Choosing the correct primer is an essential part of producing professional looking painted walls. The primer you choose will change the way the paint lays on the surface, how the color dries, and much more. Failure to properly prime your walls could spell disaster for your residential paint project. That’s why we’ve put together some tips for choosing the correct primer for your home.
Assess Your Walls
Before you can choose a primer for your home, you first need to determine what your walls really need. For instance, walls in bathrooms and basements may need some moisture proofing, while kitchens and dining rooms should be stain-resistant. The type of primer you need will also depend on the type of material you’re painting. For instance, wood needs a different type of primer than drywall, but even new drywall has different needs from previously painted drywall. Make a note of the materials you will be painting so that you can reference them later. Beyond that, exterior primers are a completely different animal altogether.
Know Your End Goal
Most people think of primer when they are planning a drastic color change, but there are other important reasons to use primer, as well. For instance, some primers have properties which allow them to fill small gaps and seal new mud so that your paint won’t get sucked into the spaces and turn out uneven. Whether you plan on going from dark vivid colors to bright, light colors, or you simply want to mask the finish of the wall underneath, a good primer will get you most of the way to your goal, so that your final coats of paint won’t have to work as hard. Understanding your end goal in advance will ensure that you pick a primer that is up to the task.
Speak with an Expert
Aside from knowing the specifics of your paint project, speaking with a paint professional can be a great way to find the right primer. They will be able to tell you which brands are most reliable, how long you should expect to let each coat dry, and other important details that will narrow down your options. You don’t want to overpay for a primer that won’t suit your needs, and you definitely don’t want your project to be slowed down due to weather concerns or other outside factors.
Check Your Tools
Before you head home with whatever primer you select, you will also want to make sure that you have the proper tools for use with your product. For instance, nylon versus natural hair paint brushes can have a big impact on the way your primer goes onto the wall. If you are unsure what kind of brushes or rollers you have at home, make sure to get recommendations for brushes to go with the primer you selected. Otherwise, you might end up with a sloppy mess on your hands even if you started out with the right primer, to begin with.
Quality primer is the secret to durable and even paint, but choosing primer can be daunting. There are many different types on the market, and the kind you need will vary from one room to the next. The best thing to do is take pictures or make notes of the rooms you are painting and consult with an expert who can guide you toward the best brands for your needs. The more information you have to reference, the better your match will be, and the smoother your final coat of paint will look.
