10 Best Primer For New Drywall (2024 Update)

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If you’re looking for a way to prep your new drywall before painting or wallpapering, using a primer is a must. A drywall primer helps to create a barrier between the drywall and the paint, providing a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. However, before buying a primer, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the type of primer you choose will depend on the type of paint you plan to use. If you’re using oil-based paint, then you’ll need an oil-based primer, while latex-based primer works best with latex paint. Secondly, make sure to consider the porosity of the drywall surface – more porous drywall will require a thicker primer. Finally, keep in mind any additional features you may need, such as mold resistance or stain-blocking.

If you’re still unsure about which primer to choose, ask yourself some questions. Do you need a primer that dries quickly? Does the primer need to have low VOCs? Are you looking for a primer that’s easy to clean up? By asking yourself these questions, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect primer to suit your needs.

In conclusion, using a primer is essential when it comes to painting or wallpapering new drywall. Take the time to consider the type of paint you plan to use, the porosity of the drywall surface, and any additional features you may need before buying a primer. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your drywall is protected and provides a smooth and even surface for your finished project.

10 Best Primer For New Drywall

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
It is ideal for priming and sealing surfaces to provide high coverage and stain resistance.
2
This product is ideal for priming surfaces before painting, covering stains, and preventing rust on metal surfaces.
3
Ideal for priming drywall surfaces before painting.
4
This product is ideal for interior use on new construction projects as a primer.
5
Ideal for priming both interior and exterior surfaces before painting, providing excellent adhesion and coverage while blocking stains and odors.
6
This product is ideal for priming interior walls with a PVA formula that promotes adhesion and durability.
7
The product is ideal for priming and sealing interior surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and cabinets before painting.
8
Ideal primer for drywall surfaces that need a flat white finish.
9
Ideal for use as a stain blocking primer and sealer on various surfaces, including wood and metal.
10
It is ideal for priming interior surfaces with low odor and effective sealing properties.
It is ideal for priming and sealing surfaces to provide high coverage and stain resistance.
This product is ideal for priming surfaces before painting, covering stains, and preventing rust on metal surfaces.
Ideal for priming drywall surfaces before painting.
This product is ideal for interior use on new construction projects as a primer.
Ideal for priming both interior and exterior surfaces before painting, providing excellent adhesion and coverage while blocking stains and odors.
This product is ideal for priming interior walls with a PVA formula that promotes adhesion and durability.
The product is ideal for priming and sealing interior surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and cabinets before painting.
Ideal primer for drywall surfaces that need a flat white finish.
Ideal for use as a stain blocking primer and sealer on various surfaces, including wood and metal.
It is ideal for priming interior surfaces with low odor and effective sealing properties.

1. Rust-Oleum 3554 Zinsser High Hide Cover Stain Primer And Sealer, White 32 Fl Oz (Pack Of 1)

This high-quality primer is perfect for both exterior and interior use on a variety of surfaces such as previously painted drywall, cured plaster, wood, metal, concrete and more. It has excellent hiding power that can easily hide dark colors, penetrates and seals exterior wood, and blocks tannin bleed. The primer dries to touch in just 35 minutes and can cover up to 100 square feet of surface. Its excellent stain-blocking properties make it the perfect solution for permanently blocking and sealing tough stains from fire, smoke, and water damage. Its fast-drying, flat white finish can be recoated in just 2 hours, making it an ideal choice for a quick and easy makeover.

Pros

  • Perfect for both exterior and interior use
  • Can be used on a variety of surfaces
  • Excellent hiding power that can easily hide dark colors
  • Dries to touch in just 35 minutes
  • Excellent stain-blocking properties

Cons

  • – None

2. 13 Oz. Bull Eye 1-2-3 Primer Spray Paint [Set Of 6]

This 13 oz aerosol spray is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It is water-based and binds chalky surfaces without requiring power washing. Additionally, it adheres to slick and hard-to-paint surfaces without the need for sanding. This makes it a convenient and efficient solution for various painting projects.

Pros

  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Water-based for easy application and cleaning
  • Binds chalky surfaces without power washing
  • Adheres to slick and hard-to-paint surfaces without sanding

3. Rust-Oleum Corporation 01501 Drywall Primer, 1-Gallon, White

GAL WB Drywall Primer is a high-quality primer manufactured in the United States. It is a water-based formula that is easy to use and clean up with water. This primer is designed to seal new drywall, creating a smooth surface for painting. The product is fast-drying and can be sanded easily. It won't raise the nap on new drywall, ensuring a consistent finish. With just one hour of drying time, you can quickly move on to the next step of your painting project. GAL WB Drywall Primer is an ideal choice for both professional painters and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Pros

  • Fast-drying formula
  • Easy water clean-up
  • Won't raise the nap on new drywall
  • Creates a smooth surface for painting
  • Ideal for sealing new drywall

4. Valspar 11287 New Construction Primer, 5-Gallon, Interior

If you are looking for a paint that is perfect for new drywall, this option is worth considering. It dries quickly, making it a convenient choice for those who want to complete their painting project in a timely manner. It also has high hiding capabilities, so it can effectively cover up imperfections and provide a smooth finish. Furthermore, it has a low odor and low VOC, making it a safer and healthier option for indoor applications.

