Choosing the Right Paint & Primer for Your Project
Selecting the appropriate paint and primer is one of the most important steps to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish on your painting project. The right combination of products can make all the difference in the amount of time and cost spent on prep work and number of coats needed.
Consider the Surface Type
First, determine what you are painting over as this will guide the type of primer and paint needed:
- Drywall - Look for drywall primer as it will seal the porous surface.
- Wood - Knots and wood tannins can bleed through paint so choose a stain-blocking wood primer.
- Metal - For rusty metal, use a rust-inhibiting metal primer before applying paint.
- Brick/Concrete - Select heavy-duty masonry primers and paints that can flex with the surface.
Choose Interior vs. Exterior Paint
Consider whether the surface is located inside or outside as exterior paints and primers are formulated to withstand:
- Moisture
- Temperature extremes
- UV exposure
Interior paints and primers don't need those added protectants so they adhere and dry differently than exterior varieties.
Consider the Sheen
| Paint Sheen | Features | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | No shine, hides imperfections | Ceilings, walls in low-traffic areas |
| Eggshell | Soft sheen, easy to clean | Walls, hallways, kids' rooms |
| Satin | Low lustre, scrubbable | Bathrooms, kitchens, trim |
| Semi-Gloss | Moderate shine, very scrubbable | Doors, cabinets, accents |
| Gloss | High shine, stain resistant | Trim, outdoor furniture |
Additional Product Features
Also consider specialty primers and paints with features like:
- Mold/Mildew Resistance - For damp areas like bathrooms
- Stain Blocking - Helps cover stains from water, smoke, ink, etc.
- High Hide - To cover dark colors in one coat
Choosing the right combination of primer and paint for your needs will help ensure you achieve a smooth, durable finish with fewer coats required.
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Interior vs. Exterior Paint
While both interior and exterior paints are designed to protect and decorate surfaces, there are several key differences between the two.
1. Binders
The binders, or resins, used in interior and exterior paint have different formulations:
- Interior paint binders need to withstand occasional scrubbing and daily indoor conditions and human contact.
- Exterior paint binders must resist weathering from sun, rain, snow and temperature swings through the seasons.
For example, acrylic resins are common in interior paint as they offer good washability. Meanwhile, 100% acrylic or vinyl acrylic latex resins are better suited for exterior durability.
2. Pigments
While both interior and exterior paints use colorants to tint base paints, exterior paint pigments are more fade resistant.
- Exterior paints contain more pigments that block UV radiation which causes fading.
- Titanium dioxide is commonly added to exterior white paint for maximum opacity and longevity.
This extra pigmentation makes exterior paint better able to maintain its color over time compared to interior paints.
3. Additives
Exterior paint formulas also include additives you won't find in interior varieties:
- Mildewcides - Prevent mildew growth in damp conditions
- Fungicides - Inhibit fungus development
- Anti-freeze agents - Allow application in colder temperatures
These additives protect the dried paint film from exterior elements that aren't a concern indoors.
4. Sheens
While interior and exterior paints come in similar sheens, the formulas are tailored for each use:
- Interior sheens like eggshell and satin offer great washability and touch-up ability.
- Exterior sheens use more hardeners to create tougher, weather-resistant finishes.
For example, exterior satin paint still offers protection from rain and moisture while interior satin does not.
5. Mildew Resistance
Mildew resistance is crucial for exterior paint, even in sheens like flat where it's not as common indoors. Exterior surfaces stay damp longer after rain and weathering, so mildewcides are important for inhibiting growth.
6. VOCs
Most interior and exterior paints today are low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to minimize odors and air pollution. But exterior paints tend to have slightly higher VOCs due to:
- Binders and additives needed for durability
- Heavier pigmentation for hide and fade resistance
Always check that exterior paints comply with your local VOC regulations.
When choosing paints, consider these key differences. An interior paint won't have the additives and weather-resistance for exterior use. Similarly, exterior paint would be overkill indoors and costs more. Use the right product for the space and conditions for best results.
Paint Sheens: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, and Gloss
When selecting interior or exterior paint, one important choice is the sheen, or paint finish. From flat to glossy, sheen affects aesthetics, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Flat
- No shine, matte appearance
- Hides imperfections well
- Not scrubbable or washable
- Used on ceilings and low-traffic walls
Eggshell
- Soft, velvety sheen
- Washes clean
- Minimizes imperfections
- Used on walls in bedrooms, dining rooms, etc.
