Painting is just like magic; it changes the entire look of the thing, may it be your walls, chairs, railings or kitchen cabinets. Your painting project will be a success only if the paint bonds with the surface, which is quite difficult. Yes, paint cannot bond with any surface easily, and that’s when the paint primer comes into the picture.
In this blog, Gharpedia shares a primer buying guide. This guide gives you all the information about paint primer, like what is a paint primer, how it works, types of primer paint for walls available and how to choose primer paint for different surfaces etc.
The following points are covered in this primer buying guide –
- What is a Paint Primer?
- Why Use Paint Primer?
- What are The Types of Primer Paint for Walls?
- Oil-Based Primer
- Latex Primer
- Shellac Primer
- How to Choose Primer Paint for Different Surfaces
- Primer for New Unpainted Wood Surface
- Primer for Painted Wood Surface
- Primer for Damp Wood Surface
- Primer for Dry Wood Surface
- Primer for Metal Surface
- Primer for Masonry Cement-based Surface
- Primer for Aluminum or Galvanized Iron Surface
- Primer for Drywall
- Primer for Stained Surface
- Primer for Smoke Damaged Surface
- Primer for Patches
- Primer for Chalky Surface
Sounds helpful? Then what we are waiting for…. Let’s start…
What is a Paint Primer?
Priming is a very important step in the painting process. Not only does it help the paint bond to the surface, but it will also give your paint job an appearance of uniformity without cracks. In addition, it ensures paint adhesion to the surface and improves paint durability. The primer has to be applied before painting either on the outside or inside surfaces. It is imperative to apply primer to any surface we want to paint.
We hope that this small explanation makes it clear to you that paint and primer are two different things. But, if you are still confused about paint and primer, go to our blog: Difference Between Primer and Paint; it will clarify your confusion.
Why Use Paint Primer?
When you start any painting work, and you have surfaces with holes or cracks, it can’t be easily sealed, and it, therefore, reduces the paint’s ability to set effectively. Paint primer helps you make a flat and uniform surface for the paint to bind with the surface; and helps you in achieving a smooth and seamless painting application. Best primer paint for walls covers flaws like patches or repaired areas in your wall. In addition, it conceals stains and prevents bleeding through the newly painted finish.
For detailed information, read our blog:
What are The Types of Primer Paint for Walls?
There are mainly three types of primer paint for walls. They are Oil Based Primer, Latex Primer and Shellac Primer. They all have different properties and uses.
01. Oil-Based Primer
Alkyd primer is another name for Oil Based Primer. Oil Based Primer is suitable for both interior and exterior use. Oil Based Primers are commonly used in woodworking applications such as new wood, painted wood, and dry wood. It is also suitable for use on metal surfaces.
02. Latex Primer
Latex Primer, often known as acrylic primer, is a water-based primer. In terms of flexibility, drying time, and water solubility, Latex Primer is superior to Oil Based Primer. It’s the ultimate pick for drywall, plaster, masonry and woodwork on either the interior or exterior.
03. Shellac Primer
Firstly, shellac is a resin obtained from the female lac trees and broadly used in paints, varnishes, sealants, etc. It dries quickly and adheres well. Shellac primer is suitable for interior painting and can also be used as a spot exterior primer. It is excellent for stain removal and works well on walls that have suffered from severe water and smoke damage. It can also be used on wood, metal, plaster, plastic, and other surfaces.
Here, we brief all three types of primer paint. But we have written a detailed article on Different Types of Primer Paint, which give you all the information about it.
How to Choose Primer Paint for Different Surfaces?
While you use a primer for different surfaces, you have to understand what kind of primer to use, their availability and what they are intended for. Some are manufactured to bond well with metal surfaces, while others are formulated to work with cement-based surfaces like plastered walls. Choosing the right type of primer can make a huge difference as far as the final painting is concerned.
Here, we mention the different types of surfaces and suggest what kind of primer to use for the particular surface. With this, there will be no confusion about how to choose primer paint for different surfaces.
- Primer for Unpainted Wood Surface
- Primer for Painted Wood Surface
- Primer for Damp Wood Surface
- Primer for Dry Wood Surface
- Primer for Metal Surface
- Primer for Masonry Cement-based Surface
- Primer for Aluminum or Galvanized Iron Surface
- Primer for Drywall
- Primer for Stained Surface
- Primer for Smoke Damaged Surface
- Primer for Patches
- Primer for Chalky Surface
Let’s take a detailed look.
