What Primer Is Put Over Satin Gloss Paint?

Basic Primer Types

• Three basic types of primers -- alkyd, acrylic and shellac -- have different properties but all of them can be used over glossy paints. However, a good rule of thumb -- but by no means a fast-and-hard rule -- is to use a primer that matches the type of paint it will cover and the type of paint that will go over it. After that, selecting a primer requires an understanding of their properties.

Primer Type Properties

• Alkyd, or an oil-based, primer adheres well to many surfaces, including those with some gloss. Acrylic primer (and its close cousin the latex primer) is also versatile, plus it resists cracking and peeling. White tinted shellac is particularly good at sealing in stains, and it can stick to slick surfaces, including the glossiest paints.

Sub Types

• Once you determine what primer to use, you’ll have a few more factors to consider. For instance, alkyd primers come in universal, stain-blocking, wood primer, enamel undercoat, metal primer and galvanized metal primer varieties. In alkyd, acrylic and shellac varieties, a universal primer is meant to stick to a wide variety of surfaces, including those with sheen. Stain-blocking primers are also a wise choice if the glossy paint you're covering is in a high-traffic area such as a kitchen or bathroom, where stains are likely present.

Getting Primer to Work Its Best

• While most primer manufacturers will not instruct you to remove sheen from painted surfaces before priming, you might want to consider this for areas with high-gloss finishes or those that are dirty or greasy. This will make your primer adhere better, so you end up with a better, more durable paint job. Simply apply liquid sandpaper with a rag over the glossy areas to be primed.