Surface Prep: Priming
- When and Why to Prime
Priming is always recommended to promote coverage, adhesion and durability of the topcoat. Surfaces that should be primed include:
- All unpainted surfaces (such as bare wood, stucco, or masonry)
- Patched or repaired areas
- Stains
- Surfaces painted with oil-based paint
- Surfaces that will have an extreme color change (light to dark or dark to light)
All painting should be done within 12 hours of using a primer for best adhesion.
- Choosing the Right Primer
Water based primer should be used on the following surfaces:
- Aluminum
- Brick and masonry
- Stucco
- Vinyl siding
- Patches and repairs
- Stains
- Galvanized metal
Oil based primer should be used on the following surfaces:
- Wood
- Wood bleeding (tannin or sap)
- Wrought iron and other metals that will rust
- Water stains and severely stained surfaces
