Priming Interiors

Interior

Exterior

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Prime Before Interior Painting

What you'll need:

Here's everything you'll need to get it right the first time.

Paint tray and liners
Paint brushes and rollers
Painter's tape
Buckets
Cans and jars
Drop cloths
Painter's hat
Stirring sticks

Here's everything you'll need to get it right the first time.

Tip: If you are repainting walls or woodwork in excellent condition, and/or you are not making dramatic colour changes, priming is usually not needed.

Seal the Surface

After you've cleaned, sanded, and masked, don't forget the important step of priming interior surfaces. Bare wood needs a primer to seal the surface. You'll use less topcoat and the colour will lay rich on the top layer. If the surface is new construction or a recent repair, or if you have sanded down to bare surface, apply a high quality primer before painting.

Priming over Stained Surfaces

Stained walls and ceilings need primer to lock the stain from migrating to your topcoat. Some woods naturally bleed tannins. These stains will come through the topcoat no matter how many coats you apply. Select a stain blocking primer best for the type of stain, either an oil based or latex based product.

Spot Priming

Spot priming means you apply a primer only to those spots that need it. If you've sanded down to bare surface, you need to prime those spots. For some stains, spot priming is the best way to save time and lock in the stain from migrating to the topcoat. Don't forget to feather sand so the topcoat applies evenly.

Prime Glossy Surfaces

Prime glossy surfaces to promote adhesion of the topcoat.
There are three ways to prime a glossy surface:
1. Use a latex or oil-based primer formulated for glossy surface adhesion.
2. Use a liquid deglosser such as Prepaint, following all label instructions.
3. Go over the surface with 200 grit sandpaper. The scuffing will help the new paint adhere. Then wash the surface with TSP, rinse with water, and let dry. More on MultiPurpose Primers. More on Interior Primers If you aren't sure if you need a primer or which primer to use, contact Customer Service.

Dramatic Colour Change

Dramatic colour changes look professional when you use the right primer. Use a high hiding primer if you paint a light colour over a dark colour. Use a tintable primer if painting a dark colour over a light colour. More on High Hiding and Tintable Primers. If you aren't sure if you need a primer or which primer to use, contact Customer Service.

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