Types of Primer Paint
It’s important to know what material you are working with to match the right primer. Not all types of primers are built the same. When choosing a primer, there are three major types:
- Latex/Water-based
- Shellac
- Oil-based
Each is designed for use on different types of surfaces and with specific paints. If you already have your paint picked out, you should match it to a primer that works with the paint material. If you fail to do so, you may end up damaging your paint and wall.
Painting your room is a common go-to for home improvements. It’s a DIY way to spruce up your area that is relatively low-cost and low-time commitment and can have a huge impact on your home’s value. But before you go coating your walls in color, you should be applying a primer. Choosing the right primer (and knowing how to paint primer) will greatly improve your painting experience. Read on to learn exactly how to choose a primer paint that will best suit your project.
Why Use Primer Paint?
Now’s about the time where you may be thinking primer just feels like another step; why spend the extra time and money? The first big secret is that priming a wall doesn’t necessarily mean extra time and money. When you choose a primer, your painting will require fewer coats, saving you money on paint cans. Primer also makes your paint last longer, has a truer color, and creates a smooth base for your painting.
Longer Lasting Paint
When you go to paint a room, chances are you don’t plan on repainting that area again in the near future. Primer helps you do just that. It protects your wall and the paint while preventing cracking and peeling. Choose a primer that will also extend the life of your paint and save you from doing wall repairs down the road.
Use a Primer Paint for a Truer Color
Primer works wonders for your paint color. Why do you ask? It prevents any previous paint coloration from seeping through. This is particularly helpful when you are attempting to cover up a darker color. When you layer any two colored paints, they will mix to a degree; primer prevents that. It allows you to start with a blank canvas and provides bolder, truer colors to the initial paint chip.
Although primer gets you closer to the paint chip color, you still shouldn’t expect the paint to be an exact match. Paint chips are made from ink, whereas paint is made from pigments. Although they should be the same color, in theory, they end up looking different because of how they are made. Think about when you see a color on your screen and how it can look very different when you print it out. The same idea goes with paint. By painting a sample – which you should also prime – you can get the best sense of the actual color before you dive off the deep end and commit. If you are hesitant about painting a sample on your wall, you can always opt for a product like SureSwatch, which is a removable film.
Creates a Smooth Base
No matter where you are painting, you want your end result to be smooth and uniform, right? Primers protect and seal your wall, covering any stains and discoloration. This is especially important for new drywall or walls that previously had wallpaper. Creating a solid base layer will help your entire painting process, even making the finishing topcoat smoother.
How to Choose a Primer Paint
There seems to be an endless supply of primers, so how do you choose one? Two major factors will determine which primer to use: where the paint is going (interior or exterior of the home) and what the paint is going on (drywall, wood, plaster, etc.).
Interior vs. Exterior Primers
First things first – is there really a difference between them? Absolutely, yes! Interior primers increase paint adhesion for a more evenly coated wall, whereas exterior primers help the paint withstand seasonal conditions and prevent issues like mildew growth. Both will protect and seal the paint but will work in different ways. They should not be applied interchangeably, as interior and exterior primers are built for different materials. Drywall and bare wood trim will almost always use interior primers, and exterior primers are typically reserved for masonry materials. Knowing what primer to use will make all the difference.
Latex-Based Primers
Latex is probably the most commonly used type of primer. This is the best type of primer for drywall because it is flexible, fast-drying, and effective at covering minor stains. It can also be used on softer woods (such as pine) or masonry surfaces. Plus, latex primers are water-soluble, making cleaning up faster.
Choosing a latex primer often results in a white or off-white finish, which is a great starting point for making your color pop. The biggest thing to keep in mind with latex primers is to make your coat even. Much like regular paint, latex primer will appear lighter or darker depending on its thickness.
