Are you looking for the perfect paint primer for your walls?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:
- What the different types of primers are
- What to look for in a primer
- Supplies you'll need for priming your walls
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use these primers!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best Budget
| Best Budget | KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Oil-Based Primer/Sealer
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer
|
| View on Amazon |
| Blocks heavy interior stains
| Blocks heavy interior stains | KILZ Odorless Interior Oil-Based Primer Sealer
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| Rust-Oleum Mold Killing Primer Quart
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 22, 2023
Our top choice has to be the renowned and epic Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer.
This primer is one of my absolute favorites because it works on pretty much any project out there.
Not only is this stuff incredibly adhesive, but it allows you to minimize sanding and still get that glorious topcoat you're going for.
Plus, it's a latex primer so it's easy to clean, easy to dispose of, and easy to use with any paint job and paint color you want.
Top 5 Best Primers For Walls
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 primers for walls! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
What Are The Different Types of Primers To Choose From?
While there are several different types of primers out there, these are the main ones:
- Latex-based primers
- Mold-resistant primers
- Stain-blocking primers
- Shellac primers
- Tinted primers
- Paint and Primer-In-One
While all of these primers are excellent and will do the job of preparing your surface to accept paint, the type that you decide to use depends on what you're hoping to use primer for.
Every paint job is different and requires a different approach.
So, when dealing with walls specifically, there are a few things to consider before you decide on a primer.
For example, if you're working with new drywall, you'll probably be fine going with a simple latex primer.
However, if you're trying to cover up some wood paneling or another, more textured wall surface, you might want to go with something oil-based or more adhesion focused.
That's how you're going to get the best topcoat finish from your paint job.
So, before you get started, make sure you choose the right primer (and a quality primer) for your particular job.
Read More >> What Are The Best Primers To Cover Dark Paint?
What Should You Look For In Paint Primer For Walls?
So now you might be wondering:
What - specifically - should you be looking for in a high-quality primer for your walls?
Well, before you decide on a primer, ask yourself these questions:
- What does the wall I'm painting currently need? (Is there mold, mildew, or existing paint to cover?)
- What type of paint am I using? (Old paint, new paint, oil-based, latex?)
- Are there stains or existing paint colors to cover? (Are you covering smoke stains, water stains, or dark paint?)
When you answer these 3 questions, it's going to make it much easier to find the exact right primer for your paint job.
For instance, if you need to cover some stains and kill some mold, you'll want to choose something like #5 on this list to kill off that growth and block out the stains so they don't show up on your topcoat.
However, if you're working with some fresh drywall, you can probably save your cash and go with #1 or #2 on this list and still get an amazing paint job out of it.
Read More >> How Do You Get Primer Off Your Hands?
Supplies You'll Need For Priming Walls
Before you get started priming your walls, there are a few supplies you'll want to gather before you lay down that first layer of primer.
Luckily, you might have a few of these things on hand already, and if you don't they're all fairly inexpensive as well.
- Drop cloths - these are absolutely essential to avoid paint splatter
- Extension pole - this is almost guaranteed to come in handy
- Paint tray - this will come in handy, especially if you don't use a powered paint roller
- Painter's tape - always make sure to use tape to make it easier to cut in without making messes
- Sandpaper - some primers work much better when sanded down before adding paint
Now that you've got a good idea of what you'll need to get started, let's talk about the best paint primer for walls!
Our Reviews Of The Top Primers For Walls
Our top choice is still the epic and multi-purpose Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer because this epic primer is going to minimize any re-painting you need to do while creating a pristine topcoat for whatever paint color you choose.
It's a high bonding primer with a highly affordable price point so if you're an avid DIY fan and you want a primer that works for both exterior paints and interior paints this is a great choice.
This is truly one of the best primers to minimize the number of coats of paint you'll need on your walls while still getting an amazing finish.
Pros
Cons
Plus, it works with all types of paint and it helps block out odors from pets and smoke as well.
So, if you're looking for a cheap primer that can block stains and dark colors, this is your best bet!
Pros
Cons
Our high-end primer option is the amazing KILZ Adhesion High Bonding Interior/Exterior Primer.
This latex primer is amazing for all sorts of surfaces, including glazed brick, vinyl paneling, and much more.
So, if you have a living room with multiple surfaces and textures to paint, this stuff is a great choice due to its versatility and adhesive qualities.
It's also very fast drying and doesn't necessarily need to be sanded in between coats to get the best results on your paint job.
Plus, if you're working with old paint, shellac, lacquers, or other types of paint on your walls, this stuff will also work with those.
Pros
Cons
This amazing primer is something I wish I'd known about years ago because it's odorless!
That's right, it's an amazing low-VOC primer that won't stink up your entire living room when you're done laying down a coat.
If you use this along with a latex paint that is also low-VOC, you might not have to deal with that horrid "fresh paint" smell that can permeate a room for days and weeks after the paint job is done.
Not only that, but it can also cover stains (even tough ones like crayon) and seal in odors so you'll get a fully fresh top coat when you're done painting and you won't have to worry about any stains peeking through.
Plus, since it's specifically made for interior walls, it's great for painting bedrooms, bathrooms, or other cramped spaces where you don't want to deal with a lingering smell.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: Rust-Oleum Mold Killing Primer Quart
If you're looking specifically for a mold killing primer, this is the one for you!
If you want a primer that can kill off mold and mildew on your walls, this primer can do just that without any obnoxious scrubbing or cleaning.
You can paint this primer right on top of existing mold and mildew and this primer will kill it off and prepare your surface for paint adhesion.
It's also a high bonding primer for porous surfaces like concrete (however, it's only advised to use it to kill mold on non-porous surfaces for full efficacy).
This primer works with pretty much any type of topcoat and it's also very fast-drying so you won't be waiting all day to reapply a coat of paint.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Choice: Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
Our top choice is still the amazing Bulls Eye primer.
It's truly one of the best primers out there on the market because it works as an amazing interior primer for new drywall and it's fast drying.
Plus, if you want to use it as an exterior primer for exterior surfaces, it'll still get the job done!
Not only that, but it's also such a great value for the money. Find it at the lowest price on Amazon now!
Final Thoughts On Choosing A Good Paint Primer
Now that we've gone over all the different types of paint primers out there, this guide should help you determine which primer to use for your next paint project.
Ultimately, choosing the right primer for the paint you plan to use, as well as the type of surface you're working with is going to yield the best results for your paint job.
As always, happy painting!
Meet Your Pro Paint Corner Author
Madison Rude
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