How do I choose the right sheen for my primer?

The sheen of your primer will depend on the final look you're aiming for and the surface you're working with. <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Flat/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z1vuja?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">Flat</a> or matte primers are generally best for walls and ceilings, while <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Semi-Gloss/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z10m17?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">semi-gloss</a> or gloss primers are better for trim, doors, and areas that need to be cleaned more frequently. Always check the product label for recommendations on the appropriate sheen for your specific project.

Can you wait too long to paint after priming?

It's best to paint as soon as possible after priming. The primer needs time to dry completely, which can take a few hours to a whole day, depending on the type of primer and the conditions. The primer can harden and become less effective if you wait too long. You might also notice the paint not adhering and may even see the primer showing through the paint.

Can I apply primer with a roller?

<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Roller/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0ky1u?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">Rollers</a> are an excellent option for applying primer, especially for large surfaces like walls and ceilings. Choose a roller with a nap appropriate for the surface you're working with, and remember to use a smooth and even rolling motion for optimal coverage.

General Purpose - Primers - The Home Depot

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

(4.5 / 12624)

Model# 20000

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

(4.8 / 4513)

Model# 10901

$3298

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

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Model# 20005

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

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$11666

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

(4.6 / 8555)

$4444

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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)

(4.4 / 2779)

$14246

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KILZPVA 5 Gal. White Interior Drywall Primer

(4.5 / 1899)

Model# PX01005

$7300

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

(4.7 / 14242)

$3442

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KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

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Model# 20941

$2398

Glidden PVA5 gal. Drywall Interior Primer

(4.2 / 1198)

Model# GPD-0000-05

$6800

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KILZPREMIUM 5 Gal. White Interior/Exterior Primer, Heavy-Duty High Hide Sealer, and Stain Blocker

(4.6 / 3344)

Model# 13000

$16500

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KILZMold and Mildew 1 Gal. White Water Based Interior and Exterior Primer, Sealer and Stain-Blocker

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Model# L204601

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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

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

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

Glidden PVA5 gal. Drywall Interior Primer

KILZPREMIUM 5 Gal. White Interior/Exterior Primer, Heavy-Duty High Hide Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZMold and Mildew 1 Gal. White Water Based Interior and Exterior Primer, Sealer and Stain-Blocker

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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

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

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal.​ White Interior/​Exterior Multi-​Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

Glidden PVA5 gal.​ Drywall Interior Primer

KILZPREMIUM 5 Gal.​ White Interior/​Exterior Primer, Heavy-​Duty High Hide Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZMold and Mildew 1 Gal.​ White Water Based Interior and Exterior Primer, Sealer and Stain-​Blocker

Support

Resources

About Us

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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

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

KILZKILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

Glidden PVA5 gal. Drywall Interior Primer

KILZPREMIUM 5 Gal. White Interior/Exterior Primer, Heavy-Duty High Hide Sealer, and Stain Blocker

KILZMold and Mildew 1 Gal. White Water Based Interior and Exterior Primer, Sealer and Stain-Blocker