Get the Most from Your House Paint
Use the Right Paint Primer or Sealer

Using the correct paint primer or sealer will help guarantee that your paint will grip the surface, increasing the overall quality and durability of your paint job. Far too often I see the results of pinching pennies and not using a good primer. Your exterior house paint can last 10 years or longer by using the correct type. By not using it on raw unpainted areas you are assured of early failure of the paint film, resulting in peeling.

A properly sealed surface is just as important for interior painting. Porous surfaces, such as raw drywall or plaster, and sealing water stains are just a couple of examples.

Paint primers exist in many forms and serve a variety of functions. Their uses around your home are limited only by the surfaces that you want to paint.

There are 3 Basic Types of Paint Primers to Choose From

There are other types of primers on the market, specialty primers. These types are designed for a single purpose and often a single type of surface. This short list represents the most general types and is the ones most often used.

• Alkyd - Oil Base
• Acrylic - Latex
• Tinted Shellac

Each type has its own set of uses. This depends on the surface condition and environment. Another consideration is the type of material that will be painted and whether you need an exterior or interior primer.

A good definition of paint primer is that it forms the foundation of the entire paint job.

• By having the ability to adhere to the intended substrate.
• Produce a uniform surface.
• Seal pours, allowing an even sheen and appearance of the finish coat.
• Enhance the hiding ability of the finish coat. Especially important with dark or vibrant colors. With these "designer colors" a tinted primer is necessary to achieve their true beauty.
• Neutralizes a substrates PH, as with unpainted plaster, drywall and masonry. These surfaces can have a PH of 12 or more. A high PH can adversely affect the adhesion and longevity of many types of house paints.

For lasting results, proper interior and exterior surface preparation combined with the right sealer will build an effective barrier against stains and moister plus promote full adhesion of the house paint.

With all that a quality primer can do, it is easy to understand the importance of choosing the right product for your painting needs.

New wood window and trim primed with an oil based primer and ready for the next step.