Is Primer Needed?

The necessity of a primer depends on the surface that is being painted and the type of paint that is being used.

Various primers are designed for different purposes. Typically primers are used to seal a surface to prepare it for the top coat. Sealing is necessary to prevent the top coat from absorbing into the surface. Certain primers also block stains from bleeding through into the top coat. Things that can bleed through include water stains, knots and tanins from woods like redwood and cedar, lipstick, marker and even smoke stains. Special primers are needed to block these stains. Without the special sealing primer, the stains will bleed through the top coat regardless of how many coats are applied. Rusty surfaces also require a special rust-inhibiting primer. The final reason for a primeris the need for special bonding properties. Painting over a very hard or shiny surface may require a bonding primer for that extra stick.

However, the need for a primer also depends on the top coat being used. Several paintsare self-priming for normal situations. For example, the Benjamin Moore Aura paint does not require a primer over sheetrock or spackling compound or perviously painted surfaces but would need a primer if there is a water stain.

Read the label of the paint you plan to use for instructions on how to properly prepare the surface. You can also ask the professional at your local paint store for advice.