What Paint Primer Should I Use for My Project?

You want your DIY wall painting project to turn out the best it possibly can, which means starting with the right primer. There’s a wide range of primers available on the market, and it’s important to choose the right one for the best results. This guide explores the different types of primer and how to choose the best paint primer for your project. 

Why Should I Use Paint Primer?

Priming your walls is an important step for getting the best results when painting. Primer provides a smooth surface for all types of paint to adhere to, giving you an even paint finish that hides wall imperfections. Primer can also cover up darker colors, so you’ll use fewer coats of paint if you’re changing to a lighter shade. 

Types of Paint Primers

Latex Primer

Latex primer, also referred to as water-based primer is the most popular kind of primer on the market. It’s great for using over drywall and dries quickly, leaving a smooth finish for paint to adhere to. It will cover minor stains and discoloration, but be sure to apply it evenly—uneven latex primer may lead to uneven paint color. Latex primary is also an environmentally friendly choice due to its low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Best for: Drywall and most interior projects

Oil-Based Primer

Oil-based primer is also a popular choice due to its versatility—it can be used to cover tough stains, provide a smooth surface for painting unfinished wood, and has the durability to stand up to exterior conditions. However, this primer is higher in VOCs, making good ventilation necessary, and it takes longer to dry than latex primer. You’ll also need to use a solvent like mineral spirits to clean it up since water won’t break down the oil in the formulation.

Best for: Exterior projects, wood, covering large or dark stains

Shellac Primer

Shellac primer is the oldest type of primer and is known for its ability to cover the most stubborn stains and odors—even smoke and water damage. It dries quickly and works well on a variety of surfaces and can also be used when painting over metal, wood, drywall, and plastic. This primer does have a few drawbacks, though—it’s high in VOCs and has to be cleaned with denatured alcohol.

Best for: Interior projects, hard-to-cover odors and stains

Mold and Mildew-Blocking Primer

Primers that block mold and mildew are useful in damp areas prone to mold and mildew growth or in spaces that have had previous issues. These water-based primers contain active ingredients to discourage growth and effectively block existing mold and mildew stains. Don’t just apply primer over an active mold or mildew problem, though—you need to treat the problem first to kill the growth before using primer.

Best for: High-humidity areas like bathrooms or basements, areas with previous mold or mildew stains

How to Choose the Best Paint Primer

Picking the best primer for your project will depend on what kind of surface you’re painting, where it’s located, the paint color you’re using, and the wall condition.

Surface Type

Choosing the right primer starts with what kind of surface you’re painting. Drywall, wood, metal, and other surfaces all require different kinds of primer.

Paint Color

Choosing the right wall color also includes the right primer—going from a dark color to a light one requires a primer with enough coverage to keep the darker shade from bleeding through. Look for a shellac primer, oil-based primer, or heavy-coverage latex primer when going from dark to light. 

Project Location

Interior and exterior projects require different primers. Oil-based primer is ideal for exterior painting due to its durability against the elements. Interior projects usually call for a faster-drying, lower-VOC primer like latex.

Wall Condition

Your primer choice will change based on whether you’re painting a pristine new wall or a stained, damaged one. Walls that have water or mold damage, discoloration, or highly glossy finishes need a heavy-duty primer to create a smooth foundation for paint. Wall condition will also dictate how many coats of primer you need to use—you may need more than one coat if the wall has heavy staining.

Primer vs. Paint With Primer In It

Some paints are advertised as containing primer for a two-in-one product. While paint with primer may provide more coverage than traditional paint, it won’t provide the same level of coverage or paint adhesion that a separate primer will. Save the paint with primer for projects like refreshing already painted walls with a similar color and paint finish. 

If the extra step of priming your walls seems like too much of a project to tackle, hire a painter to give you the best results. A local interior painter will prep, prime, and paint your walls, saving you time and effort. The cost to paint the interior of your house averages between $2 and $6 per square foot.