What is Paint Primer & When Should We Use It?

What is Paint Primer & When Should We Use It?


Paint primer is an essential part of any painting project – it helps prevent the paint from becoming too thick and makes the paint easier to apply. Primers can be made from a variety of materials, but most are oil-based and provide a durable finish. King Painting has extensive knoweledge in painting projects and knows how important it is to use a paint primer as part of the preparation process.

Let’s find out more about paint primers.

What is paint primer?

Paint primer is a type of paint that is applied to the surface of a project before the paint. It is used to protect the surface from the elements and to provide a smooth finish. There are many different types of primers available, including exterior and interior wall primer, ceiling primer, and trim primer. Primers usually have an epoxy or latex base and can be used with most types of paint. They are often used in commercial painting because they provide a long-lasting finish that is resistant to weathering and fading.

Why do we use a paint primer in commercial painting?

A primer is a paint or coating that is applied to a surface before the main paint. Primers are designed to provide a protective barrier, improve paint adhesion, and/or provide a more uniform surface for painting. There are many different types of primers available on the market, each designed for specific purposes. Choosing the right primer will depend on the type of paint being used, what is being painted, and the desired finish.

How to apply primer?

Firstly, you need to prepare the surface you are painting, King Painting has a blog with information about preparing surfaces. Once the surface you are painting has been prepared, apply the primer directly to the surface. Applying primer ensures better paint adhesion. It is also good idea to also apply primer before repainting a previously painted surface. This will improve the new paint job. Here’s how to apply primer for best results:

  • Choose the right type of primer: There are different types of primers available on the market, so make sure you choose one that is appropriate for the surfaces you’re painting as well as the type of paint you’ll be using. For example, if you’re painting over bare wood, use an oil-based primer; if you’re painting over already-painted surfaces, use a latex primer.
  • Make sure the surface is clean: Before applying any type of primer (or paint), it’s important to make sure that the surface is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or grease. Otherwise, those contaminants will show through your new paint job.
  • Follow the manufactures instructions: Each type of primer has specific instructions from the manufacturer on how it should be applied. Be sure to read and follow those directions carefully to achieve optimal results.
  • Apply evenly: Once you’ve chosen your primer and prepared your surface, it’s time to start painting! Apply an even layer of primer over the entire area that you’ll be painting. Avoid putting on too much or too little – both can result in problems later.
  • Let dry thoroughly: After you’ve applied your primer, let it dry thoroughly before moving on to paint. This usually takes between one and four hours, depending on the type of primer and conditions like temperature and humidity levels.

When to use paint primer before commercial painting?

You’re painting over dark colour

When you’re painting over a dark colour, it can be difficult to achieve even coverage with your paint. This is because the darker colour will absorb more light than a lighter one, making it harder to see where you’ve already painted. Using a primer, will help ensure your paint coverage is even and consistent.

Surface with interior water damage, mildew stains, or greasy patches

If you’re painting over a surface that has water damage, mildew stains, or greasy patches, it’s important to use a primer first. Primer will help to create a smooth, uniform surface that will be easier to paint over and will produce better results. It will also help to seal in any existing stains, so they don’t bleed through your new paint job.

Painting new surfaces

Primer is essential when painting over a new surface because it helps to create a smooth finish, and it also helps the paint to adhere to the surface better. Without primer, you may find that your paint job looks uneven and patchy.

Primer also provides a barrier between the new surface and the paint, which can help to prevent peeling and flaking. It can also help to fill in any cracks or imperfections in the surface, so that your paint job looks flawless.

Overall, using primer is hugely important when painting over a new surface – it will give you much better results than painting without it!

You are using a latex paint over an oil-based one

Latex paint is a type of water-based paint, which is why primer is necessary when painting over oil-based paint. The reason for this is that latex paint will not properly adhere to surfaces that have been previously painted with oil-based paint. This can cause the latex paint to peel or chip off the surface. In addition, using a primer will help to ensure that the colour of your latex paint remains true and does not become dulled by the underlying oil-based Paint.

You are painting over metal or plastic

Whether you’re painting over metal or plastic, it’s important to use a primer before applying paint. This is because primers help to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, and they also provide extra protection against chipping and peeling.

If you’re painting over metal, it’s especially important to use a primer because otherwise the paint may not adhere properly and could end up flaking off. For best results, choose a primer specifically designed for use on metal surfaces.

When painting over plastic, you can use either a general-purpose primer or one designed specifically for plastics. Again, the goal is to create a smooth surface for the paint to cling to and prevent any chips or peels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, paint primers are an essential part of any painter’s toolkit, and can make a big difference to the quality of your work. Make sure to choose the right primer for your project, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different primers to see what works best for you. Finally, always use a protective coat of paint over the primer once it’s been applied to your surface. Quality Commercial Painters in Sydney can be tough to find, but you can count on King painting for your needs.