A primer question

12 years ago

I'm painting our small livingroom. I used alcohol on a cotton ball to test the existing paint. It "melted" so I'm sure it's latex, right?

I've thoroughly cleaned the walls with Dirtex, followed by another cleaning with hot, clear water. It's been 10 days since I cleaned so they are bone dry.

It's been at least 10 years since the walls were painted an off-white color. I want to prime them before putting the new color on. DH thinks priming is not necessary.

Would it improve the paint job to prime first?

Could it in any way harm the final paint finish to use primer on all ready painted walls?

I'm using satin finish latex in sage green for the new color. I'm painting over ivory paint in what I think is a satin finish.

I have two gallons of primer; I do not mind any extra work. I want the walls to sing when I'm finished with them.

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

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Comment (1)

paintguy22
12 years ago
A primer plus two finish coats is always the best system to use. I think this is especially true for homeowner painting because usually homeowners just don't apply enough paint. If you use a primer, the finish paint will go on much nicer because the surface is totally sealed. I generally do not prime walls I am double coating with a washable paint because I don't feel that the customer is getting the best bang for their buck this way. In other words, if I used a primer or not, the average person is probably not going to notice. If it were my house, I'd prime and apply two coats.
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