Why It Is Necessary To Use A Paint Primer
The quality of house paint improves every day, and today we can attain all kinds of interesting effects with both interior and exterior paint. Matte finish paints can be used to create crackle glazes, suede-like effects and other interesting design features. The key to getting good coverage with these types of effects is to begin with a smooth surface. This is why using a primer is so important. Read on to learn how you can make the most of primer when improving your home with paint.
It is almost always a good idea to use primer. If your surface is not completely smooth, primer is absolutely necessary. If you try to paint right over a surface that is riddled with depressions, holes and/or cracks, you could end up with poorly set paint. This is often the case when the surface you want to cover is made of concrete, drywall or wood. It is important to understand exactly how to prepare each of these types of surfaces for the best results.
If you are painting over wood, you will most surely need a primer. Wood is a porous organic surface, and using a primer provides protection for both the wood and the paint you intend to apply. Without a good primer in place, the curability and the color of the final paint job could be adversely affected because the drying rate on a very porous surface is inconsistent. If the wood soaks up too much of the moisture from the paint or the pores retain the moisture for too long, the paint will dry unevenly and you will have to remove it and begin again.
If you are trying to paint wood a light color, you will have a very hard time without a primer coat. You will see every imperfection in the wood through the paint. This may be true no matter how many coats of paint you apply. Using a coat of primer will save you time, and it will also save you money because primer is less costly than paint.
On exterior wood, a good coat of primer seals the wood against the elements better than paint. If you neglect to prime exterior wood before painting, the wood will still be subject to damage from the elements, and you will find your paint job damaged or destroyed fairly rapidly. Exterior wood that has just been painted without a coat of primer may warp or become infested with mold or mildew.
It is also important that you use primer when painting drywall or concrete. A coat of primer creates a firm bond and seals the surface of these materials against excessive drying and against moisture damage. If you are painting other surfaces such as metal or plastic, primer can help conceal old colors and create a surface that the paint can adhere to with greater ease. Additionally, if you are painting over oil based paint with latex, or vice-versa, primer is essential to get a good finish.
Remember that it is very important to prepare your surfaces properly before applying primer. You cannot just apply primer over grime, mildew, mold or imperfections. This will cause the primer to adhere badly and shorten the life of your paint job. Be sure to clean, sand and apply Spackle as needed to remove contamination and imperfections. Allow the surface to dry for at least twelve hours before priming.
When you apply primer before painting, you can expect your paint job to last a good long time and look great. Follow the tips presented here to get the best results when improving your home with paint.
