Tip of the Week   Past Tips of the Week (Archives)

Rolling Tones Painting & Renovation Main Page 

Disclaimer:   I just know that there are going to be many many weeks that I don't update the "Tip of the Week"     I'll apologize in advance.  I'll put up a new tip as fast as I have time to create them, and try to make sure it does not turn into "Tip of the Year"          - Michael Wiseman

Free advice - email me   info@rollingtones.com

Please put "Free Advice" in the subject line

PRIMER

You don’t need to use primer all the time.  Even if the paint store tells you so.

  Use primer for:

     Priming bare surfaces:  bare wood, new drywall and patches or repairs done with drywall compound.

     You also can use specialty high adhesion primers (there are many) over glossy surfaces and other surfaces that paint generally does not adhere to well.  Even ceramic tiles.  There are too many variables to mention here, but if you have a surface you suspect will be a problem for your topcoat to stick to, ask the paint store what kind of primer would be best.  Be aware that some paint stores do not have knowledgeable staff, and some do.  Use your own best judgment as to who to consult.

     You can also use primer over bold colors in order that fewer coats of paint will be required.  Primer is usually more opaque than finish paint, so it “covers” or “hides” better.

     Tinted primer can also be handy when your top coat is a bold color.  Often the primer will be gray.  Some finish paints, when bold in color, have to be mixed in a clear base, and when you apply it without the gray primer it is very translucent – not at all opaque.  This can result in needing multiple coats.  I’ve seen rich reds require 8 or more coats without the gray primer.

     Generally when re-painting walls in a home, you don’t need primer.  If you have done some patching (repairs using drywall compound or “mud”) you can use a little primer on these patches – but if your top coat is matte or eggshell sheen, you can usually just use your roller to put a quickie coat over these patches with the same paint.  If you are painting with latex (water based) paint, by the time you cut in (brush in) the corners and get to the main rolling, these spots will be dry enough to just keep going.  If you are painting  with oil based (alkyd) paint, you probably should use a little latex primer on your patches.