Pros

  • Fast drying
  • High hiding capabilities
  • Low odor and low VOC, making it a healthier option

5. Kilz 2 All-Purpose Primer, Interior/exterior, 5 Gallon

KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer, Sealer, and Stain-Blocker is a reliable and versatile solution for both residential and commercial painting projects. Trusted by professionals for over 50 years, this best-selling primer is famous for its balance between price and performance. Its advanced formula makes it an efficient primer, sealer, and stain-blocker for most painting jobs. It effectively hides previous colors, blocks light-to-medium stains, and offers strong adhesion to most interior and exterior surfaces, including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal, and properly prepared glossy surfaces.The slightly toned formula of KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer helps to hide marks, stains, and previous colors while providing effective stain-blocking for mild-to-medium stains such as ink, pencil, felt marker, grease, nicotine, and even water stains. It seals porous surfaces, allowing for strong adhesion of new paint and reducing the need for multiple coats. This water-based primer works with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints, making it a versatile choice for any painting project.This 5-gallon pail of KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer covers approximately 1,500-2,000 square feet per gallon, providing superior coverage and reducing the need for multiple cans. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated or topcoated after one hour, allowing for quick and efficient painting projects.KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer, Sealer, and Stain-Blocker is a high-quality product that provides solutions to a wide variety of painting problems. KILZ is consistently ranked as one of the most trustworthy brands in the architectural coatings market, and this primer comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty (see label for details). Trust in the proven performance of KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer for your next painting project.

Pros

  • Reliable and versatile solution for both residential and commercial painting projects
  • Effectively hides previous colors, blocks light-to-medium stains, and offers strong adhesion to most interior and exterior surfaces
  • Slightly toned formula helps to hide marks, stains, and previous colors while providing effective stain-blocking for mild-to-medium stains
  • Seals porous surfaces, allowing for strong adhesion of new paint and reducing the need for multiple coats
  • Works with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints

6. Valspar 11288 Interior Pva Wall Primer, 5-Gallon

This product is designed to seal unpainted drywall and plaster, providing a uniform surface for painting. It can be used with both latex and oil-based paints, making it a versatile choice for any project. By sealing the surface, it helps to ensure that the paint adheres evenly and provides a smooth finish. With its easy-to-use formula, this product is a great choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who want to achieve a flawless paint job.

Pros

  • Seals unpainted drywall and plaster
  • Provides a uniform surface
  • Can be used with both latex and oil-based paints
  • Ensures even paint adhesion and smooth finish
  • Easy-to-use formula

7. Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Oil Primer, 1-Gallon, White

The Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and durable primer. This 1-gallon primer is white in color and is perfect for use on various surfaces, both interior and spot exterior. The product is manufactured in the United States, ensuring its quality and reliability. The shellac-base primer-sealer is designed to provide an exceptional stain-sealing capability that makes it stand out from other primers in the market. It is ideal for sealing pet, smoke, and musty odors, making it a great choice for homeowners with pets or those who have experienced water damage in their homes. The product's unique formula allows it to stick to all surfaces without the need for sanding, making it a convenient option for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Excellent stain-sealing capability
  • Ideal for sealing pet, smoke, and musty odors
  • Convenient to use without sanding

8. Sheetrock Tuff-Hide Flat White Latex-Based Primer For Drywall 5 Gal.

This latex-based coating material is perfect for covering a large area of 500-625 sq. ft. with ease. The container size of 5 gal is perfect for those looking to undertake a large painting project. The product has a quick recoating time of just 90 minutes, making it a convenient option for those who want to complete their project in a timely manner. Additionally, the cleanup process is hassle-free and can be done using just soap and water.

Pros

  • Large coverage area of 500-625 sq. ft.
  • Quick recoating time of 90 minutes
  • Hassle-free cleanup process with soap and water

9. Zinsser 1 Qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/sealer

This versatile paint can be used both indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces including drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal, as well as glossy or difficult surfaces. Its water-based formula creates a uniform seal and can be applied without the need for sanding. The paint dries to the touch in just 35 minutes and can be topcoated in as little as 1 hour. With coverage of up to 112 square feet per quart, this paint provides excellent value for your money. It also offers exceptional stain blocking resistance and can be used with any oil or latex topcoat. The paint's one coat hide feature saves time and money by improving the hide and coverage of topcoats.

Pros

  • Can be used on a variety of surfaces
  • Water-based formula creates a uniform seal without sanding
  • Dries quickly
  • Offers excellent stain blocking resistance
  • One coat hide feature saves time and money

10. Kilz Original Low Odor Primer, Interior, 1 Gallon

KILZ Original Low Odor is an excellent primer, sealer, and stainblocker that is specially formulated to provide powerful stain blocking and superior adhesion with a lower solvent odor than other oil-based primers. This primer features a special solution acrylic that ensures faster odor dissipation to prevent lingering odors. The bright white finish of this primer is non-yellowing and provides superior coverage, making it ideal for use in a variety of settings such as offices, schools, dining areas, and apartments. It can be used on properly prepared interior surfaces, including brick, painted metal, glossy surfaces, drywall, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, and wood. This primer works well with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints. It comes in a 1-quart can and covers approximately 75-100 square feet per gallon. It dries to touch in just 30 minutes and can be recoated or topcoated after one hour. KILZ Original Low Odor is backed by a lifetime limited warranty (see label for details).

