Do you realise the importance of adding a layer of primer paint before you coat your walls with the colour you picked? Of course, each primer product is unique, so how do you pick the best one? Below we’ll discuss primer, and the various factors you need to consider for making informed choices when selecting the right primer for your needs.
Why so important? For one thing, primer is something that will help improve the adherence of paint. Along with many other aspects discussed below, it actually helps you save money, time and effort during the rest of your painting process. Read up more, so you can shop for your primer paint like an expert renovator.
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Primers, pivotal in the paint chemistry domain, are formulated with a higher resin-to-pigment ratio to prepare surfaces for painting optimally.
Diverse in their chemical compositions, primers cater to specific surface needs, ranging from wood and metal to drywall, ensuring compatibility and enhancing long-term durability. The choice between solvent-based and water-based primers hinges on the project’s environmental impact considerations and the specific surface requirements.
Modern primers not only prioritize surface adhesion but also focus on reducing indoor air pollutants, adhering to stringent emission standards. Additionally, eco-conscious selections now include primers with recycled content, underscoring the industry’s shift towards sustainability. For achieving uniform coverage and maximizing the primer’s effectiveness, specific application methods tailored to each primer type are recommended, ensuring a durable, flawless finish.
What is Primer Used For?
Primer prepares your wall to receive paint. You use it for:
- Helping your paint stick to the walls
- Prevent paint from peeling off the walls
- Reduce the number of paint coats you will need to cover the wall
- Fill in uneven and porous surfaces
After quality primer, your wall will be ready to accept other layers of paint, with little likelihood of issues ruining the entire process.
When do You Use Primer?
You use a primer before painting and after sugar-soaping and sanding off your walls. You have to sand all the loose or blistering paint and rust particles and then wash the dirt off with sugar soap. Then you are ready to use your primers.
How do You Use Primer?
To use your primer, make sure you first protect the surrounding area with cloths or pieces of fabric, so no drips or splatters ruin the rest of the room.
- Stir the primer while still in the can.
- Then, put some primer into a paint tray and apply tape to the wall to prevent paint from spreading to wall areas where it shouldn’t.
- Brush it onto the wall away from the tape—edges first. Once the edges are covered, switch to using a paint roller.
- Cover the entire area while focusing on keeping the layer thin.
7 Primer Paints That You Could Find in Singapore
1. Aqua Primer Sealer Undercoat
Nippon Paint produces Aqua Primer Sealer Undercoat. It is water-based with an acrylic polymer for excellent adhesion on porous or tough-to-paint surfaces. The paint provides great coverage because it penetrates porous surfaces.
You can use it on all surfaces, both interior and exterior. So, you can use it on walls, ceilings, wood, metal and plastic. If you like an all-rounder, this one is a smart option and it gives you a aesthetically pleasing matte finish.
Features:
- Fast drying
- Good adhesion, bonding primer
- Nontoxic
- Alkaline and efflorescence resistance
- Chemical barrier to salt migration
- Environmentally friendly
- Physical barrier to water transport
2. Dulux Paint Water-based Gloss Primer
Dulux produces a primer that is water-based, not solvent-based. It is good for metals and wood, tolerates humidity, and prevents rust, enabling you to use it on exterior surfaces. It has a styrene acrylic binding, which may therefore need thinning for larger areas like doors.
Features:
- Conforms to Singapore Green Label
- White only
- Ready mix only, not tinting
- No strong odour
- Covers 9- 10 m² per litre
- Non lead pigments
- VOC limit: 50 gms/litre
3. Dulux Primer
This is a solvent-based primer for metal. You’re likely to find it at your local paint store.
It’s anti-corrosive and will protect both your interior and exterior ferrous metalwork—both iron and mild steel. The surface can be new or weathered and it will work. At the same time, it treats rust stains.
Features:
- Touch dry in 30 minutes
- Through dry 8 hours
- Lead and chromate-free
- Covers 11m² per litre
4. Raffles Paint R.One 2 in 1 Paint and Primer
This is a very high-quality primer and paint in one. Its technology makes this very washable, and it resists water streaking well. It’s a great choice for a humid climate since it blocks stains and prevents mould and mildew issues.
What’s more, it’s very durable, with excellent colour retention and fade resistance, making your wallet stretch further. It has good alkaline and efflorescence resistance, so it’s a good choice for outdoor surfaces.
Features
- Excellent adhesion
- Nearly no paint odour
- Remarkable hiding power
- Fewer coats
- No formaldehyde, phenol ethoxylate, lead, mercury, ammonia and heavy metals
- Eco-friendly
- Nontoxic
- Ultra-low VOCs
5. Jotun Majestic Primer
Jotun Majestic Primer is an acrylic water-based primer, not a solvent-based one. It resists stains, water and alkali and is good for busy passageways.
The other reason it’s good for high traffic or sleeping areas is that it’s free from harmful emissions and chemicals: 100% APEO, Formaldehyde and heavy metals. You can use it on masonry, where it adheres very well.
Features:
- Low odour
- Covers 9.35 m²
- Drying time 2 hours
- 1 coat required
- Enhances colours
- No odour
- Ultra-low VOC
6. Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer
Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer from Benjamin Moore is an excellent all-rounder. You can paint on bare or previously painted surfaces, and this is one of the best primer options for wood, plaster, drywall, masonry and wall. What’s more, it’s engineered with Gennex® Color Technology, which gives long-lasting colour.
Features:
- Superb multi-stain blocker
- Low VOC, environmentally friendly
- Fast-drying
- Resists mildew
- Excellent adhesion
7. Fresh Start® Oil Based Primer
Fresh Start® Oil Based Primer from Benjamin Moore is specialised to treat underlying conditions like tough stains on surfaces. Once again, if you live in humid climes, you will enjoy how it treats mould and mildew, and covers white patches. Furthermore, it’s an alkyd primer, and can be used over oil and latex paints.
Features:
- Superior paint adhesion
- For covering and sealing, hides cracks
- For interior or exterior surfaces
- Low odour
Summing Up Paint Primers For Painting Your Home
You have the option of many primers for varying surfaces and requirements. We hope that our Painting Guys experts’ advice has helped you identify what you need for your project. Remember, we’re happy to assist. We use Nippon Paint to paint your home, office, industrial areas, or other painting project.
Do contact us using the button below to discuss and also give us feedback on our list. To help others, don’t forget to share this information with your network! A good primer can make all the difference for your friends or family.
