You’re ready to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, but there’s one big question holding you back—do you really need to use primer?
It’s tempting to skip this extra step, especially when you’re eager to get the job done. But without primer, your paint might not adhere properly, leading to peeling, uneven coverage, or more coats than expected.
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. Using primer can help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish, saving you time and frustration in the long run. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using primer before painting.
You don’t have to tackle your next interior painting project alone—let us bring our expertise to ensure a flawless finish!
Do You Really Need Primer? When to Use It
Primer is like the foundation for your walls. It’s a preparatory coating applied before the main paint. So, when should you reach for the primer? Here are a few situations where primer is definitely worth considering:
- Painting Over Dark Colors: If you’re going from a dark color to a light one, primer is almost always a good idea.
- New Drywall or Bare Wood: These materials are porous, so primer helps create a smooth, even surface.
- Glossy Surfaces: High-gloss surfaces don’t allow paint to adhere well without primer.
- Stains or Imperfections: If your walls have visible stains, primer can help hide them and prevent them from bleeding through.
- Moisture-Prone Areas: In rooms like bathrooms or basements, moisture-resistant primers can protect against mold.
The Pros of Using Primer Before Painting
Better Paint Adhesion
One of the main benefits of using primer is that it helps the paint adhere to the surface more effectively. If you’re painting over a tricky surface—like glossy paint or stained wood—a primer can make a world of difference. It creates a slightly rough texture that the paint can grip onto, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Practical Example: Say you’re painting a wall that’s been previously coated with a high-gloss paint. Without primer, your new paint might slide around or peel off easily. With primer, the paint sticks better and stays put for longer.
Improved Coverage
Another great thing about primer is that it helps cover stains, dark colors, or imperfections. If you’ve ever tried to paint over a bright red or a stubborn stain, you know how frustrating it can be.
Practical Example: Imagine walking into a room painted in a bold dark purple, but you want a light beige finish. Without primer, you’d likely need 3-4 coats of paint. Primer can cut that down to just 2 coats, saving you time and paint.
Seals Porous Surfaces
When dealing with surfaces like new drywall, wood, or plaster, primer is essential. These materials are naturally porous, meaning they soak up paint quickly, which can leave your walls looking patchy and uneven. Primer seals these surfaces, so the paint sits on top and spreads evenly.
Practical Example: If you’re painting bare wood, applying primer first prevents the wood from absorbing too much paint. It also helps block natural wood stains or knots from bleeding through.
Helps Prevent Mold
Certain types of primer are designed to resist moisture, which can be crucial in areas like bathrooms or basements.
By using a moisture-resistant primer, you can help prevent mold and mildew from growing behind the paint.
Practical Example: If you live in a humid area, using primer in your bathroom before painting can protect the walls from developing mold, especially in high-moisture zones like near the shower.
Extends the Life of Your Paint Job
Let’s be honest—painting isn’t something you want to do every year. Primer acts as a base coat that helps the paint bond better, making it more durable.
With a primer, your paint job is less likely to chip, peel, or fade prematurely, which saves you money and effort in the long run.
The Cons of Using Primer Before Painting
While primer offers many benefits, it’s not always necessary or the best choice for every project. Let’s talk about some of the drawbacks.
Added Time and Cost
One of the most obvious downsides is the extra step involved. Applying primer takes time, and if you’re in a hurry, it can feel like a hassle.
Plus, it’s an additional cost—primer can range from $10 to $30 per gallon, depending on the quality.
Practical Example: If you’re just doing a quick refresh on a small room, using primer may add hours to your project timeline. And if you’re painting multiple rooms, the cost of primer can add up quickly.
Not Always Necessary
In some cases, you can skip the primer entirely. Many modern paints come as paint and primer in one, which simplifies the process.
If you’re painting over a light, clean surface that’s in good condition, using these products might save you a step.
Practical Example: If you’re repainting a white wall with a similar light color, you might not need a separate primer at all. One or two coats of paint could do the job just fine.
Primer Isn’t the Final Finish
It’s important to remember that primer alone doesn’t give you the finished look you want. It’s not designed to be a topcoat, so if you use primer, you’ll still need to apply your chosen paint color afterward. This means more work overall.
Practical Example: If you’re painting an accent wall with a vibrant color, you’ll still have to follow the primer with your desired paint shade. So, using primer adds another step to the process.
Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, the type of primer you choose may not be compatible with the paint you plan to use. For example, oil-based primers work great with oil-based paints but can cause issues if you’re planning to use latex paint.
This can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re not familiar with different types of paint and primer.
Practical Example: You might end up with peeling or cracking if you apply latex paint over an oil-based primer without proper preparation. This is why reading labels and knowing what materials you’re working with is key.
It Can Add to Cleanup
Using primer means more supplies to clean up at the end of the day. Whether it’s an extra paintbrush or roller, cleanup can take a little longer, which is worth considering if you’re trying to minimize the time spent on your project.
Practical Example: After priming and painting a whole room, you’ll have more tools to rinse out or dispose of, and this can be a little frustrating if you’re someone who dreads the cleanup part of painting.
Common Questions About Priming Before Painting
What are the downsides of using a primer?
Using a primer can take extra time and effort, and it means spending a little more money. Some primers also have strong smells, which can be a bit overwhelming.
Is primer really necessary before painting?
Primer is super helpful when you’re painting over tough surfaces like glossy paint or stained wood. But if the surface is clean and in good shape, you might not need it every time.
When should you skip the primer?
You can skip primer if the surface is already painted, smooth, and the new paint is similar in color. In cases like these, primer might not be needed.
Is paint with primer built in really worth it?
Paint with built-in primer can save time, but it doesn’t always stick as well as a separate primer and paint. It’s handy for quick jobs, but not always the best for tricky surfaces.
What happens if you skip the primer?
If you skip primer, your paint might not stick as well, and it could peel or flake off. Plus, the color might not turn out as smooth or vibrant.
What can you use instead of primer?
If you’re in a pinch, you can try using a sealer or even some leftover paint as a base coat, but these won’t work as well as a true primer.
What are the negatives of priming?
Priming takes extra time, and some people don’t like the extra step. Also, certain primers can smell strong or take a while to dry.
Is primer worth the hassle?
While it’s an extra step, primer can make your paint job look way better and last longer, so it’s usually worth the effort!
Are there any side effects of primer?
Some primers have strong fumes, which can cause headaches if you don’t have good ventilation. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated space!
Do I have to prime over old paint?
You don’t always have to prime over old paint, especially if the surface is smooth and the old color is close to the new one. But, it’s always a good idea for tricky surfaces.
Can you wait too long to paint after priming?
Yes! If you wait too long, the primer might lose its stickiness. Try to paint over primer within 24 hours to get the best results.
What’s the downside of priming?
Priming can add extra time to your painting project, and it can also mean an extra cost. Plus, some primers can be a bit smelly!
What are the three types of priming?
There are three main types: oil-based, water-based, and shellac primers. Each works best for different surfaces and situations.
How can you avoid priming?
You can avoid priming by making sure the surface is clean and smooth. Also, if you use a paint-and-primer combo, you might be able to skip a separate priming step.
Final Thoughts
Using primer before painting can significantly improve the longevity, coverage, and quality of your paint job.
While it may seem like an extra step, it’s often worth it for challenging surfaces or when aiming for a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
On the flip side, if you’re working with paint-and-primer-in-one products or repainting a surface that’s in good shape, you might be able to skip this step and still get great results.
Remember, the choice depends on your specific project, and understanding the pros and cons of using primer before painting can help you decide if it’s necessary for your next interior painting job.