Monday, June 18, 2007
First Things First
When it comes to painting, there is something to be said for good prep work: “Do it!” While there are many paint products that claim no primer is necessary, a spot prime or full coat of primer will both protect and increase the life of your work. When it comes to exterior wood, neither oil-based nor latex paint will completely seal the wood and prevent weather moisture from seeping in. However, a base coat of primer will both seal out the weather, and will allow the best adhesion for whatever you paint over it.
It is also important to consider quality prep work on interior painting as well. This is especially important if you are changing the sheen (i.e. glossy to flat) or the type (i.e. oil to latex). This is not simply a matter of “to prime or not to prime?” To lay a proper foundation, it is crucial to sand, clean, and smooth out the surface to be painted. And of course, a quality primer is always a great step in getting started on any painting project!