PRIME TIME

Pick the perfect primer for your project

If you’ve spent any time in a paint store, watching home renovation shows on TV or browsing through Pinterest, you’ve likely come across the instructions, “Prime, then paint,” more than once. But do you know what the function of primer actually is?

Primer is a prep coat, or undercoat, that goes on your wall or materials before you paint them. It helps paint adhere to the surface properly and evenly, increases paint durability and also provides an added layer of protection from water, tannin, grease and smoke stains that can soak through your topcoat. That being said, there are many different kinds of primer which have various properties that work with some surfaces better than others. Keep reading for a breakdown of five primer categories and why each one is designed for its specific use.

DRYWALL PRIMER: New drywall is a sponge when it comes to paint, which can result in a very uneven finish. Drywall primer will seal the porous surface and make it more receptive to new paint.

WOOD PRIMER: Clean, bare wood is hard for paint to cling onto, so an oil-based primer that will soak into it, fill the pores of the wood but not raise the grain, is the best option for a smooth, even finish.

METAL PRIMER: Once water hits bare metal, oxidation will begin and rust will form. A metal primer has components in it that will help guard against corrosion; its main function is to shield metal from moisture.

HIGH-ADHESION PRIMER: is primer is ideal for surfaces such as tile, ceramic, plastic and vinyl — basically all the slipperiest, glossiest spots that need a bit of extra help to get paint to stick. High-adhesion primer, or bonding primer as it’s sometimes called, will ensure your topcoat stays put.

STAIN-BLOCKING PRIMER: Who wouldn’t want some extra stain protection on their walls? Stain-blocking primer is great for keeping water and smoke stains from bleeding through the topcoat and revealing itself on your freshly painted surfaces.