Priming Tips

Priming is an essential step for a good-looking, long-lasting paint job. At first glance, many primers may look like thinned paint, but primers are formulated to meet specific demands:

-- To adhere well to a variety of surfaces.
-- To seal stains and discolorations and prevent them from bleeding through the finish coat. This is especially important with latex finish coats, which otherwise are vulnerable to stain bleed-through.
-- To provide a uniform surface to which paint will adhere, giving the paint a better grip than it would on the bare surface.
-- To give the finished paint job a more uniform color and sheen, thereby making it more attractive. This is especially true on a porous surface or one with uneven porosity.

Primers go on easily and actually make the finish coat flow on smoothly too. They are less expensive than paint and in some cases can save you money by eliminating the necessity of applying a second top coat.

Primers are manufactured for specific applications. Choose the primer that fits the needs of your particular paint job.

Prestart Checklist

Time
From 4 to 8 hours for a 10x12-foot room, depending on your painting experience and skill level

Tools
Brushes, rollers, extension handle, ladder, paint buckets

Skills
Using brushes and rollers

Prep
Repair surfaces as necessary and mask unpainted surfaces to protect them

Materials
Primer