Can I primer just parts of the wall or do I have to do the whole thing?

Question

We have kids so we have ballpoint pen on the wall that just will not come off. We're going to paint now and since the ink will bleed through, we are going to use primer. My question is, can we just put primer over the offending marks or will the areas we used primer on look different than the non-primered areas when we paint? The reason I ask is because we have a lot of wall to paint and that's a ton of primer. If we can get away with buying less primer, we're going to do it.

Even Magic Eraser didn't work. I think it's because the paint is totally matte. Not intended for a home with kids. We will be using a paint that cleans better.

Answer 1

You can use primer only on the spots you need i was wondering if you have tried graffitti remover?? wal-mart and home depot carry this it is in a spray can and can safely and effectiveley remove spray paint permanent marker and such without harming the paint on the wall if you are going to repaint for a primer i suggest you go to a wal-mart home depot or lowes store and buy what is called kilz it covers very easily ie the ballpoint pen and comes in a easy to use handy spray can that you use justy like you would use spray paint ie shake well and apply in a back and forthy montion about 6-8 inches from the wall by the way i care for a 200 unit apartment complex and deal with this sort of thing all the time good luck

Answer 2

Clean off as much ink as you can with the magic eraser without scuffing the surface too much. Then you can just paint the ink part with Zinser or Kilz as they cover real well. Ink may even take two coats but just where you have ink. They make several types but the store will give you the right scoop on that. I see no reason to prime the whole wall with Kilz or Zinser unless your walls are in real bad shape. If they havn't been painted in years, you may want to prime them with a cheaper primer made to go with the wall paint you use. Old walls can soak up lots of paint and it usually makes sense to prime first and then paint. Sometimes it takes primer and two coats but you may be able to go with primer and one coat if you are careful to cover properly. That does not mean to you need to paint it on "thick". Your primer should be a close shade lighter or darker as the paint color so you can easily see while you paint if you have any skips. Easier to repaint the skips now than have to go back tomorrow. This just helps but is not necessary. Most stores will want to sell you flat paint because it is "forgiving" and covers wall imperfections real easy. Problem is that everything that later touches it will always leave marks and smudges. So go with some sheen like egg shell or satin or low sheen. Not flat, not semi-gloss. Paint any woodwork or trim with semi-gloss or gloss for a nicer look.

Answer 3

I had the same kind of paint in my last apartment--it shows everything, I hated it.

I was using carpet cleaner one day and splashed some on the wall, and to my surprise, the mark came off the wall when I went to wipe off the drips. I ended up using it all over and it cleaned it right up. It was Bissel carpet cleaner, it came in a spray can (blue). I used warm water with a mixture of some of the cleaner and a wet flannel rag.

If you're going to primer, try Kilz. You can actually buy Kilz as your base and they can tint it the color you want, too. That way, you only have to paint once!

Good luck!

Answer 4

If you only prime parts of the wall your paint may look different. Try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the pen marks. Those things work on everything!! They really are magic!!!

Answer 5

you can spot prime the affected areas ,no need to do the whole wall ,that is just making more work for yourself,no need to half tint the primer either , that is only helpful if you are priming a whole wall, just spot prime with kilz and topcoat. I am a painting contractor and i deal with ink/crayon/hairspray overspray type stains all the time.

Answer 6

Primer the affected areas and then paint. There is no reason to prime the entire wall.

Answer 7

its highly recommended that you primer the whole wall or none at all. - if you are painting a red or a dark color then you should use a tinted primer. it really makes your wall hold the paint better and looks better in the long run. its worth the effort

Answer 8

well....first..you sand off this area a bit to get some of the ink off..I say use the green pad you use to do your dishes...then..you can use your finger to wipe some primer on these areas...wait for it to bleed through and then wipe it clean with a wet rag....dont let it dry....do this twice..so that you can get as much of the ink out...then use kilz on those areas...Now,..heres the important thing....wait for it to dry....then, use Sherwin Williams Duration paint Matte finish...This paint is extremely washable and you can scrub it as much as possible and it wont fall off....but, if the ink the children use wont come off then I cant help you....But this paint will be best because it can be scrubbed over and over and wont fall off....

Answer 9

Did you try Goof Off on the ballpoint pen marks? Goof Off removes ink and glue and whatnot. It is sold at homecenters.

Answer 10

Interesting discussion!