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Spring, 2004
 Content: • Five Reasons to Use a Primer Before Painting
A common misconception among do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) is the expectation that two coats of quality paint will be sufficient to cover previous wall problems. In reality, if a wall is not prepared properly, even multiple coats of expensive paint cannot cover the surface adequately. "Primer and paint are not the same," says Mike Walsh, vice president of marketing and new product development at Masterchem Industries, makers of KILZ® primer. "Primer is specifically formulated to seal unfinished or finished surfaces and make sure the topcoat of paint adheres to the surface to create the best-looking, longest-lasting finish. You are wasting your time, paint and of course, money if that topcoat begins peeling or soaks unevenly into the surface because you didn't use a primer." Walsh says primer is essential for the following reasons: 1. Priming seals the surface, assuring a smooth base for your topcoat of paint. Because primer is formulated to seal the surface, its application will make it easier to apply the topcoat. Primer seals the base, preventing uneven absorption, which leads to uneven paint color. 2. Priming maximizes topcoat hide, so it's ideal for color changes. Want to go from cranberry red to sunshine yellow? Even two or three coats of quality paint may not completely hide your previous color, whether it’s lighter or darker than your new choice. One coat of primer will hide the previous color, ensuring that the color on the paint chip matches what ends up on your walls. Stainblocking primer such as KILZ® Original or KILZ® Premium will hide stains on the walls such as crayon, marker, water, smoke and grease, and will prevent these stains from resurfacing in the future. 3. Priming increases paint coverage and topcoat adhesion. Many household surfaces are either too porous or too slick to allow two coats of paint to adhere properly. Porous surfaces like wood, drywall and masonry soak up paint unevenly and require multiple coats to achieve the desired look. Slick surfaces such as glass block and ceramic tile, and even previously painted glossy surfaces such as cabinets and furniture could cause the paint to flake if not primed first. 4. Priming promotes a consistent sheen and uniform finish. Once you have chosen the paint sheen (flat, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss) that best meets your needs, prime the area first to ensure that the topcoat is uniform and will stay true to the finish you have chosen. 5. Priming seals stains from mold and water damage so they don't bleed through your new paint. Bathrooms, basements and other moisture-prone areas are liable to have mildew growth. KILZ Premium contains a mildewcide to help retard mold and mildew growth on the primer’s surface. Primers are available in oil and water-based formulas, for interior and/or exterior applications. Odorless formulas for interior use also are available. To find what primer best suits your household needs, call (866) PRIMER-1 or visit www.kilz.com.  RETURN TO TOP |
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