Painting the walls of homes is a challenging task as it involves several steps, such as taping certain areas to save paint spills and applying paint all over the wall. Applying primer before painting is one of the steps. There have been discussions on various platforms among homeowners about whether primer can be used as white paint as a shortcut way to save money and time. This is a subjective issue that can be addressed once you all know in detail about the importance of primer before painting and the consequences of skipping paint. In this article, we discuss whether primers can work on walls.
Can Primer Be Used as White Paint?
Before getting into the discussion of skipping paint, it’s important to understand the importance of applying primer before painting and its consequences. The primer looks like white paint, but the purpose of applying it on the walls is to prepare the walls to absorb the paint, to work as an adhesive, and hide blemishes. When painting the wall, you actually paint the porous drywall. When the primer is applied to the drywall, it absorbs it, making the wall smoother. It reduces the wastage of paint getting absorbed into the walls and prevents cracks and damage. Due to its high resin content, it has more sealing power and less absorption.
Pros of Using a Primer as White Paint
- Using primer as white paint will save on the cost of paint and the time spent on painting the wall.
- It is an ideal option for low-budget and a temporary solution for walls.
- Primer is cheaper than paint so that you can save money.
- High-end brands of primer can give a better look compared to basic brands. If affordability is not an issue, go for a high end brand.
- The drying time of the primer(1 hr) is less than the paint(2-4 hrs). This helps you save time.
Cons of Using a Primer as White Paint
- The coating of the primer will deteriorate over a period of time.
- Primer will get easily dirty, and the color may fade over the years.
- The finishing touch is missing. The imperfections of the wall are clearly visible.
- It’s difficult to clean the primed surface to remove dirt.
- To achieve better results, you may have to coat the wall twice or thrice.
- The aesthetic element is missing.
- The maintenance is high in case walls are merely primed without paint.
Things to Consider if You Plan to Apply Primer Without Paint
The Appearance
Primer is available in matte or flat finish used as a base coat, which may extend a different finish compared to the wall paint which has a glossy finish. If you are fine with the primer’s finish, go for it.
Longevity
Primer is not as durable as the paint and can succumb to wear and tear soon, especially if it’s in a high-traffic area.
Quality of Primer
The type and color of the primer has a greater impact on the look. Some primers cover the stains effectively while other varieties require multiple coats for smooth look. Buy paintable primer specially meant for walls or primers labeled as “self-priming”.
Aesthetics
Primer acts as a base for paint, but if you use it in place of white paint, it won’t extend the same aesthetics as paint does. If aesthetics is your priority, merely applying primer may not be suitable.
Budget
The primer costs less than the paint. If you are looking for a temporary solution within the limited budget, this may work well.
Best Primer for Walls
Oil Based Primer
Oil based primers have a stain blocking feature ideal for surfaces with stains. It is also suitable for walls already painted in the past.
- KILZ
- Zinsser
- Sherwin Williams
Water Based Primer
This is a DIY friendly option suitable for most of the interior walls. It is less prone to peeling and cracking and quick to dry.
- KILZ
- Benjamin Moore
- Valspar
Shellac Based Primer
This is an excellent primer for blocking tough stains be it stains from rust or water.
- Zinsser
Mold and Mildew-Blocking Primer
This is a perfect choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas of homes.
- KILZ
- Rust Oleum
- Zinsser
VOC(Volatile Organic Compounds) and Non-VOC Primer
Primer with low volatile organic compounds ensures that the indoor air quality is unaffected.
- Zinsser
- Clare
- PPG paints
Conclusion
Using merely primer as white paint depends on certain factors like budget, expected finishing, and many more, which are discussed above in this article. Before opting for primer as white paint, research the advantages and disadvantages.