How Much Primer Paint Do I Put on New Drywall?

Primer Layers

• Start with one layer of primer, allow it time to dry and then examine the wall's surface for consistent, well-coated surface. Coverage varies by the quality of the primer, so spend a few extra dollars to ensure good coverage with just one coat.

  Two coats, however, provide a well-primed base for paint whether you're working with a standard or high-quality primer. This approach removes any worry about how well the paint will adhere to the new wall. Since primer costs much less than paint, adding an extra coat will be less costly than applying multiple layers of paint.

Absorbency

• The surface of bare drywall is paper, and the wet primer or paint soak directly into it before beginning to coat the wall's surface. This high absorbency of the new drywall is why the surface should be primed before painting. Applying a layer of paint without primer makes the paint behave as a primer that just soaks into the drywall paper. A primer does the job of soaking into the wall's surface and prepping the wall for paint.

Skim Coating with Joint Compound

• An alternative to applying primer on new drywall is to spread a skim coat of joint compound over the unprimed surface with a trowel and feathering knives. The wet joint compound adheres to the wall and dries as a thin layer over the drywall. Paint then binds to the joint compound instead of soaking into the paper. A skim coat may be cost effective, since it is already applied over the seams and screw holes. Spreading the joint compound over the entire surface creates a uniform base for applying the wall's painted finish.

High-Quality Paint with Primer

• A high-quality paint that has primer mix in it may be sufficient to cover the new drywall evenly. As a time-saving step, primer added to the paint makes it dry with a more opaque finish, and the primer's qualities in the paint make it adhere well to the new drywall. The desired finish may be achieved in one to two coats.