Any good painter & decorator will Know why and when to use a primer or sealer, but for the novice house painter this can be something of a mystery that can lead to poor results when they finish their paint project.
By using primer and sealer they can improve the appearance, performance and life span of the finished paint project.
Primers are generally pigmented while sealers are often not pigmented.
What are the benefits of using a Primer or Sealer?
o Adhesion, they help the paint stick better to the surface being painted, by making the surface more uniform and accepting of the paint to be applied and allowing it to get a better grip.
o Uniformity, On porous and surfaces uneven in porosity, they make the sheen more uniform and attractive.
o Stain blocking, Some Primers prevent stains such as nicotine, resin or water stains bleeding through the surface.
o Protection, Can protect the finished coats on Masonry surfaces from alkalinity and efflorescence.
When to use a Primer or Sealer.
o When painting previously unpainted surfaces like bare timber new plasterboard (dry wall),
o Uneven or badly deteriorated surfaces.
o When painting a stripped surface.
o Problem surfaces like melamine.
Check with the manufacturers instructions of your finish paint to see what primer they recommend you use for their product and the surface you intend to use it on.
You can also ask your paint stockist what they recommend depending on where you buy from as this sometimes can be a hit or miss affair.
You can also email me, here at interior paint decorating for further advice.
Hope these painting tips come in handy.