn't necessary before you pigment. But if you lot observe yourself in one of the above situations, skip the cocky-priming paint. Information technology's best to take that extra pace and prime your surfaces properly to ensure the best results.

Desire to know more before painting your walls? Check out our tips on sanding, priming, and other prepping methods.

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