when should you prime a wall before you paint it?

Question

when should you prime a wall before you paint it?

Answer 1

1. Staining.. water, smoke, crayon, knots

2. Switching from oil to latex

3. Changing the color dramatically (tint the primer towards the new color

4. Chalky exterior,

5. sealing in lead based paint





For most applications, the oil based primers are your best bet for durability and problem correction.

Answer 2

Use a "stain blocker primer" if you are painting over something like a water stain from a roof leak, a childs magic marker drawing, etc.. Use a regular primer if you are making a significant color change or painting flat over semi or high gloss. Have your paint store tint the primer close to the color of the final finish and you will probably get good results with only one finish coat.



Good luck with your project.

Answer 3

In addition to the answers of the other posters it is important to prime areas that you have applied patching material. If not properly sealed these patched areas have a tendancy to 'flash', meaning that you will immediately notice the patched areas because the paint did not soak in accordingly.

Answer 4

if it's a surface you think the paint might not hold on to. Like if you're painting over a high gloss finish.