Benefits of a Primer Coat

When painting your home, don’t forget about primer coat! Primer Coat is that layer of lightly colored paint that goes over the surface before you apply the paint color that you have planned. We know, this sounds like painting the surface twice for little benefit, but using primer actually has many important advantages, especially for long-lasting home paints. Here’s why it’s important.

Better Paint Adhesion

Adhesion refers to how well paint sticks to a surface. Different surfaces can have an important impact on how well paint clings, dries, and survives for years into the future without peeling. Primer is designed to adhere very well to paint. That means that your final paint layers are less likely to peel over time or to dry and cure improperly. This is particularly important when you’re painting surfaces that don’t interact well with the average house paint: There are different types of primer available, based on what paint you are using, the surface, and how likely the surface is to be touched. Don’t be afraid to do a little research!

Painting Over Dark Colors

If you are painting over a dark color with a similar shade or a lighter color, you may find that the dark color beneath continues to show through, even after a couple layers of the new paint. Primer is made to help take care of this problem by applying a white layer that hides the darker color more effectively, especially when switching to a lighter color. In these cases, primer is usually required for the proper appearance.

Better Paint Durability

Because of its better adhesion properties, primer will help ensure that your paint will last as long as possible. Primer can also help seal more vulnerable surfaces and prevent moisture from causing damage beneath the paint, again adding to the life of the new paint layer. For larger painting projects around your home, both exterior and interior, we suggest that you always plan on using primer to assure long-lasting paint — or at least make absolutely sure you don’t need primer by consulting with experts first.

Better Appearance

Primer can also help hide certain features on new walls or ceilings that you may want to obscure; this can include joints, seams, knots in the wood, and natural blemishes that can show through, especially when using lighter paint colors.

Situations Where You Don’t Need Primer Coat

Primer is not always required. For example, if you are applying a dark paint to a light surface, you may not need to use primer (although it may still be a good idea for larger projects). There are also some paints that combine a primer with the paint, designed for use on more “friendly” materials like new drywall, which can negate the need for an extra primer layer.

While putting down a layer of primer is important, you may still have questions about whether you need primer, how many layers of primer you should use, or just what kind of primer to get. That’s okay! Give us a call, and we can help you sort through the details and find the right plan of action.

Deplok Painting provides professional painting services in the Massachusetts MetroWest Region. Thanks to Deplok Painting, painting your house interior has never been easier.

Now you can request a free online quote and have your paint job handled by a qualified and experienced painter.