How to Use a Primer & Sealer

Use a primer and sealer to turn porous new wood and dry wall paintable into paintable surfaces.

Combination primer and sealer provides a smooth, clean surface for receiving paint, and seals porous surfaces such as new wood and new drywall. Without priming and sealing, such surfaces absorb interior paint like sponges. Priming and sealing creates a barrier between the porous, paint absorbing grains of the wood--or rock and paper of the drywall--and minimizes the amount of house paint required to create a finished surface.

Things You'll Need

• Combination primer sealer
• Medium nap paint rollers
• Roller tray
• Cutting-in brush
• Sand paper/dry wall sanding mesh
• Damp cloth

Instructions

1. 

   Sand mudded dry wall joints throughly to create a smooth surface for priming and sealing.

   Prepare the surface of new drywall or wood by sanding all rough, patched or filled areas, or joints between pieces of dry wall that have been taped with dry wall tape and “mudded” over with joint compound. Use a damp cloth to remove all sanding dust from the surface.

2. 

   Use a free paint stir provided by the store to thoroughly blend the primer sealer.

   Open the can of primer sealer and use a wooden spoon or paint stir to mix the contents until thoroughly blended. You can also have the can shaken at the paint store to significantly minimize your blending time.

3. 

   Pour the paint into the tray so that the shallow end of the tray is paint free, and use this end to roll off excess paint.

   Pour the primer sealer into a paint tray, filling the tray half full or a little less.

4. Dip a medium nap paint roller for drywall into the deep end of the tray and use the shallow end of the tray to roll off excess paint, making sure the roller is evenly coated all over. For new wood, pour a little primer sealer into a paint cup and dip your primer sealer paint brush in up to half way. Brush the excess off on the side of the cup.

5. 

   Roll slowly and evenly for a smooth texture as well as thorough coverage.

   Apply the roller to the wall with slow and even strokes, making sure to completely cover the rough paper surface of the drywall. All nooks and divots must be filled with the primer sealer. On new wood, move the brush over the surface slowly and evenly to give the primer sealer a chance to bond with the wood fibers. Apply the primer sealer as close to edges and corners as possible, using a brush to finish painting areas where the roller cannot reach, such as corners and the last inch or two between the walls, ceiling and floor.

6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, letting the primer sealer dry completely before continuing.

7. Apply a second coat to new wood and drywall if recommended by the manufacturer. Apply the second coat in the same manner as the first, then allow the second coat to dry completely.

8. 

   Paint as normal.

   Paint as desired with regular interior paint.

References

• Painting Your House: Choosing the Right Paint
• Ask the Builder: Specialized Primer Sealer Products
• Contractor Talk: Primer Sealer vs Flat Paint