Brush - Primers - The Home Depot

Question 1

How do I determine the amount of primer I need?

Accepted Answer

Measure the square footage of the surface area to find out how much primer you need. Most 1-gallon containers of primer cover 250-400 square feet per coat. Most projects only need one coat, but you may need two coats for dark colors, stain or odor blocking, or for painting highly porous surfaces like bare wood or new drywall. It's a good idea to purchase slightly more than your estimated amount so you have enough for uneven surfaces or multiple coats.

Question 2

Can I use a primer instead of paint?

Accepted Answer

There are situations where you can use a primer instead of paint. Primer alone is often enough when you need temporary coverage before construction is complete, when you are covering utility spaces where appearance doesn't matter, or when you are using a primer-paint combo product. However, primer without paint leaves a porous surface that can absorb dirt and moisture, leaving you with a flat and unfinished result that can chalk or wear down over time. When you want color, protection, and a washable finish, always include paint as part of your process.

Question 3

What are some of the top-rated primers?

Accepted Answer

One of our top-rated primers is the Original 1 Gal. White Oil-Based Interior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker. Get yours today and find out why our customers give it the most five-star ratings and positive reviews.

Question 4

Can you wait too long to paint after priming?

Accepted Answer

You always want to paint as soon as possible after priming. The primer needs time to dry, usually from a few hours to a whole day, but dust, dirt, or oils can settle if left for too long, reducing the adhesion and the primer's main purpose. Some primers can absorb moisture or harden over time, making them less effective. As a rule of thumb, paint within 24 to 72 hours for latex and water-based primers, and up to a week for an oil-based primer.

Question 5

Why should I prime a wall before painting?

Accepted Answer

Priming your wall before painting offers many benefits, including better adhesion for a more uniform appearance, better sealing for a smooth and consistent topcoat on porous surfaces, improved color coverage with fewer coats, enhanced durability to resist cracking, peeling, and moisture damage, and a long-lasting finish. For more useful tips and helpful advice, read our guide on how to prime a wall.

Question 6

Which brand of primer should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a brand is about finding the one that works best for you. We offer high-quality paint primers from industry leading brands like Fiberlock, TUFF COAT, and Zinsser. Plus, your Home Depot store associate is always here to help you choose the perfect primer.

Primers

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Category

Bundle/Single

Review Rating

1 & Up

2 & Up

3 & Up

4 & Up

5

Brand

Price

Primer Purpose

Base Material

Container Size

Surface Material Use

Paint/Stain Features

Paint Product Form

Application

Application Method

Sheen

Color Family

Special Order

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 5 gal.​ White Interior/​Exterior Multi-​Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZOriginal 1 Gal.​ White Oil-​Based Interior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 2 gal.​ White Interior/​Exterior Multi-​Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZOriginal 5 Gal.​ White Oil-​Based Interior Sealer, Primer, and Stain Blocker

Zinsser1 gal.​ Mold Killing Interior/​Exterior Primer

ZinsserBulls Eye 1-​2-​3 1 Gal.​ White Water-​Based Interior/​Exterior Primer and Sealer

Zinsser1 qt.​ White B-​I-​N Shellac-​Based Interior Primer and Sealer

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 5 gal.​ Primer, 9 in.​ Roller Frame and 9 in.​ x 1/​2 in.​ Roller Cover (3-​Pack)​ Combo

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 2 gal.​ White Primer, 9 in.​ Metal Tray, and 9 in.​ Plastic Tray Liner (10-​Pack)​

PVA 5 Gal.​ White Drywall Primer, 12 ft.​ x 400 ft.​ Plastic Sheeting, and 1.​88 in.​ x 60 yds.​ Painter'​s Tape (6-​Pack)​

KILZPVA 5 Gal.​ White Interior Drywall Primer

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal.​ White Primer, 16 OZ.​ Paint Cup and 2 in.​ Brush Combo

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KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 5 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZOriginal 1 Gal. White Oil-Based Interior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 2 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZOriginal 5 Gal. White Oil-Based Interior Sealer, Primer, and Stain Blocker

Zinsser1 gal. Mold Killing Interior/Exterior Primer

ZinsserBulls Eye 1-2-3 1 Gal. White Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

Zinsser1 qt. White B-I-N Shellac-Based Interior Primer and Sealer

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 5 gal. Primer, 9 in. Roller Frame and 9 in. x 1/2 in. Roller Cover (3-Pack) Combo

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 2 gal. White Primer, 9 in. Metal Tray, and 9 in. Plastic Tray Liner (10-Pack)

PVA 5 Gal. White Drywall Primer, 12 ft. x 400 ft. Plastic Sheeting, and 1.88 in. x 60 yds. Painter's Tape (6-Pack)

KILZPVA 5 Gal. White Interior Drywall Primer

KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Primer, 16 OZ. Paint Cup and 2 in. Brush Combo