Quality Carpentry House Painting
Choosing the Best Primer
Primer isn’t always necessary—if you’re recoating walls and trim that are in good condition and were previously covered in a similar shade and formulation, for instance. But with new drywall and fresh plaster, primer is essential to seal the surface. And if you’re applying a light color over a dark one, the previous paint job is damaged or deteriorated, or you’re coating a porous or slick surface, using an appropriate primer will ensure optimal coverage.
- Walls: A general-purpose water-based, 100-percent latex formula should do the trick here. If you’re making a big color change, ask your paint store to tint the primer to ensure even coverage.
- Bare wood trim: Manny relies on oil-based primer for this: “It fills and seals the pores so that whatever paint you use will adhere well.”
- Painted wood trim: For trim previously painted with latex, a water-based latex primer is fine. But if you’re unsure what type of paint was used, you may want to use one that’s oil-based.
- Clear-coated wood trim: If the trim has a coat of polyurethane or varnish, shellac primer will provide the best adhesion. Note: Since both oil-based and shellac primers give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can damage your lungs, be sure to work in a well-ventilated space.
Manny Z painting home Improvement Inc
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