For many, there might be an urge to jump in and start painting a space. Maggie talks with Michael Freeman about why that is generally not the best idea and some points you should consider as you prepare to paint your space.
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Notes from the Corner
Oil vs. Latex Primers
Just like paint, there is oil vs. latex primers to consider using. Oil primers typically seal better and do a better job at blocking stains. They are a little more difficult to work with, given their smell, and you have to use paint thinner to clean it up. Latex primers are normally a little more flexible than oil-based primers.
When Do I Need a Primer?
While this is not an exhaustive list, these are general rules of thumb for when you need a primer:
- You are painting over raw sheetrock or drywall
- You need to cover up stains, like water damage, nicotine stains, crayon, etc.
- You are painting bare wood, especially with knots in the wood
- You are doing a significant color change
“Preparation Leads Into Performance”
Using primer from the start helps save you time down the road. By choosing not to use primer, you may spend more money on paint if you are trying to cover up issues on the wall. Primer gives you a solid foundation you can depend on when you start painting a surface. Paint acts as armor, while primer seals up the surface and blocks stains from bleeding through.
Picking the Right Primer
Depending on the space, Benjamin Moore has a few options with primers. A vapor barrier primer works great if you are painting bare drywall in a space that will become a bathroom, which helps to prevent mold and mildue from developing. When painting metal, an oil-based primer will stick better and easier than latex. The one important exception is if you are painting galvanized steel or aluminum – due to its zinc coating, it will have a chemical reaction to oil-based primer, so latex is recommended for those surfaces. There are also specialty primers designed for cabinetry, such as STIX, which has great adhesion for previously painted surfaces.
When Do I Not Need a Primer?
Michael says there are a few times when you can go without primer:
- You are painting a previously-painted surface in good condition
- You are staining exterior wood
- You are painting over concrete floors
This episode is designed to give you a general idea of your project. Please consult our team members to make recommendations for your specific needs.
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