Shellac-Based Primers
Shellac is the oldest and strongest type of primer. It’s the best type of primer for sealing stains, whether from water damage, rust, or smoke (and yes, it covers the smell, too). It’s also highly versatile, so you can use it on wood, metal, drywall, plaster, and even plastic, making it a great catch-all. The biggest downside in choosing this primer is that it is an interior-only primer, but it can be paired with oil, latex, and water-based paints. Shellac paint also dries in less than an hour!
Be cautious when using shellac primers, though; they produce a significant amount of VOC fumes relative to other primers. Having your area well ventilated is essential for your safety. Also, keep in mind that just because the paint will dry fast doesn’t mean the fumes will. Build in plenty of time to allow the area to safely clear of any fumes.
Oil-Based Primers
Oil-based primers offer a diverse lineup, including both interior and exterior options. Oil-based primers are known for producing smooth finishes and preventing cracking, making them the best type of primer for painting wooden surfaces. They can be used on molds, trimmings, wooden paneling on your house, or even a deck. They do an excellent job at covering previous dark stains and making your project a breeze.
Oil-based primers do hold some drawbacks, though. They should only be used with oil-based paints, which are very thin and potent and do not adhere to masonry. They also take a long time to dry and are difficult to wash out of brushes and rollers. Pro tip- buy disposable, one-use brushes and rollers when working with an oil-based primer.
Buying Primer
Now that you know what kind of primer to use, it’s time to actually buy the primer. There are dozens of brands and cost points to choose from. Some paints even come with primer built-in. If you are starting with a neutral-colored wall – white, cream, light tan, etc. – all-in-one paints will get the job done. If your surface has textures or has a bolder color, having additional types of primer is still a good idea. Nevertheless, you have to decide on a brand and a price point. Keep in mind when shopping that one gallon of primer covers roughly 300 sq ft of surface.
Brands
The first question that might come to mind is “Should the primer be the same brand as the paint?” In short, no. Every paint brand will have both higher- and lower-quality products. Just because their paint was the best won’t always mean they also have the best type of primer. When choosing a primer, focus on matching the paint type to the primer rather than the brand.
How to Choose A Primer at the Right Cost
In a perfect world, everyone would buy the highest quality product every time. But in reality, many DIYers don’t have the budget for that. If you cannot opt for both paint and primer to be higher quality, then just go for one. A high-quality, more expensive primer will make a cheaper paint last longer; likewise, a more expensive paint might not require as strong of a primer. Something to also consider when choosing a primer is that primer is significantly cheaper than paint. The average price of primer is $10-$30 per gallon, whereas paint is $20-$100 per gallon.
How to Paint Primer
If you know how to paint your walls, you likely already know how to paint primer. To prime a room, you will need to prepare your space. That means you will need to:
- Remove Furniture
- Remove Outlet Covers
- Apply Tape to the Molding
- Place Drop Clothes
- Cover Holes
- Establish Ventilation.
- Wash the Walls
Start by using a 2-3-inch brush to paint the outer edges of the room. From there, switch to a roller and begin painting the bulk of the wall. Use the roller in a vertical “W” motion throughout the entire room, until it’s totally covered. Usually, only a single coat of primers is needed. Once done, allow time to dry, and then start on the color!
It’s Time to Choose a Primer
Primer is a crucial aspect of every good paint job. It protects the wall, sets a foundation for painting, and yields bolder colors. Knowing what primer to use is a valuable part of your painting process. When choosing a primer, keep in mind what material you will be painting, where the paint will be (inside or outside), and what kind of paint will be atop the primer. Also, be sure to review how to paint primer before starting your project. Save yourself the headache on your next paint job, and start with primer.
About the Author
Always a problem solver, Jamie Peltz approaches common, everyday problems from a different perspective. After 17 years of working for a corporation, Jamie found herself unemployed. She saw this as an opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Over the years, she and the team have received multiple patents and commercialized a few of their inventions.
Jamie is a graduate of The Ohio State University and received her MBA from John Carroll University. She also participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and is a member of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). In addition to her work, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
