What You Need to Know about Primers Being Used in California

From time to time, interior painters in San Jose use primers in your property’s painting project. Although you may consider primers less useful, these elements help seal, prep, and protect wall surfaces, giving them a better-looking finish. Generally, primers seal stains, create a smooth and leveled finish, and create better traction between the topcoat and the surface.

Therefore, priming work is helpful in creating a beautiful finish for your painting project.

Why You Might Need a Primer

A primer is necessary before painting surfaces that cannot grab paint well. For instance, if your project involves painting interior surfaces that have never been painted, interior painters will consider using a premier first. Moreover, they will be forced to use primers on other surfaces that include:

  • Raw drywall
  • Raw unfinished wood
  • Masonry
  • Uncoated metal or plastic
  • Non-porous bare surfaces
  • Previously painted surfaces using oil-based paint
  • Stained surfaces

Despite the fact that these surfaces are hard to catch paint, using primers will provide a white coat that makes the painting process easy and fruitful.

When Priming Isn’t Necessary

Do interior painters use primers in all painting jobs? Not necessarily! Residential painting contractors will skip primers if they are painting:

  • Previously painted walls with non-oil paints
  • Porous and slightly porous surfaces
  • Non-stained surfaces
  • Closely matching color paints

Different Types of Primers & Which one is Best?

There are various types of primers that residential painting contractors use in painting projects. These primers can be classified as oil-based, water-based, and spray primers. Here is an overview of each one of them:

Oil-Based primers

Oil-based primers are strong-scented primers commonly used by interior painters in well-ventilated rooms. These primers generally take time to dry, and brushes used to paint them can only be cleaned using unique supplies such as mineral spirits.

Typically, they stick on almost all surfaces and cannot be scratched off easily. Mostly, interior painters use oil-based primers in previously painted surfaces with oil-based paints, dark wood surfaces, and unique raw woods.

Water-Based Primers

Residential painting contractors commonly use these primers on dry walls and when painting rooms with a new color. They are generally easy to clean, have a fast-drying rate, and lack a strong scent, making them suitable for poorly-ventilated rooms.

Spray Primers

Oil-based and water-based primers are available as spray or brush-use primers. Although they are quite expensive, spray primers are similar to ordinary water and oil primers. However, residential painting contractors prefer using them on small projects or surfaces with many curves and details.

Are Paint and Primer Combos Good?

Paint manufacturers have designed unique “all-in-one paint and primer” suggesting that they serve both purposes. They may seem less expensive, but you should not use these products in your painting project since manufacturing companies use these brands as fancy marketing tools. In fact, experienced residential painters have tested these primers and have proved them less effective in painting projects. Generally, these primers easily peel off on painted surfaces and are not ideal.

Priming matters in specific painting projects. However, not all residential painting contractors will handle your priming and painting project to give your property an attractive look. Fortunately, Cartwright Painters is here to offer the best painting project worth your money. With over a decade of experience serving San Jose CA, and its surroundings, we will handle your painting project from scratch and add curb appeal to your property. Request a free quote today for your next painting need!

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