A proper surface preparation is crucial for a smooth paint job. Primers are the most important aspect of an effective surface preparation. Using the correct kind of primer and the right amount will ensure a vibrant and even color that will last for a long time. The amount of primer you require depends on the type of paint you’re using however, most painting jobs require just one and two coats.
The Reasons why the Correct Quantity of Primer is Important?
Primer is primarily made of resins and solvents together with some color. The resins seal the porous surface creating a smoother, more even surface that allows your paint to cover evenly, adhere better and last longer. It also restricts what amount of paint that a surface absorbs, thereby protecting the surface from damage and reducing amount of paint needed for an even surface. Not using the primer or using too little of it allows the surface to absorb too many paints and leave you with unappealing, blotchy results.
A lot of primer can cause an entirely different set of issues. The excess of layers or a thick layer can increase the likelihood of the primer breaking or chipping. It can also take more time to cure, which slows the process of redecorating. In the worst-case scenario it may cause damage to the wall because it causes it to flake and peel.
The application of primer using the standard roller should provide a good amount of coverage. If you notice that the primer is drippy off the roller when applying it then you’re applying too much. There is a chance for the previous base color to seep through the primer that is dry, however, the primer will stop this color from spilling into the new paint.
It’s equally important to select the correct primer to match the surface that you’re painting, as well as the type of paint you’ll use. If you don’t do it right, you could still notice streaks, marks or noticeable bleeding of color or blotchiness the new paint, even after you’ve applied the proper quantity of primer.
The surface that you’re painting extremely stained or removed of wallpaper, leaving behind glue that causes staining the surface, a stain-killing primer can yield the best results. Certain surfaces, like concrete and masonry, require separate sealers to be put on before applying the primer.
How to Wear One Coat
One coating of primer enough for applying white paint or light paint. The painted surface is ready for another layer of paint. This means you will not have to worry about the thin base coat getting reflected in after the second coat.
If your previous paint color is a medium-light tone like mint green or sky blue and the new hue is either white or light, begin with only one layer of primer. If the color of your old one appears to be visible when the primer is dry you can apply another layer of primer.
Utilizing a tinted primer is an alternative. In neutralizing the primary color tinted primers can reduce in the number of layers of primer you require from two layers to just one. It’s not often available however, many paint stores can tint primers to your specifications. Tinting the primer with pigments reduces its capability of providing a smooth surface for the paint you’ve chosen, however, primers shouldn’t be tinted any over the amount that is needed.
Self-priming paint as the name suggests, doesn’t need an primer, however it’s not a bad idea to apply only one coat.
When to use two Coats
The majority of unpainted surfaces will require two coats to prime. If the surface has never had primer applied or painted before, certain regions have more permeability than other. These areas absorb paint in different ways which will result in dry paint.
Two coats of primer can solve this issue because the surface will absorb the majority of the primer’s initial coat and the second coat will complete the job by filling in any tiny areas.
wood – For wood that hasn’t been painted Apply two coats of water- or oil-based primer. Primers made of oil generally work better on wood that is unpainted however water-based primers may be effective on soft wood surfaces. For wood that is painted, you can use an oil-based paint.
Apply the primer and then give up to 12-24 hours for dry time to dry an oil-based primer, or between 1 and 2 hours in the case of water-based primer. After the primer is dry, apply the second coat in the event that it is needed. A second coat is nearly always needed due to the fact that wood is very porous and only a only a few primers have enough resin to fill in the grains and pores of the wood by the initial coat.
If you decide to use a primer that is water-based, sanding your wood after the first coat has dried will give you a more smooth surface. However, wait for the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin.
Medium-density Fiberboard (MDF) – After sealing the edges after sealing, apply two to 3 coats of primer based on oil. Avoid primers with water content, as they can cause the fibers to be rough in a manner that doesn’t be able to sand them out. Because MDF does not absorb primer as fast as wood, you should allow at minimum 24 hours of dry time in between coats.
Drywall – Begin by applying a single coat of drywall primer sealer. It’s easier to cover by using a high-build drywall primer which is more thick than the conventional formula. When the primer is dry you should look for any imperfections like bumps or cracks, as well as small spots. It’s likely that you’ll need another coat to cover these. However, If you’ve used high-build primers you may find that the wall clean enough for painting it after one coat.
Plaster Since plaster is susceptible to lime stains which can seep through the final coating of paint, you’ll require an oil-based stain blocking primer for this type of surface. Apply one coat, and let set for 12 to 24 hours, and then put on the next coat.
Masonry Start with a single coat of latex that is water-based allow it to dry for between 1 and two hours. Apply another coat in case stains are visible. Masonry that has been affected by efflorescence, or mildew generally requires two coats. If the wall is stained with noticeable stains, you should use an anti-stain primer.
Concrete – Apply two coats of primer made of water. Acrylic primer is widely used for concrete, however epoxy and polyurethane also work well.
Most primers dry to the touch in several hours. However, for the best results, allow at least 8 hours prior to applying the one final layer of color on a primer made of water and then for 24 hours before applying the paint on top of an oil primer.
If you choose the correct primer, applied in the correct quantity, you’ll achieve the exact, even color that lasts for five years or more. If you’re not sure of the amount of primer are required for the area you’re painting A paint shop can help you. If not, begin with just one coat and test the finish after it has dried. If the surface appears rough, porous, or colored, apply a second coat.
