Primer is always brought up when it comes time to paint. Many service industry experts always include it in the process and encourage DIY painters that primer is essential. Prior to you applying the paint color you have planned, primer is the first coating of lightly colored paint that goes over the surface. Where some perceive this step as unnecessary and only adds extra cost, time, and work, too many people skip the primer. However, using primer actually has many important advantages, especially for long lasting home paints and we at McKay’s Painting would like to elaborate on the importance of primer.
Primer Improves Adhesion of Paint
How well the paint sticks to the surface is the adhesion. Various surfaces can have an impact on how well paint clings, dries, and survives for years into the future without peeling. The primer allows paint to adhere more efficiently; meaning the final paint layers will dry and cure better as well as significantly reduce the risk of peeling over time. When you’re painting surfaces that don’t interact well with the average house paint, primer is especially beneficial. Based on what paint you are using, there are quite a few primer options available.
Primer Helps Cover Dark Paint
After a couple of layers of new paint, you may find that the dark color beneath continues to show through, if you are painting over a dark color with a similar shade or a lighter color. By applying a white layer that hides the darker color more effectively, primer is made to help take care of this problem and is typically required for the proper appearance.
Primer Boosts Durability of Paint
Primer will help ensure that your paint will last as long as possible due to its better adhesion properties. Again adding to the life of the new paint layer, the primer can also help seal more vulnerable surfaces and prevent moisture from causing damage beneath the paint. We suggest that you always plan on using primer to assure long-lasting paint for larger painting projects around your home, both exterior and interior.
Primer Enhances Aesthetic Results
Features on new walls or ceilings that you may want to obscure can be better hidden with primer. Such blemishes include joints, seams, knots in the wood, and natural blemishes that might otherwise show through paint alone, particularly if you are painting with lighter colors.
When is Paint Primer Not Needed?
Primer is encouraged, and when in doubt, use it; but it is not always a requirement. For instance, you may not need to use primer, although it may still be a good idea for larger projects, in the event you are applying a dark paint to a light surface. Designed for use on more “friendly” materials like new drywall, there are also some paints that combine a primer with the paint, which can negate the need for an extra primer layer.
Residential & Commercial Painting Services in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
You may still have questions about whether you need primer, such as how many coats, what kind of primer, and so on. While primer is important, you can ask a specialist where you are getting your paint. To simplify your painting project, contact McKay’s Painting and let us take care of your painting project for you!
