Painters Reveal Primer Vs Paint: What Comes First And Why

By Author: Ariana Mortenson
Total Articles: 13
Comment this article

The best colour for your lounge room has finally been found, and you are eager to begin. The television set has been moved, drop cloths have been put down, and you are prepared to open the can. Then, however, you hesitate and ponder whether primer is necessary before beginning painting.

According to any professional painters at Strathmore, the sequence cannot be altered. Primer comes first every time. Though it may be tempting to skip the primer for the sake of saving some time over the weekend, primer is what ensures that your paint sticks, stays bright, and doesn’t peel off within a few months. This article will help you understand why primer is the magic wand for an acceptable outcome and when you should not overlook it.

Why do we bother with primer?

Primers are like the groundwork for your walls. It would be unwise to erect a building upon sandy grounds, and likewise, it is not advised to apply quality paint to an unfinished surface. Primers ...
... aren’t there to enhance the aesthetics of your surfaces; rather, primers are highly functional preparatory coats containing resins. Resins tend to adhere well to fresh surfaces, such as plasterboard and wood, more effectively than ordinary paints.

In the case of wall painting surface preparation, the primary purpose is to ensure that the wall’s surface is even. In other words, if you have ever filled in a hole using filler before applying a coat of paint, you would notice that the spot appears dull compared to the rest of the wall. We call that "flashing." A quick coat of primer seals that filler up so the final colour looks perfectly even across the whole room without those annoying spots.

The professional approach: Primer before paint
Most people think of painting as just a way to change a colour, but it is really about chemistry. Using primer before paint isn't just an extra chore to keep you busy. It actually saves you a fair bit of money in the long run.

Because primer is cheaper than high-quality tinted paint, using it to seal a porous surface means you won't need to do four or five coats of the expensive stuff just to get the colour right. It blocks out the old wall colour, especially if you're trying to cover a dark navy with a light cream. It also stops nasty marks like water stains or old grease from bleeding through your fresh work and ruining the look.

When is it a must?

There are times when you might get away with a "2-in-1" paint for a quick refresh, but there are three situations where you definitely need a dedicated primer:

First, if you are painting brand-new drywall. Raw plasterboard is like a sponge. It will suck the moisture right out of your paint and leave it looking patchy and thin.

Second, if you are switching paint types. If you attempt to paint an old oil-based enamel with a modern water-based paint, then the paint is simply going to run off of it in sheets due to its inability to adhere.

Third, if the wall is stained. If the kids have been busy with permanent markers or there is a yellowing smoke stain from an old heater, paint won't hide it. It will just turn it into a slightly lighter version of the same ugly stain.

Preparation for a Professional Finish

Spending an additional hour applying primer means your paint will last longer.  The whole point of applying the primer is to make sure you do not need to repaint everything in the near future.

Firstly, clean your walls using the sugar soap to remove any dirt or grime from the walls. Once your walls are completely dry, apply your primer. Let it be fully dry before applying the topcoat paint. When you have completed the process of preparing your walls, applying your paint becomes easy and will match the exact colour of the sample.

Conclusion:

Avoiding the primer application might sound like a quick fix, but eventually, you would need to bear the brunt of your hasty action. experts are also aware that priming first will ensure you achieve the best results. You can save money on costly top coats and avoid peeling, resulting in an impeccable finish for your house.

I am a professional writer and blogger by profession. I write in various niches in a way that it’s understandable and appealing to the people. I aim to achieve a difference through my writing which allows you to make informed and valuable choices.