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Interior/Exterior Primer

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Interior/Exterior Primer for Every Painting Job

Do You Need Interior/Exterior Primer to Paint?

Not every paint job requires Interior/Exterior primer, but in many cases, it’ll help you get better results. Interior/Exterior Primer covers the surface prior to painting in order to achieve a professional and smooth look. Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior primer at Lowe’s.


Benefits

  • Smooth Wall Surface
    The main reason to use Interior/Exterior primer is to ensure that the surface or wall is smooth for application. Depending on the material, walls can have varying porosities. Applying Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior primer. Interior/Exterior Primer also helps cover up odors, mold and imperfections in the wall beneath.


Types of Interior/Exterior Primer

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


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



  • Tintable Interior/Exterior Primer
    Most Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior primer.


When to Use Interior/Exterior Primer for Walls

There are many factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to use Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior 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 Interior/Exterior primer and paint is generally recommended.


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