Five Reasons Why a Contractor Uses a Primer Before Painting

Five Reasons Why a Contractor Uses a Primer Before Painting

You just patched that hole in the ceiling and want to get it painted. You get some paint and slap on a couple of generous coats on the repaired surfaces and wait for it to dry. When the job is completed, you notice that the repaired damaged area doesn’t look as good as you thought it would look. A qualified painting contractor would probably have done it a little different.

It is a common misconception that paints and primer is the same thing; they are not. While the two may look the same, paint and primer are formulated for different purposes. Primers can seal surfaces, prevent pealing, and create a more uniform finish. Paint adheres best to a properly primed surface and the color tints are more consistently applied over a primed surface. This is especially true in areas of repair such as drywall (sheetrock), and wood.

Why contractors use a primer before painting?

• A primer will seal the surface. With a sealed primer surface, the absorption is even so the painted surface will apply easier with a more consistent color.
• Primer helps the topcoat hide a change in color. When switch colors, especially drastic changes, a good primer will aid in the hiding of the covered color.
• Paint will good a lot further over a primed surface. Drywall for example is very porous and will soak up the moisture of the paint. More paint will be needed the cover the same size area.
• Prime first is you want a consistent sheen to the finished surface. Painting over an unprimed area will change the finish sheen. A semi-gloss paint will appear to be more of a satin finish in the area of repair. Even if the patch is perfect, the sheen will show the area of repair.
• Spot primer water stains, wood bleed, mildew, nicotine, and smoke. Many of the stubborn problems can be solved with a good quality primer. Painting over these surfaces will not solve these issues. Several coats of paint will, at best, temporarily cover the area. The problem will return.

A contractor will choose the best primer for your application. It is important and there are many to choose from; Oil based, water based, and odorless are a few of the choices that need to be made. When doing the work yourself, you should contact a store salesperson, or contractor with experience in the proper use of primers before beginning your project.

With the right products your repair will look as good as a qualified, professional painter.