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You may be wondering why it is necessary for us to provide a whole blog on whether you should use primer on your next painting endeavor. Well, that’s because the short answer to the question is, “it depends.” Your choice to use paint primer can directly affect how your wall ends up looking, and we are here to help you decide when it’s appropriate to save the money and time and skip the priming step.
Here are some ways you can decide if you should use paint primer:
What Color Are You Using?
Are you painting a wall a light, airy color? Then we would suggest a primer coat for sure. Primers are great for covering up lower stains and creating an even finish for light paint colors. Plus, since primer is less expensive than paint, it is a more economic option to utilize primer over painting multiple coats of a shade to cover stains.
In addition, primers can be used to cover darker colored walls so you can paint a lighter color over without compromising the color you’ve chosen. Be aware that some extremely dark colors (i.e. black or charcoal) may require 2 coats of primer for proper coverage. However, with the right primer, your light-colored walls can be a beautiful new addition to your home.
What Surface Are You Painting?
Surface texture is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding whether or not you would utilize primer. All new surfaces need a primer whether it is drywall, bare wood, or a newly skim-coated wall. Priming new surfaces helps your paint color adhere to the wall and last longer.
Along with new surfaces, it is also important to prime highly porous surfaces or surfaces painted previously with glossy paint. Similarly, priming a porous surface will help create an even, smooth layer for your colored layers. Glossy surfaces can cause paints not to stick, so painting on a primer will provide the exact texture needed for optimal painting.
Are you Using Self-Priming Paint?
If you find yourself painting on an even, light colored surface with self-priming paint, it is absolutely safe to skip the primer. A good-quality, self-priming paint contains a high-caliber resin to ensure adequate sealing of a porous surface (source). Plus, there are a wide variety of benefits to using self-priming paints. Not only does it remove the step of applying a primer coat, but it also saves money by removing the need to purchase a separate primer.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are looking for primer, self-priming paint, or a new shade of paint for your home, Andriots has it all! We offer the highest quality paints to ensure that your painting projects can be finished as smoothly as possible. We understand how difficult it can be to find the right product for your needs, so feel free to stop in today for advice! Not only is Andriots THE destination for paint in Shelbyville and central Kentucky, we are passionate about providing the best solutions to all of our customers. Contact us today to learn more!
