The Purpose of Primer
December 30, 2019
What is the number one mistake novice painters make when tackling a painting project? It’s not spilling the paint, or choosing the wrong colors. It’s not even using the equipment the wrong way. The answer is…skipping the primer! Believe it or not, primer actually has a purpose.
We get it. Painting can be a hassle. There are a lot of steps to go through before you actually get the satisfaction of seeing the color you so carefully chose to go on the walls. The cleaning, scraping, sanding, repairing, and yes, priming can be a real pain. But there is a purpose of this important step in the process. Let’s check out why you should always use primer for your paint projects.
Hides Stains and Defects
Unless your home is brand new, chances are your home’s walls are not perfect. Primer can hide stains, especially water stains. It can also cover up defects in the wall that would be obvious with only a topcoat. Spotted or stained surfaces benefit from a coat or two of priming before painting. Consider using thicker primers such as Kilz 2 or Kilz Max for these conditions.This type of primer can also seal odors that may have developed.
Aids Adhesion
If you want your paint to last several years and not fade, chip, or peel, using a primer is a smart idea. Using a primer can help adhere the topcoat to the surface.
Covering Darker Colors
If your room was once a darker color and you are switching to a lighter color palette, then priming will save you from applying multiple coats of your main color. The primer can block out the darker color underneath and allow the true color to be seen. We have seen many a previously red room not have a primer coat and it changes the color of the topcoat by showing through.
Seal Porous Surfaces
If the surface you are painting is absorbing too much of the paint, you will need to apply many layers to actually have the job done. Primer will seal those porous surfaces and allow the topcoat to go on smoothly.
Are you considering omitting the priming step in your paint project? Consider these reasons when deciding. Most DIYers like to skip this step but it will cost you time and money in the long run. If you have questions call Jerry Enos Painting or visit our website or Facebook page where we give lots of helpful tips.
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