How Many Coats Of Primer/Sealer Are Needed On A Flawed Wall?

Question

How good of a job will the primer/sealer do at filling in minor blemishes on my drywall--I already spackled and sanded, but does it need to be perfect-perfect?

How long should I wait in between coats to apply the paint?

Is it better to paint the trim first or the walls?

Answer 1

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of drywall, and painting thousands of gallons of paint,,, I ask,,,What is it you wish to achieve???

If you've spackled and sanded and still see blemishes,, I offer this anaolgy.

You own a car. It's one you enjoy. It has some damage. You want it repaired to look like it was when you enjoyed it. You take it to a body shop. They ask you,,, "Um when we finsih and take your money, is it OK if there are lumps and voids in the finish?"

I'll offer this as well. When you believe you've created a surface on which "flaws" can't be detected once you've painted over, yet still see a flaw, then you didn't do the job as well as you might have.

Primer is a great way of detecting flaws still present BEFORE you add the finish coat of paint. If you see flaws add more spackle, sand lightly, and prime again.

Now,,, all that said,,, "Perfect" is relative and subjective, but remember my car finish anaology? What's perfect to me may not be to you?

Read labels for recommendations for second coating.

Walls first,,,masking the trim, especially if they are two different colors. Once the wall drys you can gently apply the same BLUE painters masking, carefully, to the wall, where it meets the molding, and paint the molding. Before it completely drys remove the tape, in both cases, but not beginning at one end and peeling toward the other end.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

I just did my entire bathroom so here's what I did.I put a lite wall texture mix in with the primer using a 1/2 inch nap roller that covers very well and applies the texture good to that covered all the blemishes and some dark spots from old paint.I let it dry for about 2 hours which most primers you can paint over in 30 minutes but no hurry.Then when I painted I used a 3/4 inch nap roller which made all well and covered textured primer great.When buying the texture read the box because there are different grades and effects you get.If you dont use texture go ahead and prime wait about an hour or two ,look at it then to see if anything shows through.You can always put on another coat of primer or paint depending on what you have to cover up.I always do trim last.

Answer 3

Primer does not cover blemishes. If you are painting the room a darker color you will need to respackle and sand again, because darker colors show the blemishes more. If you have a high hide primer you will only need one coat of primer. Let the primer dry all the way. Do your trim first because it's the most time consuming and when you go to roll out the room you don't have to worry about hitting the floor or the ceiling. Trim first just makes the rest of the painting easier.

Answer 4

Minor flaws will show up on finish coats of paint that has a sheen finish like high gloss and semi gloss.
If you use an eggshell or flat finish coat after priming you should be OK and not have to have a perfectly smooth surface.
Primer is used to seal the drywall so you won't have to use as many coats of the paint and makes for better adhesion of the paint to the surface.
Remember it is always better to paint in thinner layers and let it dry in between coats than it is to paint one heavy and drippy single coat of paint.
Better to tape off the trim and paint the walls first then go back and paint the trim with smaller brushes and a shield (sheet of cardboard or large putty knife).

Answer 5

One thin coat of primer is all you need, it seals the drywall and keeps it from drinking it up, but does little to help blems. The primer usually dries quick pending on the humidity. Once dry, 30 min to 1 hr. apply the paint. Use good paint though, cheap paint is thin, less pigment, and required several coats where as one coat of good paint may do it. Flat paint on the wall is easier to apply (but hard to clean)and eggshell, satin, semi gloss, or gloss. Anything with a slight sheen is easier to clean. I paint walls first then the trim. When you get the trim paint on the wall, use the wall paint for touch up. use latex paint on the walls and oil based on the trim, oil is more durable. Should you choose not to use oil based pain, try a latex enamel paint. Good luck

Answer 6

Perfect,perfect, after filling any imperfections, allow to dry and then sand with a good sized flat sanding board using a fine paper. Run your hand over the areas repaired and you should not feel any high or low spots if you do build up with filler over a broader area and sand again feathering the edges. One coat of primer will be sufficient followed by one coat of quality paint(Latex). I would suggest painting the trim last.

Answer 7

Wall Coats

Answer 8

It depends on the paint being used, flat wall paint doesn't show imperfections as badly as semi-gloss does. We use 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint, depends on the quality of paint being used and the condition of the drywall. Newly patched areas will need more coats to seal.
Allow one coat to dry prior to applying second coat and always paint walls first. Cut in your corners with a brush then roll large areas.

Answer 9

if you use a heavy nap roller you should hide most blemishes,you should wait for at least 3 to4 hours between coats,it's better to paint your walls first so you don't get your wall paint on. your trim.

Answer 10

two coats is good,but primer will not hide imperfections !!! they have to be filled and sanded first,,for second coat--instr. on the can,,and do the walls first... good luck.