If you are looking to prepare your walls or other surfaces for a coat of paint, then you definitely need to find the best paint primer. Whether it’s a drywall primer or a different type of primer, knowing the best prime can help you achieve the perfect painting results.
In this article, we will discuss the best paint primers available and reveal which sellers are most reputable. With our helpful tips and expert advice, you can find the right product for your project quickly and easily.
#1. Rust-Oleum 1980502 Painters Touch Primer
If you want the best paint primer, you should definitely take a look at the Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Primer. It is a low-odor formula that spreads very easily.
It is a thin primer, so it dries quickly yet it offers very good durability and long-lasting protection. Also, it is very good value for the money.
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What does the best paint primer do?
A coat of primer (also known as an undercoat) is a preparatory coating that is put on your wall or other surfaces before applying the final painting. And any primer coat is an essential part of a painting project.
Basically, it serves as a base layer that helps prevent chipping, cracking, and peeling, while also preparing the surface for the paint to adhere to better. Primers can be used both internally (called interior primers) and externally (exterior primers). They are designed to provide extra protection against extreme temperatures, moisture, or sun exposure that could damage your paint job.
A coat of primer is especially important when painting darker colors as it prevents them from fading quickly or becoming too intense in hue.
Note that an exterior primer is designed specifically for outdoor surfaces like wood, stucco, and metal siding. They are mainly used for providing a thick barrier against water damage, UVs, and protecting against mold growth on humid surfaces.
On the other hand, interior primers work best on drywall or plaster walls that need extra hiding power to cover up blemishes or old paint stains left behind from previous jobs.
Best Paint Primer
- #1. Rust-Oleum 1980502 Painters Touch Primer
- #2. KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Latex Primer
- #3. Dupli-Color Paint Shop Primer
- #4. Zinsser Rust Oleum Smart Prime Primer
- #5. Tamiya Surface Paint Primer
#1. Rust-Oleum 1980502 Painters Touch Primer – Best Overall
When it comes to the best paint primer, we immediately think of the Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Primer. This is a water-based acrylic formula with low odor and very long last protection.
This stuff provides a very strong bond that acts like a nice foundation for top coats. Although it is a bit thin, the trade-off is that it dries very quickly, allowing you to recoat after the first coat.
Besides the quick drying formula, the Painters Touch offers excellent hide and a smooth durable finish that resists chipping, fading, stains, and discoloration.
Also, we just want to say that it goes on easily, smoothly, and evenly. It is sandable both wet and dry and it can be used on bare or painted wood, metal, or wicker.
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#2. KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Latex Primer – Best Paint Primer For Drywall
The KILZ Adhesion Latex Primer is the best paint primer for those who want a primer that securely bonds to hard, glossy, and slick surfaces. Most other standard paint primers will probably not adhere.
So this is a high-adhesion primer, so it bonds to a wider variety of surfaces and allows more bonding possibilities. So basically it holds up well and covers anything.
So it provides a serious bond to odd surfaces that are quite hard to bond to including but not limited to PVC, vinyl, glass, fiberglass, metals, chalky paints, and tile.
Finally, we just want to say that it does not have a crazy strong odor like oil-based primers and has the smell of normal latex paint.
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#3. Dupli-Color Paint Shop Primer – Best For Automotive
If you are looking to paint your automobile or motorcycle, you should definitely look into the Dupli-Color Paint Shop Primer. This is part of a system that includes a primer, color, and clear.
We like that it is pretty easy to apply and dries quickly. It can also be buffed to a nice smooth finish. Also, it is ready to spray and doesn’t require mixing or reducing.
Also, there is not really a recoating window, so feel free to reapply at any time. It can be sanded down as well to a smooth finish.
In terms of durability, this stuff lasts noticeably longer than the other brands. So if you want to do it yourself on a car paint job, you should definitely invest in this paint primer set.
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#4. Zinsser Rust Oleum Smart Prime Primer – The Right Primer for all type of surfaces
If you want the best paint primer for all types of projects, the Zinsser Rust-Oleum Smart Primer is the way to go. It is very similar to the KILZ Adhesion Latex Primer.
This is a water-based formula that has all of the benefits of a water-based primer and the performance of oil primers. This means that it is fast drying, with low odor and lots of flexibility.
It is also very easy to clean up with just soap and water. In terms of performance, it does a great job of blocking stains such as water stains.
And of course, it goes without saying that it adheres easily.
One of the downsides of this primer is that it does give off a bit of odor and it does come a bit chunky and hard to mix.
