Not everyone knows that priming your walls before painting them is something that is usually done. Primer makes a base for painting so that color doesn’t show through from underneath. It looks like white paint and has an adhesive binder. It seals the paint to the wall. What are some instances where using a primer is necessary for painting the interior of your home?
When There is a Porous Surface
When your walls either absorb water, odor or other moisture, primer will be needed. New drywall is a porous material, so always prime before painting it. It will absorb paint if not primed correctly. Save yourself some time in the long run, and be sure to prime them first!
Glossy Surfaces
When a surface is glossy, paint won’t stick. Adding a primer to a glossy wall will help the paint adhere and look its best. Even if you try to paint a few layers of just paint without primer, it still won’t stick. You should also try to sand the wall beforehand so the primer can work to it’s greatest potential.
Stained Surfaces
If you have water stains, smoke stains, or anything else on your wall, you have to prime. Primer will block these stains from showing through once you paint. Before priming, try to fix any issues that lead to these stains. Do you have a water stain from leaking pipes? Be sure to get those tasks squared away first.
Drastic Color Change
Are you going from neon green bedroom walls to beige? You’ll need to prime – and maybe do two coats. Less saturated colors will not hide those darker or more vibrant colors. Grey is a popular primer color when you have a brighter color you’re going to cover. If you are going from a saturated color to another saturated color, you’ll still want to prime. It will help your new color stand out better and show it’s true hue.
Does Your Wall Have Odor?
If you are moving somewhere new where the past owners had pets, were smokers, or had a fire in their home, walls can indeed have a smell. Priming before painting will help keep away those odors. Sealing these odors will help them from returning into your home. The paint by itself does not have the ability to keep odors away.
Contact Rob Ross Painting
Rob Ross Painting is here to provide you with the highest quality interior and exterior painting services on the North Shore and Cape Ann. We will be sure to know when priming is necessary for your paint job! Contact us to learn more about our residential and commercial painting services. Call us today or fill out our contact form to get in touch with our paint experts!