Satin
- Medium luster
- Stands up to scrubbing
- Shows some imperfections
- Used on walls, trim, doors in hallways, kitchens, baths
Semi-Gloss
- Mid-level sheen, not glossy
- Very scrubbable and washable
- Shows imperfections
- Used on cabinets, bathrooms, kitchens
Gloss
- High-shine finish
- Scrubbable, stain resistant
- Shows imperfections
- Used on trim, doors, furniture
Higher gloss paints are more durable and easier to clean but show more surface defects. Lower sheens hide flaws but are less scrubbable. Consider the location and your needs when choosing a paint sheen.
Key Paint Product Features
When selecting paint, consider specialty primers and paints with features designed for particular applications and conditions:
Stain Blocking
Stain-blocking primers and paints contain resin additives that seal in stains from:
- Water damage
- Smoke
- Grease
- Sharpie/marker
- Crayon
- Ink
- Rust
- Tannin bleed from wood
By blocking stains, they eliminate the need for multiple coats of paint to hide them.
Mold/Mildew Resistant
Paints with EPA-registered mildewcides prevent growth of mold and mildew, ideal for use in damp, humid environments like:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Basements
- Outdoors
High Hide
High hide paint contains maximum pigmentation to fully block what’s underneath in only one or two coats. Great for covering:
- Dark colors
- Drastic color changes
- Stains or imperfections
Primers
In addition to stain-blocking primers, there are specialty primers designed for specific surfaces like:
- Drywall primer - Seals porous drywall and joint compound
- Masonry primer - For exterior masonry and concrete
- Metal primer - Prevents rust on metal surfaces
- Wood primer - Blocks wood tannins from bleeding through
Using the right primer for your surface ensures proper adhesion and coverage.
Look for paints and primers with these features for your specific project needs. The right product will save time and provide better results.
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Prep Work Is Key for a Quality Paint Job
Proper prep work before painting is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish. Taking time to prep ensures paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
Cleaning Surfaces
Thoroughly clean walls, trim, doors and surfaces to remove:
- Dust
- Grease
- Mildew
- Peeling paint
Use a degreaser on kitchen and bathroom walls. For mold or mildew, kill and remove it with a bleach solution before painting.
Repairing Imperfections
Fix defects and flaws through:
- Caulking gaps and cracks
- Spackling nail holes
- Patching drywall damage
- Wood filler for small holes and scratches
This helps create a smooth, consistent surface for painting.
Sanding and Priming
Lightly sand glossy surfaces to rough them up. Then apply primer:
- Uncoated drywall - PVA or drywall primer
- Wood - Stain-blocking wood primer
- Metal - Rust-inhibiting metal primer
Priming ensures topcoats bind tightly for a long-lasting finish.
Masking and Covering
Protect surfaces like:
- Countertops - Drop cloths
- Floors - Canvas tarps
- Woodwork - Painter’s tape
- Fixtures - Plastic sheeting
Taking time to properly prep before painting leads to a smoother finish and faster painting process.
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Proper Cleaning and Repairs for Painting Prep
Thorough cleaning and fixing surface flaws are crucial first steps when prepping for painting. Taking time to clean and make repairs ensures paint adheres properly for a durable, high-quality finish.
Cleaning Surfaces
Start by washing walls, trim, doors and surfaces to remove:
- Dirt and grease - Use a degreasing cleaner on walls in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-traffic areas.
- Dust - Wipe away with a microfiber cloth before painting.
- Mold or mildew - Mix a solution of bleach and water to kill and remove mold before painting.
- Peeling paint - Scrape off loose paint completely before priming and painting.
Proper cleaning removes contaminants that could cause paint failure down the road.
Fixing Defects and Imperfections
Fix any dents, holes, cracks or flaws in the surfaces you are painting:
- Holes/Gaps - Fill with painters caulk and smooth over.
- Small holes - Fill nail holes, screw holes, etc. with spackle.
- Drywall damage - Repair any drywall imperfections with joint compound.
- Wood scratches - Use wood filler, then sand smooth when dry.
Repairing defects creates an evenly smooth surface for painting so flaws don't show through the new paint.
Sanding
Lightly sand glossy surfaces to rough them up before painting. This helps the new paint adhere properly.
Be sure to wipe or vacuum away any dust after sanding before painting.
Proper cleaning and repairing imperfections takes effort up front but pays off with a smoother, more durable paint job that lasts. Don't skip these key steps when prepping for paint!
