White wall to ... do I need primer?

Question

Plan on painting the interior of my condo tan, off white, maybe light yellow. Do I need primer if the walls are already white?

Thanks for all the answers so far. I don't know what kind of paint was used. I just bought the place about 2 years ago. The paint seems fresh. Don't know if it's oil based or not.

Answer 1

If it doesn't seem slick, and your in the USA it's probably water based. If it's chalky, it's flat paint. In that case you'll want to prime because primer is cheap, and paint is more expensive. On flat, it sucks up the paint and you'll need 2 coats, or 1 coat primer, 1 coat paint.

Answer 2

if you want to know what type of paint is used get some methyl hydrate { gas line antifreeze } put some on a rag or paper towel and swirl it on the places to be painted. if some of the paint comes off it is latex { water based } if it doesn't come off at all it is an alkyd { oil based } paint.
next give all areas a sanding. then if there are any holes { popped screwheads } cracks or tape lifting you need to repair these areas with some joint compound. if there is not much damage to repair then you can just spot prime the repaired areas. if there are alot of repairs then yes it is alot easier and you get a better finished job if you completely prime the walls with a top quality drywall primer. you can tint the primer if your finsih coat is of a white base then apply atleast 2 finish coats. if your walls have an alkyd paint on them you must use and alkyd primer undercoater. do not let the paint store sell you one of these new water based binding primers they are garbage for a job such as this. you then can use a latex topcoat. the only time you need to use a primer is when you have new drywall or have had to do repairs. this thing about using a primer if you are going with a darker colour is a waste of time. primers are of a white base so it is senseless to use them. just use your finish coat. you might have to put 3 coats on but always allow to dry aleast 10 - 12 hrs before recoating for a deep tint colour. also using a foam roller can help a deep tint colour to cover better.

Answer 3

It would depend on how old the paint was that is on the wall now. A primer is also a sealer that is used to seal the surface to be painted. If the sealer or primer is applied to a raw surface you will not have to use as much paint to get a nice job. It also applies to a surface that has been painted for several years. Sometimes I use a primer because it is not quite as expensive as the finish paint and it will not take as much of the finish paint to do the job.

Answer 4

Depends on whether the paint already on is oil based or latex. If Latex, doubtful you need to prime unless you buy a cheap brand of paint. Be sure to clean the walls before painting. You'd be surprised at what builds up on them and then gets mixed in with your new paint. If oil based, you are going to have a whole different situation. I think there are primers you can use over oil base paint that allow latex to stick. Ask your paint department.

Answer 5

First I would clean the walls with TSP. Just the grease from cooking can get to a back room. Then a good primer will seal the wall. You will use less paint. I would suggest a water base flat enamel. If you get some thing on the wall it will clean easy. If you have kids it is well worth it.

Answer 6

If you do not prime your walls you need to clean them top to bottom with a white vinager and water mixture. Other wise you might have dirt spots and places the paint will not stay. If you prime your wall color will be more ture to the sample. If the condo is less than 1 year old you shoudl be fine with just wiping the walls with a damp rag, but you never know if a smoker or someone with a pet live there before you. Pet hair/dander and smoke will stay in the old paint unless it is cleaned with a product.

Answer 7

Yes. Primer gets the wall ready for the paint to adhere better, and you may only need one coat of paint if a primer is used. A primer also covers up small imperfections. Good Luck!!!

Answer 8

NO, you don't need a primer on this situation. ONLY consider primer if the existing wall colors are very dark and you are painting a light color.

NOTE: If you ever plan to paint over wallpaper, then you will need a primer. Oil based is best.

Answer 9

primer is more for bonding than color coverage. what is the sheen of the exosting wall? latex? what will you be going over it with? the post just before me hit it right on the nose. the most annoying thing in the world is a bad bond between coats of paint on your walls. play it safe, primer it and do it right, and you'll be a happy camper.

Answer 10

No you shouldn't. White should cover just fine unless it is very old and a very thin coat of paint. You'll know real fast if the new color soaks in too deep and it looks like multiple coats will be needed.