Rodrigo Pereira Teixeira | July 10, 2025
Priming might seem like an extra step—but it can make or break your paint job. At Randall’s, we often hear: “Can I skip primer?” The answer? Sometimes yes, but often no. Here’s a full breakdown of when you need primer, when you don’t, and how to make sure your surfaces are ready for beautiful, lasting colour.
1. What is primer and why is it important?
Q: Can’t I just use extra coats of paint instead?
A: Primer isn’t just “paint lite.” It’s a specially formulated base coat designed to:
✔ Seal porous surfaces
✔ Improve paint adhesion
✔ Prevent stains or colour bleed-through
✔ Create an even, consistent finish
Skipping it when it’s needed may lead to uneven colour, peeling, or paint that doesn't last.
2. When do I need to use primer?
Q: What situations absolutely require primer?
A: Use primer if:
✔ You’re painting over bare drywall, wood, or metal
✔ You’re switching from a dark to light colour
✔ There are water stains, smoke damage, or greasy patches
✔ You’ve patched holes or repaired drywall
✔ The existing paint is chalky or glossy
➤ Not sure which primer is right? Contact us for expert advice.
3. When don’t I need primer?
Q: Can I skip it sometimes?
A: Yes, if:
✔ The surface is in excellent condition
✔ You’re painting over a similar or lighter shade
✔ You’re using a paint-and-primer-in-one product
✔ The surface is already properly sealed and clean
But even in these cases, using primer can still improve durability and sheen.
4. What types of primers are there?
Q: Are all primers the same?
A: Not at all. Common types include:
Latex primer: Good for drywall and softwoods
Oil-based primer: Ideal for wood, stains, or glossy surfaces
Stain-blocking primer: Tackles smoke, markers, grease, or water damage
Bonding primer: Great for slick or hard-to-paint surfaces (like tile or laminate)
➤ Browse our paint collections to find compatible primers and finishes.
5. Can primer replace sanding or cleaning?
Q: Is it a shortcut for wall prep?
A: Unfortunately, no. Primer isn’t magic. You still need to:
✔ Clean dirty or greasy walls
✔ Remove flaking paint
✔ Fill and sand holes or cracks
✔ Lightly sand glossy surfaces for better grip
Primer helps paint stick, but only to clean, properly prepped walls.
6. What about paint-and-primer-in-one?
Q: Is it just a marketing gimmick?
A: Not entirely, but it’s best for situations where the surface is:
✔ Already painted
✔ In great condition
✔ Not a dramatic colour change
For tougher surfaces or major colour shifts, separate primer is still the better option.
7. Can I use leftover paint as primer?
Q: Can I save money by using an old can of paint?
A: No. Regular paint lacks the sealing and bonding agents that primers have. Using leftover paint as primer may result in poor adhesion or uneven coverage.
8. How many coats of primer should I use?
Q: Is one coat enough?
A: Typically, yes—one coat of primer does the job. But for:
✔ Stained walls
✔ Dark-to-light colour changes
✔ Highly porous surfaces (like new drywall)
You may need two coats for complete coverage.
9. How long should primer dry before painting?
Q: Can I paint right after priming?
A: Check the label, but most primers dry in 1–4 hours. Humidity and temperature affect drying time—make sure it’s fully dry before applying paint.
➤ Painting soon? Use our Painter Order Form to get everything you need in one go.
10. Can Randall’s help me choose the right primer?
Q: Do you offer personalized advice or consultations?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom or tackling a full home reno, our team helps you choose:
✔ The right primer for your surface
✔ Paint colour and finish
✔ Application tools and techniques
➤ Book a consultation
➤ Contact us with your project details
Bonus: Your One-Stop Shop for Primer and More
At Randall’s, we provide premium primers, top-tier paints, expert advice, and everything in between. Whether you're a DIYer or hiring a pro, we make sure you're ready.
✔ Latex, oil, and bonding primers
✔ Stain-blocking and drywall sealers
✔ Brushes, rollers, tapes, drop cloths
✔ Friendly, local expertise
➤ Browse our collections
➤ Need help choosing supplies? Contact us today