We all know that primers play a very important role in painting walls. However, there are still some cases in which we can avoid primer by buying all-in-one paint that provides the qualities of a primer within. But, have you ever tried to paint your new or repaired drywall without a primer? Believe me, it creates a mess like nothing else. It is a total waste of money, paint, time, and whatnot. Drywall is expert at absorbing paint and so in return if you apply it without primer it does not even let the paint show color.
Due to all reasons, I explained above, it seems necessary to even the drywall by using a primer before painting it. To your surprise, buying a primer is not that easy. There are multiple frauds in the market who are selling something weird in the name of primer. However, you need not to worry as I am here with the sole purpose of providing you with a list of the best paint primers for drywall. So, let us not waste any more time here, and delve into the list so you can select the right primer for your drywall painting project.
This product is utilizable on the interior as well as exterior drywalls
Environmental friendly as it is water-based
It has special qualities of stainers
Has a great coverage
Can be used on the drywall as well as other surfaces including brick, drywall, stucco, wood, plaster, and masonry.
Hides previous colors
Dries for the recoat in just 30 minutes
Have great adhesion properties that keep it intact with paint and wall at the same time.
Easy application
Gives smooth finish
Not gonna lie, this primer by Kilz is my go-to product for every drywall painting job. I was confused about which primer should be the first product on the list of best paint primers for drywall. However, after comparison with other products, Kilz proved to be the best of the bests with amazing qualities. I found this product quite late, I was not a beginner then. So as a DIY enthusiast and a professional painter, I am suggesting this amazing primer and I assure you that it will make your life a lot easier.
This Kilz primer has a reputable following over the internet as well. Of course, with its effective sealing of the porous surfaces and adhesion properties to the wall and paint, who would not love this primer? A little good news is that this Kilz 20002 Qt primer is also utilized as a stainer, which means you can hide the interior wall-stains with this primer quite nicely. Another good point here is that this drywall primer can be used on other surfaces as well, including brick, drywall, stucco, wood, plaster, and masonry.
Moreover, this product comes with amazing coverage qualities that outclass every other brand’s primer. Additionally, it works perfectly with all kinds of paints and dries off real quick. It requires only about 30 minutes to get ready for the recoat. Sometimes drying time can be a little more because of the temperature and humidity. One thing, I think could have been better is the staining properties of this primer as it is not so perfect in hiding darker stains.
Can be used on a number of surfaces like drywall, glazed brick, glossy tile galvanized metal, fiberglass, and PVC
¾ -inch nap roller is recommendable for best results
Can bear temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit
Dries for recoat in about 3 to 4 hours.
Easy cleanup with soap and water
Emits less Volatile organic compounds
Cover up to 100 square feet in 1 quartz
Whenever I look at this primer I get flashbacks from the time when I was a beginner and used direct paint on the drywall and I still get shivers from what results I received. At that time, one of my closest friends suggested to me this Primer from INSL-X. I used it back then and I am still a fan of this product. INSL-X SXA11009A-04 proves to be worthy of being included in the list of the best paint primers for drywalls because of its high quality and features.
This primer is mainly famous for its versatility as it can be used for any type of topcoat whether it is oil-based paint, water-based paint, or even enamel. Furthermore, it is a water-based primer with amazing coverage qualities. Good coverage is the quality that you will see in every product on this list because there is no compromise on that. Moreover, INSL-X Stix is an acrylic urethane primer with special adhesion properties and resistance against moisture and abrasion.
Further, This primer is made to survive extreme weather; it can bear temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. One thing to be noted here is that this primer takes a significant time to dry, about 3-4 hours. However, as the results are amazing with a smooth and even finish, who cannot wait for 4 hours? Due to being a waterborne product, it is extremely low on Volatile organic compounds. If you are a beginner this product is perfect for you as it also comes with a special instruction manual.
Pros:
Comes with an instructional manual
Since it is water based, it emits low Volatile organic compounds
Good coverage, as it covers up to 450 square feet in just one gallon
Perfect for commercial use
It is a water-based formula and hence has extremely low VOCs, so is an environmentally friendly primer.
