Any artist, housepainter, and furniture restorationist needs a dependable primer to make colors brighter, surfaces more even, and top coats adhere better. When you have an existing coat on your surface, you need a primer paint to make sure your color stands out and lasts. To help you find the right primer for your line of work, we’ve reviewed the leading paint brands on the market.
Before charging into the hardware store, it’s helpful to know that there are different primers for various purposes. Common paints include drywall primers, stain-hiding primers, wood primers, and pro-adhesion binders. This last one is best for surfaces that may be naturally slippery like metal or ceramic.
Most primer paints are available in large cans, but there are spray paint containers for small-scale projects. Choose a flat finish for uneven surfaces, and a glossy finish for high shine. Take a look at our lineup for the best primer for you.
Rust-Oleum Flat Primer
Best Overall
The Rust-Oleum primer is the best overall choice for general purposes like masonry, wood painting, ceramic glazing, and house painting. This 32-ounce can is good for up to 120 square feet with a dry time of 30 minutes. It’s ideal for large surfaces areas like walls and wood panels that need to be smoothed out before a top coat, but note that sanding the area beforehand will make this primer more efficient.
Dupli-Color Paint Shop Primer
Best for Cars
Dupli-Color’s primer paint is the best choice for cars. For a quicker project timeline, you don’t need to wait to apply a second coat– simply spray the next one until you’re satisfied with the results. Achieve the best results when used with a clear top coat.
Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer
Best Smooth Finish
Krylon’s ColorMaster paint and primer delivers a smooth finish for professional results. A special formula increases adhesion of the finish coat and reduces dry time to 10 minutes. Each spray can is 12 ounces.
Primer paints make your finished result look more professional, smoother, and clearer. This is especially helpful for previously painted surfaces or damaged products like vintage furniture or vehicles. These paints dry quickly, ensuring a quick turnaround time for various projects. Try a primer paint from our list and discover why this step is necessary for a more-refined outcome.
