How important is it to use primer before you paint?

Answer 1

It's very important especially if you are painting a light color over a dark color.

Answer 2

If your doing a DIY paint job then yes. Primer gives the paint something "rough" to adhere to.and also fills in any small imperfections. If your taking it somewhere to get painted then its not really important. i say this because most shops will do this (for a price). But if you strip all the old paint off your car, tape it and primer it, it will not cost as much.

Answer 3

IF you are sure that the new paint is the same type as the old paint (in other words, latex over latex, or oil over oil), AND the old paint is in great shape (not chalky, flaking, cracked, or peeling), you can get by without priming.

however, if (a) they aren't the same type (or you aren't sure), or (b) the old paint is not in great shape, or (c) if it is exterior paint that is more than a few months old, it's best to prime.

as for the type of primer - if it is new or bare exterior wood use oil (alkyd) based primer. if it's interior or previously painted exterior wood, and you are going to top with latex paint, use a latex primer - they are more flexible and won't crack or alligator as easily.

metal MUST be primed with a metal primer (and a special metal primer if it's galvanized). other surfaces like concrete must be primed with a primer that seals out moisture.

Answer 4

Primer provides the base for good adhesion for the paint. Once an object is primed, it takes less paint to cover the surface and you will do a better paint job. I prime everything when I paint. I am into my 5th yr of painting my eaves and the paint still looks good.

Answer 5

It's important if you're painting a light color over a darker color, because when the paint dries, the darker color will show through, even if you use more than one coat. Primer is nice, cheap stuff, so you want to use it first, instead of wasting a coat of good paint, which might not entirely cover up the darker color.

Answer 6

If the wall has no paint on it you would want to prime it
because the first coat of paint will soak right into the
new sheetrock. The walls will show a shadow effect from the sheetrock and the color will be uneven and distorted.
Save paint, use primer.

Answer 7

Primer creates a bond with the surface. Some paints, like latex, can peel if a primer isn't used.

Answer 8

It is critical. Surface preparation before priming is also critical. What are you painting over. A glossy finish MUST be sanded before you paint over it or the paint will not stick. Stains MUST be sealed, before priming.

There are some great combination sealers/primers. Some stick to almost anything, even without sanding first. At least one claims to stick to glass.

Answer 9

Very important depending on what type of paint you are using and what it is for. Primer helps the regualr paint adhere to and stay to the surface without peeling.

Answer 10

every one has good answers. How every if you are painting red be sure to tint the primer it will take several coats. You should also add tint if you are going with a darker color. You may only need one coat of primer and one coat of paint.

Good Luck
Moskie257

Answer 11

If you don't use an OIL BASED primer on bare wood prior to painting, the paint will peel off in a matter of months.