Primer can successfully hide stubborn stains.
If you have a painting project underway and there are questions as to whether the walls or ceilings should be primed first, consider these points: If the walls are badly stained, and cleaning products won't remove the stains, using primer would be a good option. If a new drywall project has just been completed, using primer prior to painting is highly recommended. Though it is not necessary to prime walls and ceilings every time a painting project is underway, it is important to consider the conditions in which priming will improve the final result.
Instructions
1. Identify the correct primer you will need for each painting project. Types of primers include oil, latex, and pigmented shellac. What you use will depend on your specific application. The right primer will prevent stains from bleeding through and result in better coverage and a smoother finish.
2. Clean all areas thoroughly before applying primer. If the wall is stained, clean well using gentle stain-remover cleaners. Sand lightly if the wall has been previously painted with oil based paint.
3. A ceiling fan can help ventilate a freshly painted room.
Fill obvious holes, dents, cracks and other imperfections in drywall with joint compound. Sand well and clean surface thoroughly before applying primer.
4. Cover entire floor with drop cloth to protect it from paint spatters. A large piece of plastic or even an old bed sheet can be useful.
5. Tape door and/or floor trim. Using tape to protect door frames, or carpet edges where it meets the trim molding or wall also prevents the primer from staining original paint used on trim. If primer will be used on walls and woodwork, taping is not necessary.
6. Open all windows and doors -- weather permitting -- to allow for comfortable ventilation. If paint project is in a basement, or room without windows, use a ventilator. Position and prepare ladder to be used safely in work area.
7. If applicable, wear latex gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals in the primer prior to mixing and/or applying primer.
8. Cut in with the primer, using a 2- to 3-inch brush. For priming ceilings, use the brush to paint a band around the perimeter of the ceiling. For walls, brush paint along the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling and cut in the corners of the walls. Start from the top of the area to be painted and work your way down.
9. Use a roller and extension handle to prime remaining large areas of the ceiling and walls; overlap the previous band of paint by at least an inch. Use a smaller roller or a paintbrush to fill in small areas.
10. Follow manufacturer's instructions for primer drying time before proceeding to apply paint.
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