Primer is a sticky flat paint and is designed to provide a consistent base for a surface. Lack of applying primer may require more coats of colour, and the paint may not stick appropriately to the original surface. A primer coat prepares the painting surface with a stain-free application and ensures a smooth finish.
Is primer necessary?
Yes! It is necessary to apply a primer on most bare surfaces. Many surfaces which are already painted may also require a coat of primer. Some elementary conditions when a primer is needed are:
When Painting a bare wood – Bare wood is said to be amongst the trickiest to paint, as it is porous with various grains, natural fibers, and knots. Primer helps to even up the wood surface and provides uniformity in the final finish. Hardwood decking timber is required to be primed with a neutral colour to give a pleasing glossy result.
When you are painting latex-based paint over oil-based – It is a fact that oil and water do not mix at all. Water-based latex paints will not stick to the oil-based surfaces. A thin coat of primer will solve the purpose to get the fine finish.
When painting over a dark colour – In case you want to change the looks and require to paint over a darker colour, primer becomes a necessity. A dark shade will require additional coats of light colours from showing through the new shade. A coat of primer solves this problem quickly.
When painting new drywall – A drywall will soak more of your paint as it is very porous. A bare plaster that is drying out should be coated with a primer's breathable coat to give an even and clean look.
When painting stained surfaces – Some walls or surfaces may have stains or water damage marks. The same has to be filled prior to final paint. A stain killer primer comes in handy when the spots covering are required.
When previous paint is glossy – Paints do not stick well on hardwood decking timbers' glossy surface. The exterior is prepared through a well-sanded process to give the shiny surface a smoother finish. Then an undercoat of primer is applied before finalizing the paint.
When painting masonry – Masonry and bricks are also very porous in nature and tend to soak a lot of paint. These surfaces may also have a high pH value (more alkaline), which will result in less adhesion of the final coats. So, it is always advisable to apply primers, before the painting work to achieve better results.
Conclusion
Applying a primer may seem to be an extra step, but this process will help you save your time and money when done correctly. Remember that a primer is less expensive than a paint. The rough surfaces may require a number of coats, while applying primer results in less paint usage, making it more cost-effective. So, when painting new missionary surfaces or wood, you will be required to prime the surface first.