Surface Prep: Priming
- When and Why to Prime
Priming is always recommended to promote coverage, adhesion and durability of the topcoat. Surfaces that should be primed include:
- All unpainted surfaces (such as bare wood or plaster, or new drywall)
- Wallpaper
- Patched or repaired areas
- Paneling
- Stains
- Surfaces painted with oil-based paint
- Surfaces that will have an extreme color change (light to dark or dark to light)
All painting should be done within twelve hours of using a primer for best adhesion.
- Choosing the Right Primer
Latex (water-based) primer should be used on the following surfaces:
- New Drywall
- Previously painted, patched and repaired, stained surfaces
- Galvanized metal
Alkyd (oil-based) primer should be used on the following surfaces:
- Paneling
- Bare wood
- Wrought Iron and other metals that will rust
- Wallpaper
- Water stains or severe stains
