Paint jobs are a great way to spruce up the look of your home or business. But before you get started, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. Applying primer is an essential step in any exterior paint job that will ensure the best possible results and keep your investment looking beautiful for years to come. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why using primer for an exterior paint job is so important.
Primer Cover Stains
It’s important to use primer when painting an exterior because it can cover up any stains that may be present. Stains like dirt, oil, grease, and mildew are all much harder to paint over without a primer. If you don’t apply a coat of primer before adding the color or finish coat, these unsightly marks will show through. A good quality primer should even out uneven surfaces as well as hide any wood knots and grainy spots in the surface. It also helps protect against moisture damage by forming a barrier between the substrate and the color coats.
Besides, masonry material such as stucco, concrete, brick & block walls are most susceptible to moisture build-up and can easily deteriorate. However, when you’re using a high quality primer, it can create the perfect layer that prevents moisture from sticking to the masonry for long. As a result, you get a long-lasting paint job for your home’s exterior.
Primer Hides Efflorescence
In addition to covering stains, primers are also an excellent way to hide efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white powdery substance that appears on the exterior of homes due to water seeping through porous materials such as brick and mortar. Primer can be used as a sealant and will prevent moisture from penetrating into the masonry or other surfaces, thus preventing further efflorescence buildup.
Primer should always be applied before painting in order to ensure proper adhesion and coverage of the surface being painted. This ensures that any underlying blemishes, such as those caused by efflorescence, are effectively hidden beneath the paint topcoat. Not only does this make for a better-looking finish overall but it also gives added protection against weathering elements like sun damage and extreme temperatures. The use of primer is essential when doing any sort of exterior paint job because it provides superior color retention compared to paints alone.
Primer Improves Adhesion
Primer is an essential part of a successful exterior paint job. You get a surface that has a smooth base. Also, a primer improves the adhesion of the paint with the surface on which the paint is being applied. Primers are formulated to be either water- or oil-based and contain binders that help them stick to surfaces better than just regular paint can.
When applying a primer, it is essential that a painter must apply multiple coats just to make sure there are no gaps in the area covered. This will ensure that your final coat of paint has good adhesion and won’t peel off down the line. You should also use primer on new wood as this will allow the paint to adhere better over time. In addition, using primer helps seal out moisture which can cause problems with paints down the road if left untreated. All in all, applying primer before painting is one of the most important steps for achieving a quality finish on any exterior project.
Primer Covers Porosity
Using a primer before painting the exterior of your home is also important for covering any porosity in the surface. Porosity occurs when air and moisture become trapped within particles on the wall’s surface, creating tiny gaps or pores that can cause paint to not adhere properly. A coat of primer will fill in these pores, providing an even base for the topcoat to stick onto. This keeps it from bubbling up or peeling off over time due to water seeping into cracks and crevices.
Primer provides additional protection against weathering by adding another layer between the elements and your paint job. It seals out humidity and prevents salts from rising up through porous surfaces which could otherwise corrode metal or wooden fixtures around the house. Ultimately, using a primer ensures that you get longer lasting results with fewer touch-ups down the line – making this seemingly small step worth every penny!
Conclusion
It’s clear that using a primer for an exterior paint job is essential. I can make sure the surface is properly prepared to receive new paint and protect the investment in my property. Primer covers stains, hides efflorescence, improves adhesion and covers porosity so the paint will last longer and look better over time.