Is It Necessary to Prime Walls Before Painting?

“Change is the only constant,” is wisdom from Greek philosopher Heraclitus that applies to the issue of using a primer. Previously “yes” was considered the best answer to the question, “Is it necessary to prime walls before painting?” Now, it’s more accurate to evaluate the situation before deciding. Continued improvements made in high-quality paints can make priming unnecessary.

Wasting money on unnecessary expenses is never a good idea, such as buying a primer when it isn’t needed. However, when a primer is necessary but isn’t used, there could be an even greater cost as multiple coats become necessary to achieve the desired look and coverage. So, the issue is a bit complex, though not so much as philosophizing. Read on to learn when yes is the correct answer to “is it necessary to prime walls before painting” and when the answer is no.

When to Use a Primer

The advice of a professional painter regarding primer isn’t necessary if any of the following situations apply. Definitely use a primer before painting in the following situations.

Changing from Dark Paint to a Light Shade

Painting over a dark shade in a lighter color is one of the situations homeowners have dreaded through the years. Applying primer is the solution, but a tinted primer may be your best option to achieve desired results.

Painting Bare Drywall

New drywall soaks up paint like a sponge. Also, drywall mud can cause a visible “flaw” referred to as “flashing.” Use a quality drywall primer to avoid the expense of multiple coats of high-quality interior latex paint.

Walls are Stained or Odorous

Use the right primer for walls stained with grease spots, permanent marker, or crayon. Smoking tobacco in the home leaves strong odors in the walls that will seep out after painting unless you first use a special odor-blocking primer.

Painting Over a Glossy Surface

If the walls have previously been shellacked or coated with enamel or high gloss paint, simply adding new coats of paint won’t work. To be sure the paint will stick, use primer first plus buffing or light sanding may also be necessary.

Painting After Wallpaper Removal

Is it necessary to prime walls before painting over an area that has had wallpaper removed? Yes! Blemishes will mar the paint job unless you first use a primer.

When a Primer is Not Necessary

When a primer isn’t needed, why not save the extra time and expense by skipping that step? The following situations apply.

Walls are Paint-Ready

If none of the above-mentioned situations apply and your walls are in good condition, a primer may not be needed. First clean your wall, however, with a thin mixture of water and tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), wipe with a soft sponge or cloth, and make sure the wall is thoroughly dry before painting.

New Paint Shade Similar to the Old

If your wall is free of blemishes and the color you will use is similar to the existing hue, the need for a primer may be either significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.

Your Paint Contains Primer

The availability of self-priming paints is among the changes and advances in paint products. Many of these high-quality paint primers provide the superb coverage desired, but not every job is suited for this type of paint. Consult an expert if in doubt.

Call Franklin Painting Today

The professional painters at Franklin Painting have all the skills, experience, and top-of-the-line supplies to achieve unrivaled workmanship. At Franklin Painting, we also have answers to any questions you may have. For example, we can help you with the question of the day, that being, is it necessary to prime walls before painting? If your questions are best answered by a colorist, we can help with that, too. We know the issue of deciding whether a primer is necessary is just one of the potential struggles associated with painting. We’re happy to help! Contact us today.

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