Primers
With a fresh coat of paint, you can make any room look brand new, but choosing the right primer paint is key. Whether you’re adding a bold pop of color to a single wall in the living room or painting the entire bedroom in a neutral tone, applying a primer prep coat can prevent peeling and improve adherence. Ace Hardware carries a variety of primer paint for walls and exterior primer to help you get the job done.
What is Primer Paint?
When painting wood, drywall or another surface, primer paint can seal porous surfaces and prevent things like stains, grease, tannins and smoke from bleeding through. By applying a coat of primer before painting, you can save on the overall cost of your painting project since you may not need to apply more than one coat of paint.
Choosing the Right Primer Paint
The best primer for your particular job will largely depend on the environment you’ll be working in. Whether you’re working inside or outside, or are tackling a range of painting jobs, knowing a few primer basics will be of tremendous help.
- Interior Primer: These primers are specifically formulated for interior surfaces like drywall, cabinets and doors. Interior primers come in an array of options to suit any type of surface as well as the type of paint you’re using.
- Exterior Primer: Suitable for outdoor use only, exterior primer contains additives that protect against UV-related fading. They’re also formulated to prevent damage from moisture, mold and outside temperature changes.
- Indoor/Outdoor Primer: If you think you’ll be working on several indoor and outdoor projects, consider purchasing an indoor/outdoor primer paint to save on the costs of purchasing both types of primers.
Different Types of Primer Paint
There are a variety of wood primer paint types to help you complete every painting job with greater ease. Each is designed to work best on specific surfaces.
Oil Based Primers
A versatile choice, oil based primers are useful for prepping multiple surfaces such as wood, steel, surfaces with existing paint and interior or exterior walls. They also work with both latex and oil paints, and they’re a preferred choice for blocking water and ink stains.
Shellac Primers
Primarily used for indoor surfaces, shellac primers work well on plaster, wood, metal and even plastic surfaces. Fast-drying and highly adhesive, these primers are solid options for blocking smoke, water and fire damage. As a result, they’re often a preferred choice among industry professionals.
Latex Primers
Great for prepping unfinished drywall, latex primers dry fast and are less susceptible to cracking and peeling than oil primers. These primers are water-soluble and come in low- or no-VOC options, making them more of an environmentally friendly choice than other primers.
