Tools and Materials
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What's Primer and Why Is Priming Important?
Primer is a base coat. It sets the stage for the main act — the paint — to shine. While there’s always the option to skip priming, you might not get the results you want. Here are several reasons why it’s a good idea to apply primer to walls before paint.
- It gives paint a better overall finish.
- It helps paint adhere better to a surface.
- You’re painting over a dark existing paint color with a lighter shade.
- Primer helps cover any stains on the walls.
- It lessens the number of paint coats needed.
- You're working with porous surfaces, like brand new drywall or bare wood.
- It prevents flashing, an unevenness in a paint’s sheen that can appear dull or shiny, caused by not properly preparing the surface before painting.
Primer is water-based or oil-based. Different types of primer are meant for different wall conditions and materials. Take note of what you're trying to cover and what you’ll be using primer on when selecting. Check out our Primer Buying Guide to make the best selection for your project.
How to Use Paint Primer
First, you’ll need to prep the room you’re working in. Start by removing any furniture and other items. For things that can’t be removed, move them away from the walls toward the center of the room (if possible) and cover them with a drop cloth. Cover your floors with drop cloths, too.
If the walls are damaged, make sure they’re repaired before you prime. This could mean filling in any holes or cracks with putty and sanding rough patches. Vacuum and give your walls a scrub with soap and water to remove dirt and grime, which prevents the primer from adhering properly. Tape off the baseboards and ceilings with painter's tape.
Use our helpful guide on How to Prep for Paint for more in-depth tips and steps to get your walls ready for paint.
Priming Drywall
Priming Other Material
Other surfaces benefit from applying primer as a base coat before applying the topcoat, like wood and metal. It's important to use a primer formulated for these specific surfaces.
For metal, it's also important to identify the type of metal you’re working on before choosing a primer. Metal falls into two categories, ferrous metal (steel, cast iron, wrought iron) and non-ferrous metal (aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc). Ferrous metals tend to rust more easily, so choosing a primer with a rust-resistant quality is a must.
If your projects require priming wood or priming metal, you’ll need to properly prep these surfaces so the paint will adhere correctly and give the surface a better finish. Here are general instructions for priming wood and metal.