The Effects of Not Priming Walls Before Paint

Adhesion

• There are many factors that can prevent paint from adhering to a surface the way it should. If a surface has not been painted for a long time, there could be stuck-on grime, moisture from the atmosphere or oils from skin. If the wall had been painted previously with a paint that has a sheen, such as satin or semi-gloss, that sheen can provide a slippery surface to which new paint may not be able to hold. Primer solves the problem, as it adheres to surfaces better than paint. In turn, paint adheres better to primer.

Uneven Coverage

• Any blemishes in a wall can make a finished paint job look less than perfect. Paint doesn’t cover minor cracks, dents or roughness very well. Additionally, many surfaces that you would paint in your home are porous, such as drywall and wood. These surfaces absorb paint when you apply it. You won’t notice when the paint is wet, but when the paint dries, you’ll find random spots where the wall sucked up the paint, resulting in uneven coverage and color variations. Primer solves all of these problems by creating a smooth, even surface that prevents absorption.

Color Bleed

• When you are making a drastic color change, after paint has dried, you can often see areas where the old color is showing through the new color. You probably expect this when putting a light color over a dark color, but it may surprise you to find the reverse is also true. When you put a very dark color over a very light color, the light color can bleed through. Primer, especially if tinted to the new color, can do a superior job of covering the old paint color in just one to three coats. Without primer, paint may take at least twice as many coats to cover the old color completely, which can waste a lot of money.

Wall Damage

• Some walls may be more problematic than others because of environmental factors. Walls that may face the elements and occasionally let moisture seep through can bubble and ruin a paint job. Surfaces of woods that excrete tannins, resins or pitch can bleed right through paint, causing stains. Alternately, things like pet odor, nicotine and smoke in your home can seep into your walls. Primer acts like a sealer that can help keep anything from passing through. This not only protects your paint job but the wall itself.