5-gallon Primer for Every Painting Job
Do You Need 5-gallon Primer to Paint?
Not every paint job requires 5-gallon primer, but in many cases, it’ll help you get better results. 5-gallon Primer covers the surface prior to painting in order to achieve a professional and smooth look. 5-gallon 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 5-gallon primer at Lowe’s.
Benefits
- Smooth Wall Surface
The main reason to use 5-gallon primer is to ensure that the surface or wall is smooth for application. Depending on the material, walls can have varying porosities. Applying 5-gallon 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 5-gallon primer. 5-gallon Primer also helps cover up odors, mold and imperfections in the wall beneath.
Types of 5-gallon Primer
- Water-Based 5-gallon Primer
Water-based 5-gallon primers serve as an alternative to solvent-based 5-gallon primers. If you’re looking for a quick-drying 5-gallon primer, this is a great option. Since it’s water based, this 5-gallon primer cleans easily from paint brushes.
- Oil-Based 5-gallon Primer
Oil-based 5-gallon primer is ideal for any unfinished or bare wood material. The 5-gallon 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 5-gallon Primer
If you have various stains, shellac 5-gallon 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 5-gallon Primer
Most 5-gallon 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 5-gallon primer.
When to Use 5-gallon Primer for Walls
There are many factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to use 5-gallon 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 5-gallon 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 5-gallon 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 5-gallon 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 5-gallon primer and paint is generally recommended.
Shop our selection at Lowe’s for ProBlock 5-gallon primer, HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams 5-gallon primer, Zinsser 5-gallon primer and Valspar® primer to get the painting results you want.
