To prime, or not to prime?
The short answer, if you’re too busy to read the rest: YES!
But, if you’ve got a minute or so to stick around, here’s WHY you should also plan on priming BEFORE you paint…
Primer is cheaper than paint. Don’t use your expensive top coat as a base coat.
A primer coat ensures that the colour of your top coat will look closer to what you thought it would.
Primer will ensure consistency in the top coats sheen (i.e. - eggshell, satin etc.). If you don’t prime before painting, you will see changes in sheen due to unsealed patches (because you took the time to repair the walls first, right?)
Primer seals compound and patches, paint does not.
Primer hides stains that can’t be washed away. Paint will hide stains…. eventually, with enough coats (see: tip #1)
Primer is designed to make your top coat adhere to the wall better. If you’re painting over anything with a gloss or sheen on (i.e. - trim, cabinets, doors, wood panelling), you can expect to see your paint peel off easily, should you skip the primer coat.
