The Role of Primer in Achieving the Perfect Paint Job

Primers are water- or oil-based products applied to a surface before painting.

Whether redecorating or painting a brand-new surface for the first time, achieving the highest quality finish is the most important goal. Nowadays, it is easy to purchase paint from a DIY store, claiming it can be applied without primer. However, professional painters and decorators never skip this step.

Please keep reading to learn why primer is important in achieving the perfect paint job.

What is primer?

Primers are water- or oil-based products applied to a surface before painting. Water-based primers are quick-drying and contain fewer solvents than oil-based primers. As such, they are the most popular choice when painting large areas such as walls and work well with water-based paints.

Oil-based primers are more frequently used on wood or touch points like window handles, banisters, and cupboard doors. They are particularly useful for preventing and removing existing stains when redecorating.

Since oil-based primers are slow-drying and contain higher solvent levels than water-based primers, they tend to be used more often in commercial settings or by professionals rather than DIY enthusiasts.

Why is using a primer so important?

Primer acts as a base surface to which an undercoat or topcoat is applied. When paint is applied on top of a primer, the bond is far stronger than if the paint had been applied to the surface material alone. This is because a primer is an extra layer of adhesive used to ensure the paint sticks.

Furthermore, primer acts as an additional layer between the surface material and the result, giving another layer of cover to hide imperfections such as wood knots and joints. When repainting a surface in a new color, primer ensures no previous color is visible.

A primer is also extremely useful in giving another layer of protection against the elements, sealing the base material against mold and wear and tear.

Ultimately, the key benefit of using a primer is that it increases the finish quality of your paint job. Doing so also extends the life of the surface material and the paint, saving time and money in the long term.

How to use a primer to achieve a perfect paint job

If homeowners apply a simple layer of primer to a surface before painting, it will look better and last longer. Every primer has a slightly different dry time, after which you should apply the undercoat. Typically, the time required for water-based primers is less than for oil-based primers.

A water-based primer should usually be left for around twenty-four hours before applying the first coat of paint. However, always follow the instructions on the container or seek the advice of a professional painter and decorator.

Mark’s Painting offers residential and commercial painting for Tampa, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. Exterior painting, including priming, sealing, plaster & drywall service, pressure washing. We paint interiors, including ceilings, walls, trim, baseboard, fireplaces, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, doors, and windows. We offer wallpaper removal, caulking, staining and varnishing, refinishing, texturing, specialty finishes, and more. We are licensed and insured. Call us at (813) 831-5433.