What is primer paint is one of the most frequently asked questions by anyone doing any kind of painting work. Whether it’s for a home renovation or a new construction project, when it comes to painting, primer is an essential part of the process. But what exactly is primer paint, and why is it so important? 

In this article prepared by Baumerk, construction chemicals specialist, we will answer the question of what is primer paint and explain its purpose and benefits in detail. After reading our article, you will easily learn how the primer paint you need for your building projects should be used and what its importance is in buildings.

You can also find all the information you need about paint in buildings by reading our content titled What Is the Difference Between Interior and Exterior Paint?

What is Primer Paint?

The first step in any painting project is to prepare the surface to be painted. This includes cleaning, sanding, and filling cracks and gaps. However, despite all these preparations, there may be cases where the paint does not adhere to the surface as desired or does not look smooth. This is exactly where primer paint comes into play.

The answer to the question of what is primer paint, in the simplest way, can be given as a type of paint applied before the topcoat paint. Its main purpose is to create a smooth, even surface for the topcoat to adhere to and to improve the overall appearance of the surface. Although primer paint is usually applied to new or previously unpainted surfaces, it is also used on repaired or sanded surfaces.

Primer paint is formulated differently from regular paint. It is typically thicker and contains more solids that help fill in small imperfections in the surface and provide a better base for the topcoat. Primer paints also contain special pigments and resins that help seal and protect the surface, making it more resistant to moisture and mold.

What Does Primer Paint Do?

We have answered the question, what is primer paint, but what does it do? Primer paint serves various purposes in the painting process. Let’s take a look at them together:

• First, it helps to create a smooth surface for the topcoat to adhere to, which means the paint will look better and last longer. 
• Secondly, the primer paint helps seal and protect the surface, making it more resistant to moisture and mold. 
• Primer paint can be used to change the color or texture of the surface to help the final paint color look better. 
• Primer paint helps to ensure an even layer of paint, so you don’t end up with uneven patches. 
• It fills cracks or crevices so that the main coat of color has a super smooth surface. 
• The primer paint also seals the surface and helps to protect it from moisture penetration or rust. 
• The primer paint provides a stronger adhesion base than regular paint, making it an essential tool to use when working on materials such as metal surfaces and concrete.

What are the Types of Primer Paint?

Once you know the answer to the question of what is primer paint, another important point to know is what the types are. There are several different types of primer paint, each designed for specific surfaces and applications. Here are some of the most common types:

• Oil-based primer: A good choice for particularly porous surfaces such as wood or concrete. It also works best on metal surfaces such as pipes or vents, helping to protect additional thicknesses against corrosion.
• Latex primer: Also a good choice for relatively smooth surfaces such as drywall or metal. Due to its fast-drying properties, it is also ideal for drywall surfaces such as walls or ceilings. 
• Epoxy primer: This type of primer is best for surfaces that will be subjected to heavy wear and tear, such as garage floors or industrial machinery. For example, Epoxy Based, Two Component, Solvent Free Primer with Fillers – EPOX PR 200 offers the safest solution for your applications. 
• Conversion Primer: It is applied as a primer paint in transition applications from solvent-based paint to water-based paint. It should be used as a conversion primer in case of color difference between the new paint to be applied and the old painted surface.

Why is a Conversion Primer Essential?

One of the most important types of primer paint is conversion primer. This type of primer paint is specially formulated to convert surfaces previously painted with oil-based paint to absorb water-based paint.

Conversion primer is very important for construction projects because oil-based paint and water-based paint cannot be used on each other without proper preparation. If you try to paint over oil-based paint with water-based paint, the paint will not adhere properly, peeling and eventually flaking off.

This is exactly why using a conversion primer paint is the most effective way to ensure that the surface is ready for a new coat of paint. It works by forming a chemical bond with the oil-based paint, effectively neutralizing it and allowing the water-based paint to adhere properly.

For example, Prime-In W Transition Primer – PRIME-IN W in the Baumerk product catalog offers the best solution to the quality needed as an acrylic interior primer used in the transition from solvent-based paint to water-based paint on interior plastered surfaces and/or surfaces where color transitions will occur. 

Using a conversion primer is also important for safety. Oil-based paint can emit harmful fumes, and it is important to ensure that the surface is properly prepared before painting to reduce the risk of exposure.

All in all, conversion primer is an important step in any painting project. Whether you are doing small touch-ups around your home or embarking on a full-scale renovation project, you can be sure that using this useful product will make all the difference in achieving superior results with long-lasting effects!

We have come to the end of our article in which we list what it does and its types while answering the question of what is primer paint. You can have the aesthetics and durability you need in your building projects by paying attention to the points we have mentioned in our article. We should also mention that you can easily find the solution you need by browsing the construction chemicals and paint & coating products in the Baumerk product catalog. You can contact Baumerk for all your needs in your construction projects.