That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
Short answer?
It depends.
And that’s not a cop-out, it really does depend on what’s on your wall now and what’s going on top.
Some walls are just fine without primer.
Others absolutely need it.
Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and frustration.
If your walls are already light
and you’re painting them another light, similar shade,
you might be okay skipping primer.
Just make sure the surface is clean and in good condition.
• You’re painting over a dark color
• You’re covering red, bright, or bold paint with something lighter
• The walls have stains, patchwork, or discoloration
• The surface is glossy or slick
• You want consistent color and even sheen
• You want your paint job to last longer
Primer creates a clean, neutral base
so your paint can stick better and show up the way it’s supposed to.
It also improves coverage
which means you’ll use fewer coats and get better results.
Think of it like painting your nails:
Base coat, then color.
Same concept.
Skipping primer can work,
but it often leads to extra coats and uneven results.
And nobody wants that.
That 1 Painter is always happy to take a look
and give you honest, no-pressure advice.
We’ve seen just about every type of wall out there,
and we’ll let you know if primer’s worth it for your project.
So, back to the big question:
Do I need primer before painting my walls?
Not always.
But if you want better coverage, longer-lasting paint, and a more professional finish?
Yes. It’s usually worth it.