If the wall surface is smooth, you can skip the primer step. However, if there are textured areas or wrinkles on the wall, you'll need to prime it first. If your wall has been previously covered in wallpaper, you should definitely plan on using a primer before painting.
Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer. In many cases all you'll need to do is spot-prime any bare areas that need to be addressed before applying your finish.
Unpainted wood and drywall can pose huge adherence problems for coatings without primer. With fresh drywall, the substrate actually absorbs a coating really well, like a sponge. However, because it absorbs so well, without a primer coat, you'll experience uneven coverage, especially along drywall seams.
Covering a dark paint color with a lighter paint color will require multiple coats of new paint. It may make more sense to cover the old color in a primer, which is less expensive than your paint. This way, you will only need 1 to 2 coats of your new paint.
Sanding a surface removes the top glossy layer, allowing the substance to receive the primer. Without sanding the surface in advance, the new coat of paint won't stick to the previous layer. In addition to stripping the outer layer of gloss, you can also use sandpaper to correct imperfections and remove stains.
You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color. In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects.
Many professional painters use a tinted primer before painting. This is an inexpensive way to bring your walls close to their final intended color before adding the more pricey topcoat.
The main drawback of an oil-based primer is its long drying times, which is 24 hours. A latex primer is a water-based primer and works great on wooden surfaces, but can also be used on masonry, metal, drywall, etc. Latex wall primers have a shorter drying time of only about three to four hours.
Chalk Paint
Like mineral paint, you also don't need to use a primer beforehand. It's another paint type that binds to just about every material or surface, both indoors and outdoors. If you use chalk paint to paint furniture without sanding, adding a top coat finish is recommended.
Time is certainly valuable, and if you don't have time to read this article, we are happy to provide you with a general rule of thumb to planning paint usage. In most situations, a good rule of thumb is to use a primer plus two coats of paint.
In general, the only time a primer is not needed is if you're re-painting a surface that's in good condition. Your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint expert can provide additional advice about selecting and applying the right primer for your project.
WHAT IS A PRIMER? Primer is often referred to as a base for Foundation or a Foundation primer. They are most commonly used to achieve a controlled matte finish. It isn't necessary to use a Primer before foundation, yet there are many benefits to adding this product into your makeup bag.
Interior walls usually don't need priming except in the case of stains, repairs or a paint color that's drastically different. Interior painted woodwork usually needs spot priming with wood primer at a minimum. Exterior paint takes such a beating that it almost always needs priming with an exterior paint primer.
You probably don't need a primer. If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (both are oil-based for example), you can head straight for the paint. You need to fill holes, spackle and sand*, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall.
While the paint's job is all about color, the primer's job is to prepare the surface for painting and make that color the best it can be. Even with a simple color change where you're covering an existing lighter color with another color, it wouldn't be advisable to paint without priming.
Too much primer causes a different set of problems. Too many layers or an excessively thick layer increases the risk of the primer cracking, crazing, or chipping. It also takes longer to dry, slowing down your redecorating work. In the worst case scenario, it can damage drywall by causing it to bubble and peel.
What is paint and primer in one? It's a high quality, interior or exterior paint that has increased adhesion and stain blocking capability. Most high-quality interior paints when applied directly to a bare or previously painted surface will stick, cover and look similar once finished.
When to Use Eggshell Paint. Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
This water-based primer offers enhanced hiding, making it ideal for changing colors and helping to lessen the number of coats of paint required. When painting to hide a previous color, KILZ® Primer reduces the need for multiple coats of paint to allow truer, richer color from your topcoat.
A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer. If you're unsure, the instructions on the paint's label can give you the best final say.
Most water-based primers dry relatively fast, in 3 or 4 hours. After that, they will be good to use for the next 30 days. As long as you paint your surfaces in that time period, your paint will stick with no problems.
Applying primer to solve the problem (for example uneven, porous surfaces, strong colors or stains that might bleed through the paint, or adhesion issues that might cause peeling of the paint) before applying paint may prevent the need to re-paint or add several more coats of paint to get desired results.