Hey y’all, it’s Joe here! So, I recently decided to give my living room a fresh coat of paint. I went to the hardware store and picked out the perfect shade of eggshell white.
I was so excited to get started on my DIY project, but before I could even open the paint can, my friend asked me if I had primed the walls first. I was like, “uh, what’s priming?”
Long story short, I ended up having to buy primer, spend an extra day prepping the walls, and my paint job didn’t turn out as smooth as I had hoped.
It was a hot mess. So, I learned the hard way that priming is a crucial step before painting with eggshell.
But do you really need to prime before using eggshell paint?
What the Heck is Primer Anyway?
Primer is basically a paint-like substance that you put on the walls before you paint them. It’s like putting on a base coat before you do your nails.
It helps the paint adhere better and can also help hide any imperfections on the walls.
Why Should I Prime Before Using Eggshell?
Eggshell paint has a slight gloss to it, which means it can highlight any imperfections on the walls. So, if you have any dents, cracks, or stains on your walls, primer can help cover them up before you paint.
Also, eggshell paint can be a bit tricky to apply because it’s thicker than other types of paint. If you don’t use primer, the paint may not go on as smoothly and you may end up with brush strokes or roller marks.
But Wait, There’s More!
Primer can also help the paint last longer. It acts as a barrier between the wall and the paint, which can help prevent the paint from chipping or peeling.
And, if you’re painting over a dark color with a lighter one, primer can help prevent the old color from showing through.
FAQ
How Do I Choose the Right Primer?
When choosing a primer, make sure it’s labeled as “interior” if you’re painting inside your house. And, if you’re painting over a dark color or covering up a stain, get a primer that’s specifically designed for that.
How Much Primer Do I Need?
A general rule of thumb is to use about one gallon of primer for every 400 square feet of wall space.
Can I Just Skip the Primer and Use More Paint Instead?
Nope, sorry. Using more paint doesn’t replace the benefits of using primer. It’s like trying to put on a Band-Aid after you’ve already cut yourself.
My Final Verdict
In conclusion, priming before using eggshell paint is a non-negotiable step. It may seem like a pain in the butt, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Not only will it save you time and money in the long run, but it will also ensure that your paint job turns out looking smooth and flawless. So, grab that primer, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for the best paint job of your life!
Pro-Tip
Want to save yourself some extra work? Opt for a paint + primer in one. That way, you can skip the primer step and go straight to the good stuff.
In short, priming is a very important step when it comes to painting with eggshell paint. It helps the paint adhere better, covers imperfections, and can help the paint last longer.
So, don’t be like me and make the mistake of skipping the primer step. Do it right the first time, save yourself some headaches and get the best final result