How to Know When to Use Primer

To prime or not to prime, that is the question. Do-it-yourself homeowners often get confused as to whether primer is necessary when painting. Primer serves very specific purposes that can enhance the durability of both the painted surface and the paint. Use these steps to know when to use primer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the surface to be painted. If the surface is new drywall, a PVA or drywall primer provides a tight bond to the drywall which will strengthen and add opacity to the final coat.

2. Analyze the previous paint. Painting latex over latex does not usually require primer, especially for similar color intensity. Use primer when changing the type of paint on a wall.

3. Look for stains or dirt on the painted wall. Primer seals water soluble stains. This extends the life of the cover paint.

4. Prime new wood. The primer inhibits stains, prevents rot and enables the finish coats to be stronger and more weather resistant. Priming wood also ensures a more even finish coat.

5. Apply primer to exterior painted wood. Power wash and scrub first, then use a primer to aid exterior paint in adhering to the surface and prevent peeling.

6. Use metal primer on metal surfaces to inhibit rust. The metal surface should be cleaned down to bare metal before priming. If this is not possible, purchase metal primer with rust stabilizers.

7. Place tinted primer on a surface that will be painted with different intensity color. Painting a white wall with bright red paint may take as many as six coats to cover completely. Using a red tinted primer will cut the number almost in half.

Tips & Warnings

• While primer is usually white, the paint store can tint the primer to match the finish paint. Many times this service is free.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and storing paint and primer.