Are you staring at your walls, paintbrush in hand, wondering if you really need to prime? Or maybe you have a painter over that is using a primer that doesn’t match your chosen color and you’re a little concerned.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we've been helping Omaha residents transform their homes for nearly 30 years. We've seen firsthand the confusion that comes with selecting the right primer, whether you're a DIY painter or hiring a professional painter. That's why we've put together this article to help you navigate the world of interior primers with confidence.
By the end of this article, you'll be ready to choose the perfect primer for your project or understand your painters intentions for your project. In this article, we'll break down the different types of primers, and explain when and why to use them.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of primer selection, let's start with the basics. Think of primer as the unsung hero of your painting project – it's not flashy, but it's absolutely essential for a top-notch finish.
Primer is like the foundation of a house. You can't see it once the job is done, but it's crucial for everything that comes after. Its main job is to create a uniform surface for your paint to adhere to, ensuring better coverage and a longer-lasting finish. But that's not all – primers can also:
Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at the different types of primers you might encounter on your next trip to the hardware store or discuss with your painter.
1Water-Based Primers: The Versatile Option for Most Omaha Homes1. Water-based primers are versatile, easy to use, and perfect for most interior painting projects. Here's when you might want to reach for a water-based primer:
Pro tip: Water-based primers dry quickly and have low odor, making them ideal for impatient DIYers or those with sensitive noses. If you're hiring a painter, they might prefer these for their ease of use and quick drying time.
Oil-Based Primers: The Heavy-Duty Solution for Tough Jobs2. Oil-based primers are like the bodybuilders of the primer world – they're tough and can handle some serious challenges. Consider using an oil-based primer when:
Keep in mind that oil-based primers take longer to dry and have a stronger odor. If you're DIYing, you'll also need mineral spirits for cleanup. But for certain jobs, they're worth the extra effort. Professional painters often prefer these for challenging surfaces.
Shellac-Based Primers: The Problem-Solver for Extreme Cases3. Shellac-based primers are the superheroes of the primer world. They can tackle almost any surface or stain problem you throw at them. Use a shellac-based primer when:
The downside? They're more expensive and have a strong odor. But when you need serious stain-blocking power, shellac is hard to beat. Many professional painters keep this in their arsenal for tough jobs.
Bonding Primers: The Adhesion Expert for Tricky Surfaces4. Bonding primers are specially formulated to stick to slick, hard-to-paint surfaces. They're your go-to when painting:
If you're feeling adventurous and want to paint that 1970s tile in your bathroom, a bonding primer is your new best friend. Professional painters often use these for specialty projects.
Self-Priming Paints: The Time-Saver for Simple Projects5. Self-priming paints are like the convenience food of the painting world. They combine primer and paint in one product, potentially saving you time and effort. They can be a good choice when:
However, be cautious. Self-priming paints may not provide the same level of coverage or stain-blocking as a separate primer and paint system. Many professional painters prefer to use separate primer and paint for better results.
Now that you know your primer options, you might be wondering, "Do I always need to prime?" The short answer is: it depends. Here are some situations where priming is crucial:
If you're facing bare drywall in your Omaha home, whether it's a new construction, renovation, or repair, primer isn't just important – it's essential. Here's why:
Trying to paint a light color over a dark one? Primer will save you from applying countless coats of paint.
Whether you're trying to lighten up that moody burgundy dining room or cover the navy blue accent wall in your bedroom, dark colors can be stubborn. Here are some benefits of using primer over dark colors:
When covering extremely dark or vibrant colors, consider using a tinted primer. Ask your local paint store to add a small amount of your final paint color to the primer. This can enhance its hiding power and potentially reduce the number of paint coats needed even further.
Patience is key when covering dark colors. It might be tempting to rush the process, but taking the time to prime properly will result in a much better finish that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Stains on your walls can be a persistent eyesore, but primer is your secret weapon in the battle against these marks. Here's why primer is crucial for dealing with stains:
Despite the benefits, some folks choose to skip the priming step. Here's why:
Skipping primer can sometimes lead to more work and expense in the long run. You might end up needing more coats of paint, or worse, dealing with peeling, flaking, or stains bleeding through your new paint job. So, it’s important that if you decide to skip primer, that you know your walls really don’t need it.
A study by the Paint Quality Institute found that using a primer can extend the life of your paint job by up to 50%. That's a lot of extra time before you need to repaint!
Have you ever opened a can of primer and been surprised by its color? Maybe you were expecting white but found a pale gray or even a shade of pink. Don't worry – this is completely normal and intentional. Here's why primers often come in different colors:
It's important to note that while primer color can influence the final look of your paint job, it doesn't need to match your paint color exactly. In fact, paint stores can often tint your primer to a color that will work best with your chosen paint color.
If you're working with a professional painter, they should be able to explain their primer choice and how it will benefit your specific project.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about how a primer color might affect your final paint color, ask for a sample or do a small test patch. This can help you visualize the end result and make any necessary adjustments before tackling the entire room.
Understanding the science behind primer colors can help you make informed decisions about your painting project, whether you're doing it yourself or working with a professional. Remember, the goal is a beautiful, long-lasting finish, and sometimes that means embracing the unexpected colors of the actual primer.
We've covered a lot of ground, from the basics of what primer does to the different types available and when to use them. Let's recap the key takeaways:
At Brush & Roll Painting, we're passionate about helping Omaha homeowners achieve beautiful, long-lasting paint jobs. While we've shared our expertise in this article, we understand that every home and project is unique. If you'd prefer to leave your painting project to the professionals, we're here to help.
Click the button below to get a quote. We'd be thrilled to bring our expertise to your next painting project and help you create the home of your dreams, one room at a time.
While tackling any interior painting project, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional, its important to be confident throughout the process so you don’t make any mistakes. To help, we’ve created the interior painting project checklist for homeowners in Omaha.
To get yours, click the button below, fill out the 3-question form, and view your checklist. You can mark off each step of the project as it goes, so your project stays on track.