01. Primer for New Unpainted Wood Surface
Most paint manufacturers make a good wood primer, so choose wisely the primer for your wood surface. If you have new wood that doesn’t leach tannins into paint or is not stained, then you can use Latex Primer or Oil Based Exterior Wood Primer. If your new wood is stained, then use an Oil Based Primer.
02. Primer for Painted Wood Surface
If you have to paint a painted wood surface, then firstly, scrape off all loose paint and bare sand spots. Then remove all chalking with a damp cloth and let the surface dry. If you can’t remove all the chalk, apply an Oil Based Primer.
03. Primer for Damp Wood Surface
When it comes to painting damp wood surfaces, not every primer is effective because there is a little moisture in it, so be very specific and choose High-Quality Latex Primer. It works very well on damp wood.
04. Primer for Dry Wood Surface
You can use Alkyd or Oil Based Primer for dry wood surfaces. It’s very beneficial for dry wood as it sticks well with the dry wood surface. Therefore, it increases the durability of the paint.
05. Primer for Metal Surface
Everyone knows that metal is a very reactive surface and rusts easily. So, it’s very tricky to paint a metal surface, and you have to be very precise in choosing a primer for it. You shouldn’t use any water-based primer or latex primer. It’s not suitable for metal surfaces, because its moisture can seep in and cause a paint failure within weeks or months. Therefore, go with the High-Quality Oil Based Primer, but make sure you remove all the rust before using a primer.
06. Primer for Masonry Cement-Based Surface
Latex Primer is the best option for the new cement-based plastered or masonry or an older porous surface. If you have already painted masonry, you only need to seal the places where the old paint has been removed during surface preparation or by weathering.
07. Primer for Aluminum or Galvanized Iron Surface
If you want to paint aluminum or galvanized iron surface, choose Oil Based Primer for priming. However, remember one thing, if your surface is rusted, then remove rust by using a non-metallic scouring pad or abrasive. Only then apply the primer.
08. Primer for Drywall
Water-based primer or Latex Primer is the best primer for drywall as it fills all the minor defects in the drywall. You should avoid any oil-based primer for drywall because it raises the drywall grain and gives an uneven finish.
09. Primer for Stained Surface
Stains are extremely difficult to get off, and it’s also tricky to paint over them. If you have water stain surface, use Oil-Based Primer. Apply two or three very light coats so they dry quickly. Shellac Primer is helpful to cover-up stains from fire, rust etc and effective on extremely water damaged surfaces.
10. Primer for Smoke Damaged Surface
You can use Shellac Primer for the smoke-damaged surfaces; it gives the best cover-up. Shellac primer dries quicker than any other primer and hence prevents damage caused due to smoke. You can also use Latex Primer, but it will take at least two coats to prevent smoke damage.
11. Primer for Patches
If there is a tone of patchwork on the entire wall in your painting work, go with Latex Primer. And if there are few spots, you can apply a few light coats of Oil-Based Primer.
12. Primer for Chalky Surface
Chalking is one of the most common painting defects. Here, a white powdery substance emerges on the paint’s surface. If you have to paint on a chalky surface, firstly, you need to power wash it. Secondly, you can use Latex Primer for that chalky area. Latex primer adheres well with the chalky surface and works excellently.
To know more about chalking defects, go to our blog: Chalking Paint: Common Defect in Paint, and we also have written about solutions to overcome this defect, which will surely help you get rid of it. So, don’t wait and click on the below link for a solution:
Like chalking, we are sure you would like to know what the other common painting defects are. Please read
Important Note: Remember one most important thing, before you use primer for different surfaces, clean the surface properly.
On the final note, paint primers are designed for very specific applications. For lasting results, you need to prepare interior and exterior surfaces properly and choose the best primer paint for walls. Thereby they can build an effective barrier against stains, moisture and other problems. I hope this primer guide will make it easier for you to understand how to choose primer paint for different surfaces which fulfil your painting needs.
With this knowledge, it will be the cherry on the cake if you read the blog below.
20 Different Types of Paints for Interior & Exterior Surfaces!
Image Courtesy: Image 16