When Is It Okay and Not Okay To Skip Primer in Mt. Laurel, NJ
When Is It Okay and Not Okay To Skip Primer in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
One of the most essential elements of a successful painting project is primer.
Primer, in its most basic function, is there to give your paint the most ideal surface to paint on – one that will make your paint color more vibrant will make your paint adhere even better, and will provide your paint a more even surface to paint on.
While we must note that it is absolutely necessary to include primer in your painting project, there are some instances that we can technically skip the primer.
But, how do we know when it’s okay and not okay to do such a thing?
To help you know whether you should buy or skip primer when doing a painting project, here’s When Is It Okay and Not Okay To Skip Primer in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
When It’s Not Okay
1. When You’re Painting On Porous Surfaces
If you’re painting on porous surfaces like freshly placed drywall, raw or bare wood, or concrete, primer is necessary.
This is because these surfaces might soak up your fresh coat of paint, as they tend to be more porous and absorbent, which just causes an uneven coverage on your surface.
When painting on porous surfaces, using a primer first will provide you with a smoother, more even surface to work with, resulting in more satisfying results.
2. When You’re Painting On a Glossy Surface
If you’re painting on a shiny, glossy surface, don’t forget to pick up a can or two of primer while you’re at the hardware store.
Because glossy surfaces don’t retain paint well, a coat or two of primer will help produce an optimal painting surface.
Additionally, mild scuffing or sanding the glossy surface you wish to paint on before applying primer can aid the layer of paint adhering even better.
3. When You’re Painting a Light Color on a Dark Surface
If you want to paint a lighter color over a dark wall, primer is necessary.
Because darker walls tend to have a stronger pigment and tint, you’ll need two or more coats of primer to paint a lighter paint color over them.
Paint bleeding can also occur when painting a bright color over a dark wall, which can cause an inaccurate coloring of your paint on the surface.
So, to prevent this instance, applying a generous and thick coat of primer on your wall before painting will significantly increase your chances of success.
When It’s Okay
1. If Your Walls Are Extremely Clean
If your walls are in good condition, you keep them in tip-top shape and make sure that they receive a thorough cleaning every now and then; it might be possible for you to skip primer if you’re planning to repaint your walls.
Just to be sure that your walls are extra-clean and spot-free before you proceed to repaint it, you can use a mixture of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water and use that to wipe your walls using a cloth.
If that’s too fussy for you, you can opt for the old but reliable brush and clean your walls for dust and any stuck cobwebs somewhere in there.
2. If You’re Painting With A Similar Color
If you want to repaint your walls with the same or a similar color to give them a fresh and renewed look, then you may not need to apply primer.
Primer’s main purpose is to make your paint appear as correctly colored and tinted as possible, so if you’re simply painting with the same color or a similar shade, you may not need to use primer at all.
However, this is totally up to expert judgment, so it would be best to check with a paint specialist first before proceeding with this approach, just to be sure.
3. If You’re Using Self Priming Paint
Already self-explanatory, but if you have the additional money to buy self-priming paint, then you may no longer need to buy a separate can of primer.
Self-priming paint is mixed to be thicker than regular paint, builds higher, and has a thicker finish.
While it is ideal to use a separate primer and paint, you may skip the primer and go for the convenient self-priming paint if your walls are in excellent shape.
If you’re looking for a trusted and reliable residential painter in Moorestown, Mt Laurel, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Voorhees, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, Shamong, and the surrounding areas, we can help.
Call us on 609.953.0944 for a FREE, no-obligation estimate.
Related: 7 Tips in Doing a DIY Paint Project in Mt. Laurel, NJ