Keywords: primer, priming, water based, oil based, latex block filler, Rust Oleum Seal-Krete, concrete paint, UGA Drylock, concrete waterproof, masonry, waterproof, masonry, primer sealer, masonry coating, peel stop, stain blocker, rust arrestor, surface sealer
It isn’t always necessary to apply a primer coat before the topcoat is applied. Sometimes the existing paint job was done properly, and it failed properly. Yes, paint is designed to fail — end its lifespan — in a way that makes it easily re-coat-able. Sometimes the property owner or manager just wants to freshen the property by applying a new coat of paint in the same color. Sometimes . . .
But seldom does it happen that way. Most of the time, one type of primer or another is required to prepare the surface properly to receive the protective topcoats. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief primer on primers. The derivation of the word “primer” has to do with something that gets you ready for what comes next. Paint primer seals the surface substrate to prepare it for the topcoat, which comes next.
Interior Painting
Priming interior projects is necessary in only a couple situations. Anytime you have new construction or a remodel, there will be surfaces that have not been painted before. Whether it is unpainted drywall, wood, concrete or metal, it is always best to apply a primer coat first. Using the correct primer for each substrate will seal the substrate to block out stains and ensure the topcoat bonds properly. The other situation you need to prime first is when painting a water-based paint over an oil-based paint. The correct primer will help the water-based paint adhere to the oil-based paint or other very tight or shiny coating or substrate. Here is one more situation when using a primer coat may be to your advantage. When painting a light color over a dark color, priming isn’t necessary, but it might be a cost saver since the primer coating is much less expensive than a quality topcoat. Using an inexpensive primer for the first coat may save money by only needing one coat rather than two coats of the topcoat paint.
Exterior Painting
Let’s face it. Seldom are commercial properties repainted within the warranty period of the previous paint job. Last year, we painted a hotel property. It was the first repainting since the hotel was built in 1998. That’s 24 years for the original coat of paint. We only use paint from the top paint manufacturers in the country. I can assure you that none of our paint vendors offer a 24-year warranty on exterior painting in Phoenix. Our customer got his money’s worth. But the property desperately needed a fresh paint job. There was significant chalking and fading of the paint. Stucco was chipped and failing. Metal fences and gates were rusted in places, particularly around the swimming pool. Each of these situations required a very particular primer.
A good coat of paint, properly applied, protects your investment. Proper application includes the correct primer. Below is a description of some of the primers we commonly use at MTS Painting. Each different manufacturer usually has their own equivalent product in similar or varying quality.
Sherwin Williams PrepRite ProBlock Interior/Exterior Primer Sealer Latex Block Filler – For new concrete block, pressure washed or sandblasted concrete block. Assures uniform appearance and adhesion of the topcoat to slick, glossy surfaces. Dries fast and seals out solvent sensitive stains.
Rust-Oleum Seal-Krete Original Concrete Paint, Sealer, Primer and Finishing Product – Protects vertical concrete and masonry against the damaging effects of moisture penetration. It penetrates deeply into concrete pores, binding sand and cement particles to form a tough, flexible, breathable film. Seal-Krete Original is excellent for binding chalky surfaces to improve paint adhesion on all painted and unpainted substrates including concrete block, stucco, aluminum siding, drywall, and plaster. It strengthens mortar joints, reduces efflorescence on brick, and rejuvenates color on older painted surfaces like aged vinyl siding and stucco
UGA DRYLOCK Extreme Concrete & Masonry Waterproofer — A versatile masonry waterproofer that can be applied interior, exterior, above or below grade. Guaranteed to stop water up to 15 psi and resists cat 4 (140+ mph) hurricane winds. Resists mildew on the dry paint film. Reduces radon gas penetration.
Dunn Edwards Eff-Stop Premium Interior/Exterior Masonry Primer Sealer — EFF-STOP® is an epoxy-fortified acrylic primer/sealer for interior and exterior masonry. EFF-STOP® Premium provides excellent alkali and efflorescence resistance on properly cured tilt-up concrete, poured-in-place concrete, stucco, and block. It can be applied to surfaces with a pH of 6 to 13.
Sherwin Williams LOXON XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating — Loxon XP Masonry Coating is a direct-to-concrete and masonry high-build coating. Offers maximum performance in one less coat compared to conventional and there is no need for priming. Outstanding resistance to wind-driven rain. Highly resistant to alkali and efflorescence. At times, MTS will use this as a primer to combat hairline cracking on lighter textured surfaces.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Peel Stop Triple Thick — Coat right over peeling paint with Rust-Oleum® Zinsser® Peel Stop® Triple-Thick Primer. This high-performance, low-VOC, water-based binding primer locks down and hides peeling, weathered surfaces, creating a smooth, white finish for your topcoat.
Sherwin Williams ProBlock Primer Interior Oil-Based Primer — ProBlock® Oil-Based Primer seals out water sensitive and dried water stains, smoke stains, grease, ink and related odors. The topcoat end result is a uniform finish. This the appropriate primer for a house or unit of a heavy cigarette smoker.
Kilz2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Sealer & Stain Blocker Primer – Seals porous surfaces, promotes adhesion, blocks light and severe stains, seals and blocks odors, resists mildew.
Benjamin Moore Corotech High Performance V180 Rust Arrestor — Rust Arrestor is a water-based, film-forming primer that chemically transforms rust, halting the corrosion process and enabling the surface to accept a topcoat. When applied over tightly adhering rust, it forms a black, protective film.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Gardz Problem Surface Sealer – Lock down porous and crumbling surfaces. This low-odor, water-based formula dries to a clear, matte finish, creating a hard, paintable seal over damaged drywall, adhesive residues, and other chalky surfaces.
With 40 years of painting experience in the Phoenix area, MTS Painting has seen everything. You can trust us to identify and handle every painting issue the right way. Sometimes no primer is necessary. We will never quote a primer you don’t need. MTS recommends coating systems, but the longevity and investment decisions are left to the property owner/decision makers. If you have a painting project coming up, give us a call. Our professional estimator, technical specifier or RFP creator will walk your property with you and prepare a free estimate, big or small.
