Primer

Primer for Every Painting Job

Do You Need Primer to Paint?

Not every paint job requires primer, but in many cases, it’ll help you get better results. Primer covers the surface prior to painting in order to achieve a professional and smooth look. Primer offers multiple benefits and comes in several types. If you have a large painting job coming up, purchase a 5-gallon bucket of your favorite primer at Lowe’s.

Benefits

• Smooth Wall Surface
  The main reason to use primer is to ensure that the surface or wall is smooth for application. Depending on the material, walls can have varying porosities. Applying primer helps create a smooth painting surface instead of one with small holes or inconsistencies due to the paint penetrating the material unevenly.

• Coverage
  A worn wall or surface can have a bit of wear and tear, including stains. If you have a dark stain on your surface and plan to paint it white, that stain may be visible if you don’t use primer. Primer also helps cover up odors, mold and imperfections in the wall beneath.

Types of Primer

• Water-Based Primer
  Water-based primers serve as an alternative to solvent-based primers. If you’re looking for a quick-drying primer, this is a great option. Since it’s water based, this primer cleans easily from paint brushes.

• Oil-Based Primer
  Oil-based primer is ideal for any unfinished or bare wood material. The primer seals the pores in the wood, creating a smooth and even surface for painting. This is ideal for both interior and exterior spaces.

• Shellac Primer
  If you have various stains, shellac primer is the ideal choice. You can use it to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

• Aerosol Spray Primer
  Aerosol spray primer works well for metal or plastic surfaces. It’s pressurized and provides an even coat.

• Tintable Primer
  Most primers are tintable, which is optimal for achieving the fullest coverage. This primer is a shade or two lighter than your finishing coat and helps you see where you’ve previously applied the primer.

When to Use Primer for Walls

There are many factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to use primer. Consider the following if you’re unsure if it’s the right decision for your surfaces:

• Contrasting Colors
  Covering up dark walls with a light color can be tricky without primer. A high-hiding primer ensures that the true color of the paint comes through on the walls. Without it, the color can appear a bit murky.

• Stained Surfaces
  When the walls are stained, it’s vital to use a primer to get full coverage of the new color without any spotty inconsistencies.

• Wood or Porous Surfaces
  The type of material you’re dealing with is especially important. Wood is quite porous and requires priming before painting. With drywall, the level of porosity varies.     

• Contrasting Luster
  Some paints come in a glossy base, while others are matte. Glossy bases don’t hold paint well without a bit of light sanding and primer. This helps the new paint to stick rather than just sit on top of the previous color.

• Self-Priming Paints
  Self-priming paint is thicker in consistency and can take longer to dry. However, many do-it-yourself enthusiasts prefer this method and see it as a one-stop solution. While self-priming paint is a good option, using a separate primer and paint is generally recommended.

Shop our selection at Lowe’s for ProBlock primer, HGTV Home^® by Sherwin-Williams primer, Zinsser primer and Valspar^® primer to get the painting results you want.