Re-painting the interior or exterior of a home is a great way to freshen up the look of your space. While painting is generally a project that is completed for aesthetic purposes, it also serves the purpose of sealing and protecting the surfaces it is applied to. When you walk into a store to select your paints, however, you are faced with many paint choices. For example, you can purchase primer, paint or even a product that has paint and primer in one can. By learning more about these various options, you can determine which is best for you.

Do You Need Primer?

Primer is a product that is designed to be applied under the top coats of paint. It serves the purpose of preparing the surface to accept paint. The goal when you are painting a surface is to have the paint applied in uniform fashion and with full coverage. Issues with splotches or uneven color can be problematic and may require you to apply two or even three coats of paint to the surface. The general premise is that applying primer prepares the surface so that fewer coats of paint need to be applied. However, primer is not always required. If you are painting a lighter color onto a darker color of existing paint or if the existing surface has other issues that may make the application of paint uneven, primer is generally recommended. However, even then, primer may only need to be applied over spots or patches rather than the entire surface.

Choosing the Right Type of Paint

When you choose paint for your home, you may be focused on selecting the right color for your project. The paint color is imperative to the look of your finished project, but there are other factors to consider. For example, the type of paint and the finish are both important. You can choose between latex and oil-based paint products. You can also choose between flat, semi-gloss, eggshell and other types of finishes. There are practical considerations to think about when selecting paint. For example, latex paint is generally easier for you to clean up after the work is done because you can clean your brushes and other tools with water rather than paint thinner. In addition, the finish will impact the sheen on walls, how easily the walls can be cleaned and other factors. You should conduct research thoroughly to choose the right option for your home.

Is Primer and Paint in One Needed?

In addition, you may consider purchasing a primer and paint in one product. There is some controversy regarding these products, and some believe that these products give consumers the illusion of saving them time and even money when this is not the case. These products imply that the consumer will only need to apply one coat of primer and paint in one rather than separate coats of each. In some cases, this is true, but each project is unique. Primer may not be needed for all projects, and not all spaces that require paint will require a full coat of primer across all surfaces.

Ultimately, even an experienced painter will need to inspect the surface where paint will be applied to determine if primer and paint are needed and how much of each should be applied. Some experienced painters may even need to research the materials to make the best decision possible. Therefore, you may consider using professional painting services or completing adequate research yourself on the matter before heading to the home improvement store to pick up your paint.

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