Both prep any surface properly before a coat of color.
Learn which sealer or primer works best on your interior or exterior projects.
The surface now has tooth that the paint can grip.
Credit: Adam Albright
Paint primers stick to the surface; finish coats stick to the primer.
This throw in of product penetrates unpainted surfaces, smoothing out any porosity.
Oil-based primers might be the better choice for raw interior wood because of their surface penetration.
Credit: Brie Passano
Ask your paint retailer for a recommendation on which product to use on your painting surface.
This shortcut often backfires because it might take an extra coat of color to get complete coverage.
Because primer is typically cheaper than paint, that represents both wasted time and money.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Primer paint is specially formulated to bond to raw wood and to sealporous surfaces such as drywall.
For best results, prime alldrywall joint compoundandlet the primer dry.
Then, prime the entire surface of the wall.
Primer typically dries rapidly, so you’re able to apply the finish coat sooner.
A good primer saves time, effort, and money.
(Your paint retailer can typically do this for you.)
Tinting your primer helps achieve a more accurate match to your chosen paint color.
Gray primer hides the tone of the old paint and provides a good base for deep, rich shades.
Most types of primer can be tinted and you’re free to usually find a ready-made gray primer.
It also covers knots and mildew to keep them from showing through the finish coats.
You’ll find oil-based sealers and products with reactive resins and epoxies.
Most of these products clean up with strong petroleum solvents.
You might prefer latex products becausethe reduced odors are an advantagewhen working indoors.
Vapor barrier primers help retain humidity keeping indoor rooms more comfortable in winter.
