Using Primer before paint is not an option on most surfaces, it must be done. The latin root of the word primer is primarius, which means “first”. The word has been used in English since the late 1300’s. There is a primer for every type of job; whether it’s a new surface, covering stains, rust proofing, blocking odors, going over darker colors with lighter ones, or as an undercoat for specific colors of paint.
Primer is the first coat applied to a surface. Primers have three purposes: Seal the surface, block stains, and be able to accept the protective paint coating. Each coat of paint from the first to last, must adhere to the surface on which it is painted. Each coat must provide “tooth” or surface to which each succeeding coat can bond. The first coat must have enough binder to get absorbed into, or stick to the material being painted with enough binder to accept the paint. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding safety, cure time, and recoating time.
Most manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, Dunn Edwards, C2, Sherwin Williams, Behr, etc. have their own line of primers. There are also specialty primer brands like Kilz, Zinsser, Rust-Oleum. Not all primers are the same quality; for the best results, do your research and figure out which primer works the best. Don’t assume that just because you are using Brand X paint that Brand X’s primer works the best.
