What Is Priming And Why Does It Matter? 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Use A Primer

When you’re about to start a paint job, it’s easy to get carried away thinking about the finished result. But if your eagerness is tempting you to skip the most important part of the preparation, priming, then think again. Many modern paints claim to negate the need for priming. However, with most paints and surfaces, priming is an essential step to ensure you get the best results.

What is primer? Primer is a layer of paint that is applied to your surface before the main coat of paint. It acts as an adhesive, helping your topcoat bond for long-lasting results.

Here are five reasons you should always use a primer:

1) It Helps Your Paint Adhere To The Surface

There aren’t many types of surface that wouldn’t benefit from a coat of primer. Apply it to walls, metal, Wood, Concrete, Stone, Brick, Plastic, to help your paint stay put.  Different substrates will need different primers.

2) Your Paint Will Last Longer

Primer helps to protect your paint and surfaces. Sometimes, if you have a surface that cannot be cleaned or fixed up properly, you can add a layer of primer to cover up dirt and imperfections (although we strongly recommend thorough surface preparation before any paint job – it drastically reduces the risk of coating failures and improve the appearance of the paint). Your paint will then look less lumpy when it’s applied and is less likely to peel off due to underlying grease and grime.

3) It’s A Water-Resistant Seal

If you’re painting a surface that’s not water-resistant, such as concrete or untreated wood, or are painting an outdoor area that is likely to be exposed to rain, primer acts as a sealant, blocking any water from reaching the surface and preventing underlying mould and rot.

4) It Can Get Rid Of And Prevent Stains

Surfaces that are in frequent use are vulnerable to stains. Think coffee tables, doors, bathroom walls, and the walls of a kitchen or dining room close to where a toddler eats their dinner. This is where an oil-based primer can help; it effectively covers up old stubborn stains and prevents future stains by making your finished paint job easier to wipe down. It also helps prevent the topcoat wiping away if you need to clean the painted surface for any reason. For additional durability, consider buying a tough ‘washable’ paint for your kitchen, bathroom, and work surfaces.

Next Steps

So, there you have it. A little bit of extra time spent priming is likely to result in a long-lasting, durable paint job - therefore costing you less time and money in the long-run. If you need help selecting the paint you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our customer service advisers today.