Soap & Water - Primers - The Home Depot

Question 1

What size primer should I buy for my project?

Accepted Answer

The right amount of primer for your project depends on the area you need to cover and how many coats you need. For smaller touch-ups or craft projects, you may only need a quart or even a pint to get the job done. For larger rooms or multiple projects, a 1-gallon or larger container ensures you have enough primer to complete your project without running out.

Question 2

What's the best way to apply primer for a smooth finish?

Accepted Answer

A smooth, professional finish requires a clean, smooth surface, the right tools, and proper technique. For most surfaces, a high-quality roller brush gives you even coverage and a smooth base for your paint. Load the roller with primer and apply in consistent strokes, slightly overlapping each pass. Apply thin, even coats, which dry faster and reduce streaks for the best results. Work in sections, keeping the primer wet as you move to prevent visible lines. For ultra-smooth finishes, lightly sand the surface with fine-grain sandpaper after the first coat.

Question 3

What's the best way to get a clean line between the wall and the ceiling when painting a room?

Accepted Answer

The secret to getting a crisp, professional-looking line between the wall and ceiling is in the preparation and technique. Use a high-quality painter's tape along the ceiling edge to create a sharp line, sealing the tape by painting over it with the ceiling color first. Wait for it to dry, and then paint your wall, removing the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for a clean edge. Use an angled sash brush to cut-in by hand, being careful not to overload the brush with excess paint that can cause drips and uneven lines. For more useful tips and helpful advice, read our DIY guide on how to paint a room.

Question 4

Is there a specific primer for wall paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The right primer for your wall depends on the condition of the surface and the type of paint you plan to use. For most walls, a general-purpose latex primer gets the job done. However, you may need a stain-blocking primer for surfaces with stains, a bonding primer for glossy or previously painted walls, or a tinted primer for bold color changes and truer colors with fewer topcoat layers.

Question 5

How do I choose a paint primer?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right paint primer depends on surface type, paint color, and conditions. Use a latex or water-based primer on new drywall, an oil-based primer on bare wood, a rust-inhibiting primer on metal, and a bonding primer on glossy or slick surfaces. You'll want a white or tinted primer for light paint colors, a gray primer for bold or dark colors, and an off-white or light gray primer for pastels. Some conditions require specialized primers, like a mold-resistant primer for high-moisture areas, or a stain-blocking primer for smoke, water, or heavy stains.

Question 6

What is the difference between a flat and a semi-gloss primer?

Accepted Answer

The difference between flat primer and semi-gloss primer comes down to sheen and performance. A flat primer creates a matte finish for a subtle, non-reflective appearance ideal for walls, ceilings, general surfaces, and anywhere you want to hide surface imperfections and flaws. A semi-gloss primer creates a more reflective finish for a slightly shiny appearance ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, furniture, and anywhere you want to add durability and moisture resistance before the topcoat. Your Home Depot associate can help you select the right sheen for your project.

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

KILZPVA 5 Gal.​ White Interior Drywall Primer

Zinsser1 gal.​ Mold Killing Interior/​Exterior Primer

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

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)​

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

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

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

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

KILZPVA 5 Gal. White Interior Drywall Primer

Zinsser1 gal. Mold Killing Interior/Exterior Primer

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

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)

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

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

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

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