How much do you understand about the best paint primer? Well, you know how paint can change the entire look of your stuff, right? But, maybe you are not so sure about how the primer changes the look of makeup.

Just imagine a house without a foundation. That is also the way your painting project looks without the primer layer.

This article will give you guidance about the best paint primer, plus some tips to choose and use them. Now, let’s beautify your home with the best paint primer!

Top 5 Best Paint Primer For Home Decor

What Can You Use Paint Primer For?

What Can You Use Paint Primer ForA lot of people use primer before painting colors these days. However, not everyone tends to do this. So what is the use of primer? When to use and not to use primer? Let us make it clear!

Paint primer is often used in these situations:

  • Hide the previous color: For example, you want to repaint your brown wall with yellow color. The primer can help you hide the dark color and make your items look more charming with the new appearance.
  • The surface is awful: When the material is damaged, chipped, or eroded, the layer of primer is the best tool to hide it. It can work well on wallpapers too.
  • The surface is new: The primer can strengthen and protect the surface by improving its adhesion. Without the undercoat, it can soak up one day after the color painting job.
  • Protect the top coating: The primer makes the surface smoother so that the coat will not spread or wrinkle. Moreover, covering your items with two protection layers (one is the primer, one is color) enables them to last longer and resist mold, rust, and erosion.

Best Paint Primer Review

What is the best paint primer? Among tons of choices out there, here are our picks. Despite serving the same purposes, they have different advantages and disadvantages. Let’s check them out!

1. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Primer

Rust-Oleum Painters Touch PrimerEditor Rating:

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Primer can be used for both indoor and outdoor stuff. It also works well on a wide range of materials like plaster, wood, unglazed ceramic, masonry and metal.

Thanks to the water-based formula, it offers the ability to conceal imperfections and give things a flawless appearance. The smooth finish is also a great plus. This function helps painters use it in a comfortable and effortless way.

The formula provides the paint primer with an enduring protection layer too. The smell is mild so that you do not need to wear a mask while painting.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Primer also speeds up your painting projects since it is fast to dry, about 30 minutes.

The primer is known for chipping and fading resistance because it is truly durable. People can apply it on bare or painted materials. The effectiveness does not change though.

However, the coating is strong yet thin. To make sure about its effectiveness, you should apply two layers of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Primer on the objects. It does not bother you at all since it dries quickly. Therefore, you can recoat it right after the first coat.

Pros

  • Suitable for both interior and exterior
  • Enduring layer
  • Fast drying time

Cons

  • Supplies a thin layer

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2. KILZ Restoration Primer

KILZ Restoration PrimerEditor Rating:

KILZ Restoration Primer is famous for its excellent stain and odor blocking performance. Back to the manufacture, it is a water-based product with new technology, which allows it to work as an oil-based primer. This combination leads to the enhancement in its covering ability.

KILZ Restoration Primer can also help you to solve the problems related to smoke, rust, water, mold, stains from pets and even chipped paint. Not to mention the fact that it can be applied on many different types of surfaces like ceramic tile, wood, glass and so on.

Compared to other paint primers, the price is affordable. A gallon can serve up to 300-400 square feet.

When it comes to usage, KILZ Restoration Primer is an ideal choice. People find it easy to mix KILZ Restoration Primer with other ingredients like sand. You can paint it with a sprayer, a brush or a roller and they all work well.

Its adhesion is praiseworthy too. It can retain the appearance for years. However, it does not mean the paint will last forever even when you want to repaint. In this case, soap and water can help you. So, in other words, it stays and leaves according to your demand.

Unfortunately, KILZ Restoration Primer is not suitable for food preparation surfaces. The options are limited too because you can only buy them in one gallon.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Suitable for different surfaces
  • Easy to use
  • High quality coverage

Cons

  • Not applicable on food preparation surfaces
  • Only on sale with one-gallon packs

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3. Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer

Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering PrimerEditor Rating:

Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer matches all surfaces. It is also easy to apply and remove.

If you are going to coat your wall with wallpapers or any kind of wall coverings, Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer is the top option. This may be the most outstanding feature of this paint primer. Since it works well with glue, it is suitable for hanging.

You can also fix the position of the wallpaper effortlessly even after you painted a primer layer. It can help to reduce curling edges, bubbles and seam separation, too.

Mildew-resistant formula assists the primer in avoiding mold and mildew. It is also good at resisting erosion and fading.

People use Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer to promote the color layer because it is tintable. The color, therefore, can look its best.

Painters also choose Zinsser Quart Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer since it has low odor. Therefore, it does not affect their health. The cleaning is also simple when you only need water to wipe it off.

However, a quart of primer may not be enough for your job. The thin layer only gets thicker with another one applied on it.

