What is Primer?

The primer must be applied before painting either in outside building’s components or inside partitions and walls. It is really important to prepare the surface by sanding it before applying any coat of primer paint.The most important function of the primer is that it will assure that the surface being painted will last longer and the final product can  be more eye-appealing. Furthermore, applying primer before the paint coat will provide extended paint coverage and will provide a smoother finish appearance.

Do you need to apply primer over all surfaces? Yes, the primer coat should be applied over drywall, wood, metals and painted surfaces.

What Are the Benefits of a Primer Coat

Applying primer over new surfaces might reduce the amount of paint being absorbed by the surface. The primer will help you on hiding seams and joints, and probably other small defects, when it is applied to drywall and other surfaces. However, it is very important to know that there are many types of primers and you need to determine which one is the one that goes with your application and material. The main function of priming is to ensure that any successive layers of paint adhere to the surface properly.

Sometimes primer could be mixed with a small amount of the paint into the primer as it will provide a lightly tinted color to your primer. By doing this you will help “hiding” the existing color before applying the new color over the wall.

This is recommended especially when the final color of the surface is lighter than the original color of the surface. The list below contains some of the basic primer types.

When to Use Oil-Based Primers

An oil-based primer is the recommended options in areas that withing reach and are likely to be touched, such as doors, windows, and cabinets.

Oil-based primers require mineral spirits for thinning and cleanup but they are great on providing barriers to keep the wood from bleeding through. These types of primers are good to use on unfinished wood, cedar, weathered wood and over existing paint that is cracking.

Best Flexible Primer

Latex primers are great for blocking stains and even better when the surface has areas that were filled with paste. They provide a great flexible finish with excellent cracking resistance and are recommended to be used on bare wood. Before applying it, make sure you try it first in a small are to see if they raise the grain. Use on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, see if they raise the grain. Flexible primers shall be your best option on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, drywall, plaster, masonry, brick and painted metal.

All Purpose Primer

All-purpose primer is ideal for interior and exterior applications and is the most used option among all primers. It is very advantageous because of its strong adhesive properties, and it works without the solvent odors and high VOCs common with most stain-blocking primers.