Comes in gray color which ensures better staining
Amazing adhesion to the surfaces that repel easy adhesions
Versatile in nature
Saves the walls from harsh weather conditions
Sealing abilities
Dries in just 30 minutes and get ready to recoat in just 1 hour
Provides a uniform gloss finish
The temperature range is from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Acrylic Copolymer
Comes with an instruction manual
Whether it is spray paint, simple paint, or primer, Rust-oleum never disappoints. It is leading in every field and we all are the witnesses. I recently came across this product and it amazed me with the features and its quality. This product is the best paint primer for drywall in commercial use. This primer fulfills all your needs precisely without leaving a single point of doubt. The best thing about this product is its adhesion properties even for the surfaces that do not let paint stick to it.
Most of the primer comes in white color. They are effective but not as gray ones. This primer by Rust-Oleum Zinsser is of gray color hence it has excellent quality of hiding the darkest stains behind its color. This results in a great finish of top coating paint. This primer lasts for years to come hence there is no money wastage on frequent recoating and retouching of paints and primers. This product ensures that the money we spent on it, does not go to waste by giving out amazing results in return.
Furthermore, It is versatile in nature and can be used on multiple surfaces like Metal, Plaster, Concrete, Tile, Glass, Gloss Enamels, and many others. In addition, this primer is a great option to save your exterior walls from harsh weather conditions. Not only this but also it seals the walls properly without a time-consuming sanding process. It dries to touch in just 30 minutes while getting ready to be recoated in just 1 hour. One thing that can be improved is the thickness of this primer, as it is very thin and can be difficult to manage by beginners.
Can be used on the exterior as well as interior surfaces
Comes with a gloss finish
Leaves the wall with a smooth outlook
Exceptional adhesion properties
It is an oil-based primer
Contains VOCs so can be harmful to people having respiratory disorders
Great coverage of approximately 300 square feet per gallon
Good staining properties
Dries to touch in just 30 minutes and to recoat in 1 hour
Requires no sanding
Good sealing properties
Bonds to tough-to-paint surfaces including Kynar, PVC, Formica, vinyl, glass, tile, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass, and metals.
The topcoat can be done with oil-based or latex paint only
This primer by Kilz has proven to be the best paint primer for drywalls, especially for those that are hard to paint. It has got ultimate adhesion properties that keep the paint topcoat intact without peeling. Kilz L211104 has heavy-duty qualities so it is attached to the surface like no other primer and keeps it safe from all types of weather and harsh environments for a longer period. It leaves the wall untorn and smooth for years.
This Kilz primer is really easy to apply, as it usually does not require any sanding and can be applied directly on the wall. This saves you much time for decorating it as well. I love the finish this primer leaves once the whole procedure is done. It leaves no bumps on the wall and provides consistent coverage over the whole wall without leaving patches of dark color in some places. It also has got fast drying periods which saves you even more time. It only takes 30 minutes to dry to touch and just 1 hour for the application of the next coat.
Moreover, this product is well suited for hiding stains even though it does not specialize in it. Kilz L211104 works perfectly to hide the deep stains as well. However, there are some backdrops of this product as well. Firstly, the quality of this primer is well reflected in the price of this product but it can be covered by the great coverage of this primer. It can be applied to the double surface area as compared to other competitive products. Secondly, this product is not low VOCs based. Hence, it emits some harmful chemicals during the application and drying process. This can also be solved by using masks and keeping the area ventilated where the primer is being applied.
Great amazing coverage of 400 square feet in just 1 gallon
One coat is enough to give the best finish
Amazing staining capabilities
Comes in amazing different colors including, tundra frost and white
Available in 2 finishes, namely, Matte and semi-gloss
Low on Volatile Organic Compounds
Water-based formula
Great adhesion properties
Easy cleaning allows walls to be washed
Low odor
Available in Flat, Eggshell, and Semi-Gloss
Excellent Scrubbability
Requires no such preparations before painting
Dries in longer time periods
The perfect option to save time and energy
Glidden is another emerging brand when it comes to the best paint primer for drywall. This product is actually a paint + primer. I usually do not trust such paints which claim that they do not require the primer especially when it is drywall. However, when I used this 2-in-1 paint + primer, my opinion totally changed. This product from Glidden worked really well on drywalls. Of course, it did not last as long as the paints under which a separate primer coat is done but it surely is a great option to reduce the application time, energy as well as money.