Priming Bare Drywall, Wood, Metal and More
Applying primer is one of the most important prep steps before painting any surface. Priming creates a uniform base that allows paint to adhere properly for a smooth, lasting finish.
Priming Drywall
New drywall needs a coat of quality drywall primer or PVA primer before painting. This seals the porous surface so paint doesn't absorb unevenly. Look for a primer labeled for use on drywall or plaster.
Priming Wood
Use oil-based or shellac-based wood primer on bare wood. The primer blocks stains from knots and tannins to prevent bleed-through. For repainting, water-based wood primer also works.
Priming Metal
For aluminum, wrought iron, stainless steel and other metals, use a corrosion-resistant metal primer. It provides a protective base layer to help paint adhere.
- Rusty metal needs a primer designed for rusted surfaces to stabilize and prevent further rust.
Priming Masonry
Concrete, stucco, brick and other masonry have high pH levels that require an alkali-resistant primer. This allows finish paint to adhere properly.
Priming Over Wallpaper
Before removing wallpaper, you'll need to apply a primer like:
- Oil-based primer
- PVA primer
- Gardz Problem Surface Sealer
These will strengthen the surface for wallpaper removal.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations and use the right primer for your surface. Proper priming leads to better finish paint results.
An Overview of Amazon Prime and Paint & Primer Products
Amazon Prime is a membership program that provides free fast shipping and other benefits for an annual fee. Prime members get free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, as well as access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Gaming.
In order to subscribe to Amazon Prime, customers can sign up for a 30-day free trial on the Amazon Prime website. After the trial ends, membership costs either $139 per year or $14.99 per month.
One benefit of Prime for customers who frequently purchase paint and primer is the free two-day shipping. Paint and primer products tend to be heavy and bulky, so the fast free shipping can represent significant savings compared to regular shipping costs.
Amazon's Paint & Primer department within the Tools & Home Improvement category contains a wide range of top brands. This includes primers, interior and exterior paints, spray paints, stains, applicators, ladders, drop cloths, and other painting supplies.
Prime members shopping for paint & primer products can filter the results to see only items eligible for Prime's free two-day shipping. Members also have access to Prime-exclusive deals on some paints and painting supplies.
In summary, an Amazon Prime membership provides fast free shipping and other perks. For frequent shoppers of heavy paint products, the shipping benefits alone may make Prime worthwhile. Customers can try out Prime and access deals on paint & primer items using the free trial period.
"What Are The Best Paint And Primer Products For My Home?"
There are many great paint and primer products available for your home. Here are some of the best options:
- Behr Marquee Advanced Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer: This is the best overall interior paint according to Good Housekeeping. It is available at Home Depot for $56 and is known for its performance, appearance, ease of application, and sustainability.
- KILZ Adhesion Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer: This is one of the best latex- and water-based primers according to Angi. It is great for use on a variety of surfaces and provides excellent adhesion.
- KILZ Original 13 oz. White Oil-Based Interior Primer Spray, Sealer, and Stain Blocker: This is the top-selling primer at Home Depot. It is great for use on interior surfaces and provides excellent coverage.
- Prestige Paints Interior Paint and Primer in One: This is a highly recommended option for anyone looking to paint their home according to Repurpose and Upcycle. It is great for use on walls and provides excellent coverage.
- Rust-Oleum Zinsser paint primer: This is an all-purpose primer that is great for most projects around the home according to Bob Vila. It is available in a spray can and provides excellent adhesion.
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select Premium Interior Paint and Primer: This is a great option for those who want to skip the hassle of applying primer before the main coat according to The Spruce. It combines primer and paint and is available in a variety of finishes and hues.
What Are The Differences Between Oil-Based And Water-Based Primers?
Here are the differences between oil-based and water-based primers:
Oil-based primer:
Water-based primer:
Overall, the choice between oil-based and water-based primer depends on the surface being painted and the desired outcome. Oil-based primer is better for covering up stains and is more durable, but it is more difficult to clean up and can raise the wood grain. Water-based primer is easier to clean up and dries faster, but it is less durable and may not be as effective at covering up stains.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Oil-Based Primer Over Water-Based Primer?
Oil-based primer and water-based primer have their own advantages. Here are the advantages of using oil-based primer over water-based primer:
Overall, oil-based primer is a great option for those who want to cover up stains and smells, apply primer to wood, and have a more durable and water-resistant surface. However, it is important to note that oil-based primer is more difficult to clean up and can raise the wood grain, so sanding between coats may be necessary.
