What is the best primer for bare drywall?
Choosing the right primer
The best primer for bare drywall depends on what expectations you have for the paint applied over the primer. Some people paint to freshen up a room with no other expectations other than to put color on the wall. Other people paint to protect surfaces by providing a durable surface that withstands regular cleaning.
Whatever your expectations are for the finish coat of paint, the outcome of the options listed below depend on the type of drywall primer used.
- hanging wallpaper and ability to remove wallpaper later
- wiping, scrubbing or washing
- ability to remove crayon or permanent marker
- ability to repeatedly remove taped posters and pictures
- ability to remove masking tape during the process of painting stripes
- applying paints such as eggshell, satin or semi-gloss
- durability for high traffic areas
- best visual appearance for areas with high window reflections
- Perm Rating vapor barriers
- mold and mildew resistance
Once you determine what you would like to accomplish, any paint store should be able to assist you with choosing the right primer and paint. Typically, low cost primers are not the best option for new drywall unless you are only adding color to a room with a flat paint. Drywall sealers tend to offer better sealing properties in comparison. However, keep in mind, like any product, there are many differences in quality and capabilities.
It is best not to assume all primers do all things. Actually, it is the opposite. Primers are very specific in what they do well.
Understanding the unique capabilities of wall primers will help you meet your expectations over the life of the paint. Consider a Google search on Jack Pauhl Primers and read up on bare drywall for a more in-depth look at the limitations of low cost wall primers. If nothing else, read Drywall Primers: Do They Work? The “B” Test, for my thoughts on wall primers before you do anything.
Hope that helps you with some of your life’s problems. Let me know if it makes your life worse.
Brian Havanas walks the walk, and teaches how to simplify the complexity of job-site variables with actionable, easy steps. Brian is the founder of Jack Pauhl. The easiest and quickest way for anyone to learn how to get painting projects done.
We help anyone with a brush, roller or paint sprayer accomplish paint projects better, faster and easier. You can find out more about his work in Painthacker magazine and discover his thought process behind systems building.