Moreover, this paint and primer of Glidden require only 1 coat. So this is the big news for the DIY folks. When I used this product I applied the single layer on almost all articles and it worked really well as if I did a triple coat. It gives a smooth as well as professional finish to your articles with just a single coat, how unbelievable. Due to the thick formula, it has got a great coverage as compared to other products that require double or triple coats. However, one thing this product lacks is that it can only be applied on interior surfaces. This primer does not have the special qualities of protecting the surface against the harsh environment.
Furthermore, this Glidden interior primer is best at hiding the stains. It does not require more coats to hide darker stains and gets the job done in just one layer. Additionally, Gliden interior primer resists the spillage and waste of paint because of its thick formula. Moreover, it is really easy to clean as well. One great thing this product offers is a low VOCs compound which does not put our health and safety in danger. Last but not the least, this product is available in multiple colors, so you can select it according to your requirements.
Pros:
It is a 2-in-1 primer + paint technology
Low VOCs mean less odor and fewer harmful chemicals
Can be used on other surfaces as well like bricks, ceramic, glossy surfaces, shiny surfaces, and marbles.
Amazing coverage qualities
Special staining features within this primer
Seals your surface as well
Low odor
Comes in white color only
Can be used on interior walls only
Mildew resistant nature
Applies easily with a brush, roller, or spraying system
No run formula won’t drip down walls
Dries clear with slight residual tack,
Amazing adhesion
This Roman primer is considered the best paint primer for drywalls, especially for those that have been torn out and require serious touch-ups. This primer has the smoothest finish that evens up the whole wall leaving no bumps and marks. This primer works perfectly for any kind of paint topcoat, whether it is oil-based, water-based, enamel, or even just wallpapers. So if you really want to heal your damaged drywalls then hang in a little bit more.
Roman Rx-35 has special bond-creating qualities that provide adhesion which holds the paint and primer to the wall for longer periods as compared to the ordinary primers. Moreover, this primer features all-in-one qualities as it also seals the porous walls for the plain surfaces to be painted on. However, there is one thing that kept me away from this product. All my jobs are almost for the exterior articles related but this primer by Roman is designed to be used on the interior walls only. To your surprise, this primer can be used on, other than drywall surfaces as well, including bricks, ceramic, glossy surfaces, shiny surfaces, and marbles. The one thing that I loved when I used this product was its VOCs less composition. As this primer is water-based hence it is extremely low on chemicals, hence it provides no harm to your body and health. Other than that, the time it takes to dry off is very fast, saving your precious time as well as money. I forgot to mention the amazing coverage this primer comes with. Only half of a gallon is enough to coat 1500 square feet, so only one gallon of this product will last longer than all competitors.
Low odor which makes it best for people with respiratory problems and allergies
Comes in an amazing metallic finish
Usable not only on interior surfaces but also on exterior articles
Amazing staining and sealing properties
Covers up to 100 square feet in one gallon
Protects the surface from harsh environments
Amazing adhesion properties
Dries easily in minimum time
Easy cleaning, all thanks to the water-based formula
The easy application process for beginner DIY painters.
Modern Masters has such a big name in the market when it comes to the best paint primers for drywalls. We are almost at the end of our listing for top primers hence it is time for you to get familiar with this amazing primer that is an excellent choice for a number of surfaces including metal surfaces, wood, wall coverings, and much more. In 2017, this brand tied knots with Rust-Oleum to manufacture the amazing high-quality paints and I am sure all of you here know how good products Rust-Oleum produces whether it is a primer or paint.
Modern Masters AM203 is great for interior as well as exterior walls, so now you do not have to worry about getting another gallon for exterior articles jobs. Moreover, this primer is made of a water-based formula which ensures health safety during application. It contains from low to almost zero Volatile organic compounds. Other than that due to its low VOC composition, this primer emits low odor fumes, this feature makes it the best choice for people with respiratory issues and allergies. One good news for beginner DIY workers is that it is extremely easy to apply with no extra technicalities which saves your energy and time.
Mostly all primers take about 1 hour for recoat or even more but AM203 gives the chance to recoat in just 30 minutes. Additionally, it covers 320 square feet in one gallon which is quite impressive for this primer. The smooth finish and high quality of this primer allow it to be as long-lasting as possible. One thing that might be a drawback of this primer for many people is its price. Though the coverage and quality speak for the overcharge by Modern Masters, still this price is not affordable for the common people.
Can be used on exterior surfaces as well as interior surfaces.
