What Does Primer Do?

So we've covered the basics of preparation and why it’s essential for a quality paint job. But there's still a lot to learn about the four basic areas. This past week, for example, I had a long discussion with a client who was interested in primer, what exactly it is, and how it works. I though the topic would be a logical next post in this series, so here goes.

Painters use primer for a variety of reasons. It helps bond paint to new surfaces like wood or metal. It seals new drywall and blocks stains from things like water, graffiti, rust and sap. Primer also helps painters transition between two incompatible paints, such as oil-based and water-based coatings. And during repaints primer assists with colours - like some reds and yellows - that don’t cover or hide previous colours well. It really is the workhorse of any painting project.

The image below shows how it works. Primer fills the tiny voids in the painting surface, in a way that regular paint can't. It then forms a smooth, even surface to build a foundation for the subsequent top coats of paint. Unlike bare surfaces, there are also solvents in the primer that chemically bond to paint. All this makes for a stronger foundation and a smoother finish.

Try to select a painter who’s familiar with the many uses of primer and who knows how to use it. Using primer correctly isn't difficult, but knowing when to use it can be. Mistakes at this stage of the project (like using the wrong type of primer or trying to save time by not using it at all!) can prove a major headache down the road.

Feel free to call on us if you’d like to learn more about your particular project and the areas where primers should be used. Even if you don’t decide to go with Vanguard, you’ll be on track for a successful project.