Choosing the Right Interior Primer for Your Project

Interior latex primers can provide reduced odor and off-gassing and may be preferred over oil primers, depending on the surface and susceptibility to odor.

Drywall Primer: These are actually “sealers” that encase bare drywall and give the top finish coat a smooth surface and uniform finish.

Latex Enamel Undercoat: Use before painting with semi-gloss and gloss paint to ensure uniform finish and gloss. Light sanding is recommended to help with paint application and prevent “sagging” and “flashing”.

Bonding Primer: Formulated for slippery surfaces like tile, laminate and glass. Sand the surface first with 220 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper.

Concrete Primer: Use to smooth out porous concrete surfaces.

Stain-blocking Primer: Great for blocking bleed-through from dirt, smoke, wood sap/tannin, and water. Both oil and latex are available, but oil is best for blocking water.

Vapor Barrier Primer: Recommended in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that trap moisture.