What Kind of Primer Should I Use Before Painting?

Which Primer Do You Actually Need?

Walking into the paint store can feel a little overwhelming.

You’re just trying to pick up some primer.

But then there’s shellac.
Oil based.
Water based.

Which one do you grab?
What actually works for your walls?

Here’s a simple breakdown.

Shellac primer is strong stuff.

Think of it like a stain blocking superhero.

If you’re dealing with deep-set odors, smoke damage, or stubborn stains that bleed through everything else, shellac is the one.

But it’s not for everyday use.
It’s really only necessary for those extreme situations.

Oil based primer gives you great adhesion.

If you want your top coat to stick like glue, this is a solid option.

Oil based primers are reliable and versatile.
They bond well to a range of surfaces, and you can apply almost any paint on top.

They do take longer to dry, and cleanup isn’t as easy.
But for tricky surfaces, oil is often the way to go.

For everyday projects, water based primer works just fine.

If you’re priming new drywall, covering a patch, or prepping new wood before paint, a standard water based primer like Kilz All Purpose will get the job done.

You can find it in spray cans or gallons.
Easy to apply.
Quick to dry.

And for most residential paint jobs, it’s exactly what you need.

Quick primer guide:

• Use shellac for stains or strong odors
  
• Use oil based for serious adhesion and flexible top coats
  
• Use water based for standard drywall and wood priming
  

One small choice, but it makes a big difference in how your paint goes on
and how long it lasts.