Easy to clean primer
Special staining properties that hide the stains from all the surfaces in no time
100% sealing abilities on different surfaces like galvanized metal, bare wood, and glossy surfaces.
Amazing coverage of 300-400 square feet in just one gallon
Temperature specifications are 10 degrees celsius to 32 degrees celsius
Dries to touch in just 30 minutes and 1 hour to recoat
An excellent base coat for both latex and oil-based finish coatings.
Mildew resistant
Protects surface from cracking
Ensure proper protection against moisture and high temperatures.
This primer from INSL-X is the last on our list of the best paint primers for drywalls. Our list was incomplete without this primer. I used this primer back in 2017 and fell in love with it right away. This product has everything one loves to see in the primer. Keep reading and you will love this product too by the end of this review. The thing I try to find in every primer is multiple color options. Believe me, It is extremely hard to locate such primers but to your surprise, this INSL-X AQ040009A-01 comes in two amazing colors that are different from ordinary.
This primer by INSL-X is extremely versatile as it can be used on multiple surfaces other than drywalls as well. It includes galvanized metal, bare wood, and glossy surfaces. Moreover, this primer has special properties of 100% sealing all the surfaces it is applied on. You do not need to use sealer separately when you are using INSL-X. Another thing that provides proof of its versatility is its ability to be used on the interior as well as exterior surfaces. So say no to separate primer for exterior walls.
Furthermore, not only seals but also works as an amazing stainer. This hides all the bad stains on walls whether it is of oil or something else. It will hide all the secrets of your walls perfectly. Not just that, this primer has proved to be the best option for oil-based paints and latex paints as the topcoat. Other than that, the amazing fast-drying capability of this primer let it dry out in just 30 minutes and 1 hour for the recoat. As this primer is made up of acrylic-based formula it contains low volatile organic compounds. It is really hard to find the drawbacks of this product by INSL-X. The only thing I found a little difficult was the preparation of the wall before priming like sanding and other kinds of stuff. This is the step required by almost all primers.
Pros:
Amazing coverage
Comes in 2 colors and 2 finishes
Low Volatile organic compounds
Mild-dew and mold resistant
Long-lasting formula
Cons:
Packaging can be improved to ensure the best customer experience
The smallest and most accurate answer to this question is always. Drywalls are extremely uneven with a lot of holes on their surface which does not allow the paint to give the best finish if used without a primer coat. The porous structure of the drywall makes it necessary to apply the primer and prepare the wall for the painting to remove any dust or debris for amazing results.
Primer is a lifesaver when it comes to saving your drywall from mold, water, and stains. Not only this, but the main purpose of using the primer on drywall is to get the best finish of the topcoat paint. Due to the uneven structure and surface of the drywall, it becomes impossible to paint them without using a primer. Although all the items in the above list of the best paint primer for drywalls are best in one way or another, it still requires special consideration depending on many factors.
So to guide you better and tell you what are some things that you must look for before buying any primer, I have written this buying guide for you. Reading the product’s review is important but reading a well-written buying guide is an even more crucial task. So sit tight and hold back a little and dive into the buying guide without wasting any more time.
1- Type Of The Primer:
The first thing, I repeat, the first thing you must check out is what kind or type of primer you want. Depending on the surface and other factors it will suit your different types. Essentially there are three types of primer, I-e
Water-based primers
Shellac-based primers
Oil-based primers
Water-Based Primers:
Starting with the water-based primers. We all know water-based solutions whether it is a primer or paint are lifesaver for indoor projects. This is because of the low or even no Volatile Organic Compounds composition. Water-based primers hold a special place in the heart of every painter just because of their quality of having the least chemicals and no odor formula. It does not emit any fumes or whatever and does not harm you in any way. So they are well suited for indoor surfaces where you are in touch with the walls more frequently as compared to the outdoor painted walls.
However, one thing I noted over the years is that water-based primers are not good for the cedarwood and do not do justice to that type of surface. Other than that, it combines best with latex and oil-based paints. Moreover, I forgot to mention that water-based solutions are the easiest to wash off and clean. Hence save your worry about how to clean it.
Shellac-based Primers:
If we talk about the shellac-based primers it would not be wrong to denote it with a nick of stain-blocker. This type of primer is basically used when you have to hide the discoloration or watermarks on your walls. These types of primers are heavy-duty and high-quality, although they do not emit any harmful fumes, they still have a significant amount of volatile organic compounds in them. So in my opinion wearing a mask and keeping the air ventilated where shellac primers are being used is necessary.