Pros

  • Effective on every surface and wall hangings
  • Mold- resistant formula
  • Tintable
  • Easy to apply and remove

Cons

  • Offer a thin layer

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4. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust

Rust-Oleum Stops RustEditor Rating:

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust adheres well since it has a good primer base. A protection layer therefore can last long. The finish runs smoothly to ensure the appearance of your items.

The quality has developed in the durability too. The primer can prevent your items from corrosion and fading. And it is able to supply a tight bond for the top coating.

The usage steps are simple as well. You can paint the primer with a brush or a roller directly on the objects. To wash it, you only need soap and water.

It works best on metal. It operates even better if you use it with Rust-Oleum paint, especially the sprayer one.

This product is specialized for aluminum and galvanized surfaces although it is effective on other materials too. This is because of the latex aluminum found in every gallon.

You can save your time doing your job due to the drying time of this primer. After applying it on your items, you just have to wait for a while to cover the primer layer.

Although Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Latex Aluminum Primer still has some odor, it disappears quickly so it does not annoy you. However, you should wear a mask during the painting project.

Pros

  • Good adhesion
  • Simple instructions
  • Drying quickly

Cons

  • Slight odor

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5. Rust-Oleum Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer

Rust-Oleum Marine WoodEditor Rating:

Rust-Oleum Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer is so firm that you can use it on cracked, pitted, aged, rough and painted surfaces. Even on vertical ones, the primer does not run and sag. And the effect still remains the same.

It can maximize the protection coating since it is durable and impervious to erosion, peeling, chipping and dust.

Rust-Oleum Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer runs well on different materials but it seems to be the best on wood and fiberglass above the water line (as the name implies).

The paint primer is popular also because it intensifies the stunning look of the top coat. It can offer the smooth finish and gloss appearance too.

The adhesion of Rust-Oleum Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer is commendable. The layer can last long without any problems.

If there is something to complain about the primer, it must be how it looks in the can. Some people found out that it is quite lumpy. Yet, the problem is solved when you mix and stir it thoroughly before using.

Pros

  • Firm layers
  • Nice appearance
  • Excellent on wood and fiberglass

Cons

  • A little lumpy in the can

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Vital Qualities In A Paint Primer

Vital Qualities In A Paint PrimerTo make an accurate selection of best paint primer, you should consider the following criteria:

Surface

Most paint primers work well on many different surfaces, but some will actually maximize the effect on a certain material. For example:

  • Wood and drywall: Oil-based and latex primer are the best to solve the problems related to bare wood and drywall surfaces.
  • Metal: Choose primer with aluminum as the main ingredient and you will see the effect soon.
  • Stained surfaces: Primer with tannin content works best to eliminate the stains on your items.

Drying time

This factor determines the speed of your work. It indicates how long you have to wait to recoat your objects. Regarding drying time, latex primers outperform other types. You don’t have to wait for hours.

Application

Not all types of primers are suitable for use both internally and externally. They often have a sticker right on the box so you can identify it. There are some types that can only be used either indoors or outdoors, and a few can be used for both.

Tinting

The tinting ability tells you how beautiful your items can look. A gallon of primer which is labeled “tintable” means it can darken the bright colors and brighten the dark ones.

Adhesion

Of course, everyone wants the primer to be durable. It should be resistant to erosion, fading, chipping and moisture. A long-lasting protection layer is essential too.

Odor

Most paint primer smells. However, due to the variation in ingredients, the smell is varied. Some of them offer a slight odor so wearing a mask is not necessary. Otherwise, some require you to cover your nose while using them.

How To Apply Paint Primer

Painting the primer is not tricky but there are some parts you have to pay attention to. Let’s follow the steps below to simplify the primer works.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Prepare the surfaceA flat and dry surface will be a great help. If you find any holes on the materials, fill them with putty. To clear up the extruding nails, you can either remove them or screw them deeper.

Leave the space clear and airy by moving all the furniture around as well. You can also get the newspaper covering the floor to facilitate the cleaning at the end of your project.

Step 2: Pick up the Primer

Pick up the primerWe have just shared with you the vital qualities in a paint primer. We also suggested the best paint primer in the list above. Anyway, you should take all the criteria into careful consideration before purchasing to verify your performance.

Step 3: Apply the Primer

Apply the primerBefore painting, remember to shake the can and stir the primer from the bottom. This is to make sure that all the ingredients can spread out.

Painters often start at the edges with the brush. After that, move to the rest with a roller. Do not forget to spread the primer at every corner of the object to ensure its appearance.

Final Words

A solid foundation will help your house withstand the storm. The primer will keep your paint color beautiful and durable over time, especially when you choose the best paint primer. All and all, the information above is almost everything you need to know about paint primer. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.