Paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to breathe new life into a room. Still, the act itself isn’t always a homeowner’s first choice on how to spend a weekend. Tackling more than one room? The cost of paint and materials could really add up.

That “perfect storm” of cost and time leads many to skip the priming process, but that’s not always a wise move. Consider the following examples.

Darker Colors – If you’re going from dark to light, or vice versa, you’ll need several coats of paint to keep the old color from showing through. Priming the wall first will cut down on those coats.

Wallpaper – Believe it or not, you can paint over wallpaper, but not without priming first. Removing the wallpaper instead? You’ll still want to prime to correct any flaws sustained in the wallpaper removal process.

Latex-Based Paint Over Oil-Based – Water-based latex paint simply won’t adhere to a surface that is covered in oil-based paint. Unless you prime first, that is.

New Drywall – Fresh drywall is like a sponge, plus the mudded joints soak up paint differently than bare drywall. For an even, clean look, prime the wall first.

Skim Coat – When smoothing out a wall surface, you’re likely applying a thin layer of plaster or drywall compound, which is a porous material and will soak up a lot of paint. Priming will reduce the number of coats you need to apply.

Stained Surfaces – If a wall or ceiling has sustained water damage or was stained in other ways, you’ll need to prime before painting to prevent the stain from bleeding through. In fact, you may want to use a stain-killer primer. Just be sure to repair the cause of the water damage first.

Unfinished Wood – Wood has natural fibers that absorb a lot of paint, not to mention wood grain which can create an uneven finish. For best results, prime first, paint later.

Masonry – Brick and masonry are extremely porous. In addition, masonry has a high pH level which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to the surface. Primer to the rescue for a beautiful finish.

Painting isn’t all that simple and straightforward, as you can see. But it will feel that way after our remodeling and handyman team completes any interior or exterior painting job around your house.  Contact us today for a free and no-obligation estimate.