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#5. Tamiya Surface Paint Primer – The Best Primer for Plastic and Metal
Finally, the Tamiya Surface Paint Primer is the best paint primer for prepping plastic and metal surfaces. It goes on extremely smoothly and fine with nothing running.
For anything plastic or metal, this stuff is the king. It has great adhesion and does a good job of preventing flaking or chipping later down the line.
We find it nice that it sprays on consistently and thin. It is quite hard to mess up and any amateur can get the job done. Just make sure to use it outside as there are fumes and strong odors.
So after all is said and done, you should try out the Tamiya Surface Paint Primer if you have plastic or metal to paint over and you already tried everything.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a primer an absolute necessity before painting?
Absolutely yes. The application of a good drywall primer solution is a great way to get the best paint job possible. Whether you are using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, a primer will help your paint stick better and last longer.
In general, primers also provide an even surface that is easier to work with. They even help the color stay true after multiple coats of paint are applied.
But take note that a strong bond between the plaster and the primer occurs while you spray the primer on a wall. Such a bond is really good as it ensures any imperfections on the drywall won’t show through after painting. These imperfections like small holes or cracks in walls will simply disappear with the right primer.
What happens if you don’t apply primer and sealer before painting?
If you’re wondering what happens if you don’t apply primer and sealer before painting, the answer is simple: your paint job won’t look at its best.
Primers and sealers are essential materials in any home improvement project. Without them, your walls will not be properly prepared for painting, leading to a poor finish and more time spent on touch-ups.
Any of the best primers help to cover up imperfections in drywall, filling in holes or cracks before you apply paint. It also helps the paint adhere better to the wall surface, creating a stronger bond that can last for years.
Additionally, primers seal drywall surfaces so that moisture does not pass through and cause peeling or bubbling of the paint afterward. But one thing you really need to look at is that sealers can also help block mildew growth on newly painted surfaces. They also do prevent stains from seeping through into the new coat of paint.
Do I need to use a drywall primer or any primer would do?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to use the correct primer before painting new drywall. The reason (and they are many) is that primers are designed to help ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. But drywall primers are especially important when working with new drywall because of their porous nature.
It is always good to use a stain-blocking primer that will create an even surface for the paint, but also allow you to achieve a professional look when finished.
So, before beginning your project, make sure you have all of your supplies ready, including a high-quality drywall primer.
How many coats of primer do I need to cover dark paint?
If you’re painting a wall and want to cover a dark color, you’ll need more than just one coat of primer. Primer not only helps paint stick better to the surface, but it’s also very important when covering dark colors. To get the best results for your project, you should use a minimum of two coats of primer before painting.
The reason why two coats are recommended is that the first coat will act as a base for the second layer. While one coat may seem like enough, if there are any areas that didn’t get fully covered, they won’t show up as much with two coats of primer compared to one. This way you won’t have to worry about inconsistencies in your paint job due to spots where the dark color still shows through.
To make sure your walls look their best after repainting, apply two coats of primer before adding color.
Is primer better than paint?
The debate has been going on for years, and it’s still a difficult question to answer. But the main difference between primer and paint is very simple. A primer contains bonding agents. These agents are there to seal the surface of your project. But there are also there to create a stable base for the paint.
On the other hand, paint is an attractive topcoat, which provides the finishing color you see on a daily basis. If you use a primer in the right way, you’ll save time and as such, you’ll save money.
Is there a difference between interior and exterior primer?
Interior and exterior primers serve similar purposes, but have important differences. Primers are used in paint jobs to ensure a smooth and even finish. They help to seal the surface of the wall, providing a base for the paint to adhere better and last longer. However, interior and exterior primers have different requirements that must be taken into account when deciding which one to use.
Interior primer is designed for painting projects inside the home such as walls and ceilings. It is typically made from latex or acrylic which has a low odor, making it ideal for indoor use. Interior primer also helps to block stains from coming through onto painted surfaces, preventing them from bleeding through later on.
Exterior primer is intended for outdoor paint jobs such as fences or siding on a house, or on a car for an automotive paint project.
What is latex primer?
Latex primer is a type of paint that provides an adhesive base for other paints. Unlike oil-based primers, latex primers are water-based and provide a milder odor than oil-based paint. Latex primer can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces including wood, metal, drywall, and masonry. It is easy to clean up; simply use warm soapy water or a basic household cleaner to remove the primer from any surface.
This type of primer offers superior adhesion properties which help ensure that the top coat of paint will adhere properly. It also has good flexibility which helps prevent cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture levels. Additionally, latex primers are generally more economical than other types of primers making them an ideal choice for many projects.
References
https://lifehacker.com/whats-the-best-way-to-repaint-already-painted-walls-677680468