Why primer is needed

No code needed. What Does Paint Primer Do? Covers imperfections such as areas of your wall that may have been patched or repaired. Blocks and conceals stains so they don't bleed through your newly painted finish. Provides a uniform surface for your paint to stick to. Creates a uniform base for a smooth, seamless paint application, so you can get the job done in fewer coats.

Neutralizes the color of your surface so when new paint is applied, the truest, most brilliant, color shines through. When To Use Paint Primer While our paint is self-priming, we always recommend using primer before your two coats of paint for a pro-quality finish. Switching from a dark color to a lighter one.

If your walls have been repaired or patched. For instance, when you cover a sturdy layer of existing paint with the same type of new paint, the primer is not so critical.

Even with abundant information available on paints and primers, experienced painters often seek advice from high-quality paint stores. You might consider doing the same. For now, you can get a lot more information from the links on the following page.

If the paint is latex, some will rub off on the cotton ball. If the paint is oil, the cotton ball will be clear. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe.

Home Improvement. Do-it-yourself DIY fans and some contractors want to skip priming because it adds an additional step. The reality is that not every painting project is the same, and the answer is not a clear-cut one. According to tests done by Consumer Reports , self-priming paint will get the job done most of the time.

Even though it goes on in a similar fashion to paint, think of primer more like a glue that binds to the surface and gives it a smooth and uniform quality. Often, what determines whether or not a surface should be primed is if the surface is too porous.

The issue is that too much of the paint will be drawn in, and you will end up needing multiple coats of paint. This is especially true of fresh, unpainted drywall and, in particular, the mud used on the seams. Even with a smooth sanding, it absorbs paint differently and will appear blotchy and dull without a primer. For drywall, there are two choices that work best.

If you are an expert or have hired professionals and are working with an exceptionally smooth surface, standard drywall primer will be sufficient. If, however, your drywall has small imperfections like pockmarks, scuffing, or fine ridges, a high-build drywall primer-sealer is a better option. Although more expensive, it will smooth and level an uneven surface. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Materials Finishes. By Juan Rodriguez. Juan Rodriguez is a former writer with The Balance who covered large-scale construction.

He is an engineer with experience managing and overseeing large civil works construction. Learn about our editorial policies. Updated on January 04,