I never used a shellac primer on the exterior surface however reading some reviews I came to know that it does not perform so well when applied on the outdoor surface. However, it pairs best with the oil-based and latex paint for the topcoat.
Oil-Based Primers:
Oil-based primers have the solution to literally all our problems but the drawback is their harmful composition of different chemicals. It emits harmful fumes, with odorous gas and has a great amount of VOCs in it. So this makes it necessary to take all the precautionary measures while applying this primer. Now talking about the good things about oil-based primers, I must state that they work perfectly well on wooden and metal surfaces along with the drywalls. They cover the walls like no other product and prepare it for the topcoat of paint beautifully. However, oil based primers take a longer time to dry off.
2- Staining qualities:
I do not know about you, but it is extremely important for me to hide the ugly stains on the walls before painting them so that I can get the most beautiful and fine finish . There are a lot of products that are now present that are best for hiding the stains. Make sure to select the product according to your needs. Buying an expensive primer just for staining reasons is not something that I will suggest but make sure to stay within your budget and look for the best option available in the market in that range. Never spread your legs more than what you can afford, take this as advice.
3- Moisture And Mold Resistance:
Just think of an answer to a question, why do we even use a primer?. I can guarantee 90% of you would have thought of leveling the wall to make it even. But my thoughts are slightly different. I am not denying the fact that we use a primer for preparing the wall to be painted but it is also a foremost task of the primer to protect your wall from not only moisture but mold and mildew as well. Especially if we use a primer on kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets we need this water-resistant property the most.
4- Adhesive Properties:
Who wants his or her wall to have a peeled surface only after a few months of the paint? If you are one of the people who want your paint to last for as long as you live, although that is not possible, what’s the harm in trying? It is necessary for your primer to have the best adhesive properties so that it can bind the paint topcoat well and does not allow peeling and chipping. This property will ensure the longevity of the walls’ paint. So you must find the primer with excellent adhesive properties, there is no other option.
5- Time It Takes To Dry:
This is another important thing that needs to be checked before buying the best paint primer for drywall. As oil-based primers take a longer time to dry off, it might not be feasible for you to buy them in some circumstances. For instance, if you want to paint a wall in an emergency never go for the oil-based primer as it will take ages to dry and will ruin your wall if you paint on wet primer.
6- Low In Chemicals I-e ( Volatile Organic Compounds)
This might seem an insignificant thing to you but it is of great importance. As a painter, I have seen and heard of many fellow DIY painters who got lung issues and even lung cancer just because of being exposed to paints or primers containing high content of chemicals in it. During the application process, the primer emits harmful fumes hence buying and selecting the paint and primer with less Volatile organic compounds. If it is not possible to get the low VOC-based primer, make sure to take the proper safety measures to avoid any health issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Answer: The drywall primer basically is applied below the paint and it hides and covers the holes of uneven new porous drywall to ensure a plain and good finish. It also protects the surface from moisture and mildew. Other than that, it allows us to get the best finish while using the least amount of paint with fewer coats.
Answer: This basically depends on the surface and the type and the quality of the primer. Most of the primers perform well with even a single coat of it to level the surface and fill out the holes in the drywall. However, some even required 2 to 3 coats.
Answer: Again, it totally depends on the type of primer as well as the surface where you are applying it. For instance, if you are using a water-based primer it will dry off in 30 minutes or even less and allows you to recoat in just an hour. However, the oil-based primers need much more time than that. It can take hours to dry completely. So basically there is no defined time that primer takes to dry.
Answer: It is a long debate, but to answer it shortly, no they are not the same. Drywalls are harder to paint so the drywall primers have special ingredients to cater to that and it is meant for drywalls. However, a simple paint primer is not suitable to be used on drywall.
Conclusions:
In the bird’s eye view, finding the best paint primer for drywall seems like an easy task but it is not. This requires you to consider a lot of things including quality as well as quantity and coverage it gives. As an experienced DIY painter, this article is specially written for the help of professionals and DIY project painters. This list of 9 products comprises of all the best items available on market. You can also go through the buying guide if you face any issues in selecting what features to look for. Best of luck to find your perfect match primer!
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