The dilemma regarding whether it’s necessary to prepare a surface before painting always lingers around. Nevertheless, the utilization of a primer is mostly advised by paint suppliers. Additionally, originally unpainted and unadorned drywalls are such particular surfaces that have a crystal-clear solution in the form of a Drywall Primer.

A drywall primer constitutes an indispensable step in any interior painting project since it helps to create an even and smooth surface that is ready for the final coat of paint. This blog will go over the fundamentals of drywall primer and its intended applications.

WHAT IS DRYWALL PRIMER?

Drywall primer is a specialized type of paint that is used to prepare drywall surfaces for painting. It is a water-based product that is applied to the plasterboard before the actual paint is applied.

Although such a primer is available in both spray and brush-on forms, it is typically applied using a roller or brush. The primary function of drywall primer is to create a uniform surface that is free of flaws, such as drywall paper and joint compound imperfections.

WHY IS DRYWALL PRIMER A REQUISITE FOR SMOOTH FINISH?

To begin with, a drywall is not adorned with primer or paint in its mass-produced form. It has taped seams concealed with joint compound since installation, and its mended fastener gaps are readily apparent. Usually, uncoated plasterboard paper is off-white, grey or green in color. Moreover, plasterboard absorbs far more paint than it should. If the surface is not properly prepared, you might need to paint the surface too many times before the mudded seams cease peeking through.

However, if you prime the surfaces beforehand, you should be able to finish the project with fewer applications of paint. Simplicity, cost-efficiency, and durability are the prime benefits that come along with the utilization of drywall primer. Some of its benefits are briefly described below:

• One of the main advantages of using drywall primer is that it helps to improve the final finish of the paint job. By creating a uniform surface, it allows the paint to be applied evenly and reduces the appearance of brush marks and roller strokes.

• Drywall primer also provides a consistent base color that helps to eliminate any differences in color that may be present in the drywall surface.

• It helps to increase the durability of the final paint job by providing additional adhesion between the paint and the drywall surface. This can help to extend the life of the paint job and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.

• Another benefit is that it can reduce the amount of paint that is needed, which can save time and money in the long run.

• Although enhanced aesthetics are drywall primer’s major advantage, it also enables you to accomplish some cost savings by being fourfold less expensive per layer than premium paint color coatings.

Besides the drywall primer, smooth latex paints, concealing paints and skim-coating with plasterboard compound are all simple techniques for priming plasterboard prior to painting.

• Primer-Sealer:

Applying a coat of drywall-specific primer-sealer is the most prevalent technique for priming a drywall. Water-based / latex and oil-based / alkyd formulations are the two available categories for primer-sealers. Furthermore, options are also available to either opt for basic sealers, which are suitable for absolutely seamless and well-finished walls, or high-build primer-sealers, which are able to fill in uneven or irregular drywall finish.

Although such enhanced products are a bit more expensive, they are potentially worthwhile if you plan on prepping an uneven drywall surface. Prior to application, primer-sealers can be tinted to increase coverage and performance as well as to produce a priming coat more comparable to the shade that you’ve opted for.

• Latex Paint:

Another low-cost option for priming drywall for paint is to use flat latex paint. When the drywall has been so expertly prepared that it is flawlessly smooth and devoid of imperfections, even professionals will occasionally choose inexpensive latex paint as a primer.

The flat white latex paint can be tinted to more closely resemble the final color, much like with the primer-sealer.

• Concealing Paint:

Concealing paints take the notion of flat latex paint a step further. While these are still latex paint, they are denser for use on challenging surfaces and have superior color-hiding capabilities than the standard latex paint.

It is also significant to choose a concealing paint that is appropriate for bare drywall. Compared to standard latex paint, concealing paints may be priced approximately two times more.

• Skim Coat:

Skim coating entails applying drywall compound with a tape knife and rapidly peeling it off. The skim-coat is the residual compound that the knife is unable to eliminate.

Qualified technicians finish off the drywall at level five, known as skim coating, to create the best possible surface finish. However, skim coating cannot be used as a substitute of priming; a primer coat would still have to be applied on the surface that has been skim coated. Additionally, the material will soak up less paint, preserving it over time.

HOW PLASTERBOARD PRIMER AIDS PAINT APPLICATION?

It is extremely challenging to apply paint straight on newly made drywall given that the outer layer has three distinct textures, each one having a particular absorption rate.

• The seams and anchor points that have been taped and mudded are coated with drywall compound, that somewhat absorbs paint.
Tough paper sheets are used to sandwich the gypsum panel and they absorb paint due to their high porosity.

• Excessively sanded paper surface, particularly around mudded joints, can develop a scuffed, ambiguous surface which absorbs the paint.

Resulting from this is a situation known as flashing, which arises when paint is applied onto the untreated gypsum board followed by varying rates of absorbance. Only after several pricey coats of paint do these imperfections vanish. With regard to the color and luster of the paint, several applications may be required before the appearance of the paint is consistent.

THE APPLICATIONS OF A DRYWALL PRIMER

Drywall primer is typically used on unfinished or newly installed drywall surfaces. It is also commonly used on surfaces that have been repaired or patched, as it helps to create a smooth, even surface. It is important to note that drywall primer should not be used on surfaces that are already painted, as it may not adhere properly.

Drywall primer allows you to get started with a single color rather than numerous, by defining the variable color palette of plain drywall. Porosity is yet another aspect defined by primer. It enables drywall to soak up paint at a single rate rather than numerous rates. The primary shade of the primer serves as the foundation for all additional colors since it balances the colors of mud and paper and allows the paint hues applied over it to clearly come through.

Drywall primer can be used on both interior and exterior walls, but it is primarily used for interior applications. It is perfect for use in homes, offices, and commercial buildings, and can be applied to a variety of drywall surfaces, including gypsum board, plaster, masonry, and wood.

ENDING NOTE:

To summarize, drywall primer is an essential element of every interior painting project. It offers a homogeneous, smooth surface that enables even application of the final coat of paint. It is also a good strategy to extend the paint’s lifespan and lessen the need for periodic touch-ups. For optimum results, use a high-grade drywall primer if you’re planning a painting project.