Do I Need Primer?
YES - Always prime: New drywall, bare wood, stains, or dramatic color changes
MAYBE - Prime if: Patched areas, glossy surfaces, or questionable existing paint
NO - Skip primer: Good condition painted walls, same color/sheen, quality paint-and-primer combo
Situations Requiring Primer
REQUIREDNew Drywall
Bare drywall and joint compound are highly porous and absorb paint unevenly. Always prime new drywall.
Use:
- • PVA (polyvinyl acetate) drywall primer
- • Coverage: 300-400 sq ft per gallon
- • Dry time: 2-4 hours
REQUIREDBare Wood
Wood tannins bleed through paint. Knots and sap require blocking. Always prime bare wood.
Use:
- • Oil-based primer for knots and resinous wood
- • Shellac-based primer for severe stains
- • Coverage: 200-300 sq ft per gallon on raw wood
REQUIREDStains & Water Damage
Water stains, smoke damage, crayon, permanent marker - these bleed through regular paint.
Use:
- • Shellac-based stain blocker (best performance)
- • Oil-based stain blocker (good alternative)
- • 2 coats may be needed for severe stains
REQUIREDDramatic Color Changes
Going from dark colors to light (or vice versa) requires tinted primer to minimize coats.
Rule of Thumb:
- • Dark to light: Tint primer to 50% of final color
- • Light to dark: Use gray-tinted primer
- • Saves 1-2 coats of expensive finish paint
When Primer Might Not Be Needed
OPTIONALPreviously Painted Walls in Good Condition
If existing paint is sound, similar color, and similar sheen - primer is optional with quality paint.
Requirements:
- • Existing paint not peeling or chalking
- • No stains or repairs
- • Similar color (within 2-3 shades)
- • Using premium "paint and primer in one"
SPOT-PRIMEPatched or Repaired Areas
Spackle and joint compound are porous - prime patches even if not priming entire wall.
Spot-Priming Process:
- • Prime only repaired areas with PVA primer
- • Let dry completely (1-2 hours)
- • Then paint entire wall with finish coat
- • Prevents "flashing" (dull spots)
The Truth About "Paint & Primer in One"
"Paint and primer in one" products are just thicker paint. They work in limited situations.
When They Work
- • Repainting similar colors
- • Previously painted, sound surfaces
- • Minor touch-ups
- • Good condition walls
When They Don't
- • New drywall
- • Bare wood
- • Stains or water damage
- • Dramatic color changes
Industry Reality: "Paint and primer in one" is primarily a marketing term. These are simply higher-solids paints. They can't block stains, seal porous surfaces, or provide adhesion like dedicated primers.
Primer Types & Applications
| Primer Type | Best For | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|
PVA Drywall Primer Water-based | New drywall, joint compound, plaster | 2-4 hours |
Oil-Based Primer Alkyd/Oil | Bare wood, stains, glossy surfaces | 6-8 hours |
Shellac Primer Alcohol-based | Severe stains, smoke, water damage | 45-60 minutes |
Bonding Primer Water-based | Glossy surfaces, tile, laminate | 2-4 hours |