Homeowners who are thinking about painting their Pleasant Hill homes may think they can save money by skipping the primer. What they don’t realize is there are benefits to using primer that they may not have considered. Continue reading to learn why using primer might be a better choice.
Painting over old paint can have its problems. The paint may not adhere properly which will cost extra time and money to fix. This is one of the main benefits for using primer. Using primer helps you ensure the proper adherence if you don’t know what type of paint was used previously or if you plan to use a faux finish on your walls.
Over time walls can become dinged or cracked. Before painting you’ll need to repair these areas and then sand them to create a smooth surface. Using primer helps seal the surfaces adequately and provide a much smoother end-result.
Licensed painters in Pleasant Hill also recommend using primer whenever painting wooden surfaces. Raw wood is notorious for absorbing moisture. When you have moist wood the grain of the wood swells; this can lead to puckers or peeling paint. Using a primer seals the wood grain so it does not absorb moisture. It also helps the paint adhere better and achieve a smoother finish than not priming it.
Another problem to consider when painting a wood surface is that the grain often shows through. When you use primer on the surface, it covers the grain and reduces the need to use several coats of paint to get the solid color you want. Using a primer first can also save money when painting wood because primer does not cost as much as a can of colored paint. This can save money when painting cabinets, trim, interior or exterior surfaces.
For new homes, using a primer will seal the drywall and sanded joint compound. The primer will help the paint bond with concrete, as well, if you decide to paint it. It will even help paint adhere to plastic and metal.
If you have chosen to paint a dark surface a lighter color, primer can help with this, too. In fact, if you don’t want to spend more money than necessary to paint over the dark color, it is important to use primer first. By preparing the surface for paint, it provides a clean slate on which to work.
Do you have to use primer when painting your Pleasant Hill home? Not necessarily. Different painting contractors will give you different advice. However, if you want to save money and get the best results, Custom Painting, Inc. recommends using a primer before painting your Pleasant Hill home.