Pros

  • Powerful stain blocking and superior adhesion
  • Bright white finish that is non-yellowing
  • Can be used on a variety of surfaces
  • Works well with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints
  • Easy to apply and dries quickly

Cons

  • – Not suitable for use on exterior surfaces

Best Primer For New Drywall FAQs

Are there any specific safety precautions I should take when applying primer to new drywall?

Yes, there are specific safety precautions that you should take when applying primer to new drywall. Firstly, it is important to wear protective gear such as safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask to prevent any inhalation of dust particles or fumes from the primer. It is also recommended to ensure proper ventilation in the room by opening windows and using a fan.

Another safety precaution to consider is to avoid using flammable materials such as cigarettes or lighters around the area, as some primers are highly flammable. Additionally, you should carefully read and follow the instructions on the primer label, as some products may require special handling or preparation before application.

Finally, it is important to keep children and pets away from the area during the application process and until the primer has fully dried. By following these safety precautions, you can ensure a safe and successful primer application to your new drywall.

Can I skip the primer and paint directly on new drywall?

It is not recommended to skip the primer and paint directly on new drywall. Priming is an essential step in the process of painting drywall as it helps to seal the surface, prevent the absorption of paint, and ensure a smooth finish. Without a primer, the paint may not adhere properly to the drywall, leading to a blotchy or uneven finish. Moreover, paint can be absorbed by the drywall, leading to a reduction in the quality of the color and finish.

Furthermore, primer helps to hide any imperfections or joints in the drywall, which can become more visible when painted over. It also helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which are common problems in areas with high humidity.

In conclusion, it is always recommended to use primer before painting drywall to ensure a high-quality finish that is durable and long-lasting. Skipping the primer may save time and money in the short term, but it will likely lead to problems down the line.

Can I use a spray primer on new drywall?

Yes, you can definitely use a spray primer on new drywall. In fact, spray primers are a popular choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike due to their ease of use and quick application. However, it is important to select a primer that is specifically designed for use on drywall, as other types of primer may not adhere properly or provide the necessary level of coverage. Additionally, when using a spray primer on drywall, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and free of any dust or debris before applying the primer. This will help the primer to adhere properly and provide a smooth, even finish. Overall, using a spray primer on new drywall can be a great way to save time and ensure that your walls are properly prepared for painting or other finishes.

How do I prepare the new drywall before applying primer?

Before applying primer on new drywall, it's important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a smooth and even finish. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Clean the surface: Use a dry cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris from the surface of the drywall.

2. Sand the surface: Use a sandpaper with a grit of 120 or higher to sand the surface of the drywall. This will help to remove any bumps or rough spots and create a smooth surface for the primer to adhere to.

3. Fill any holes or gaps: Use a joint compound to fill any holes, gaps or seams in the drywall. Allow it to dry completely before sanding it down to create a smooth surface.

4. Prime the surface: Apply a coat of primer to the drywall using a roller or brush. This will help to seal the surface and provide a good base for the paint to adhere to.

Following these steps will ensure that the drywall is properly prepared for the primer, which will result in a professional-looking finish.

How long should I wait before painting after applying primer on new drywall?

The amount of time you should wait to paint after applying primer on new drywall can vary based on a few factors. Generally, it is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours after applying primer before painting. However, it is important to consider the humidity and temperature of the room. If the room is humid or the temperature is below 50°F, it may take longer for the primer to fully dry. In these cases, it may be necessary to wait up to 48 hours before painting. It is also important to make sure that the primer has fully cured before painting. If the primer is still tacky or soft to the touch, it is not yet ready for paint. Taking the time to properly prepare the drywall by allowing the primer to fully dry will help ensure a smooth and long-lasting paint job.

How many coats of primer should I apply to new drywall?

When it comes to applying primer on new drywall, it's recommended to apply at least one coat of primer. However, some professionals suggest applying two coats of primer for better results. The first coat of primer will help seal the drywall and create a surface that's ready for painting. The second coat of primer will help ensure that the surface is smooth and even.

The number of coats of primer required may also depend on the quality of the drywall and the type of paint being used. If you're using a high-quality paint, one coat of primer may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you're using a cheaper paint, you may need to apply two coats of primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly and looks good. It's also important to note that the type of primer being used can affect the number of coats required. Some brands of primer may require two coats, while others may only require one.

In conclusion, it's best to apply at least one coat of primer on new drywall. However, depending on the quality of the drywall, type of paint, and type of primer being used, you may need to apply two coats of primer for optimal results.

What are the benefits of using a tinted primer for new drywall?

Using a tinted primer for new drywall has several benefits that can make a significant difference in the final look and durability of the finished paint job. Firstly, a tinted primer helps to even out the surface of the drywall by providing a uniform base color. This is particularly important when using light-colored paint, as any imperfections in the drywall can show through the paint. Secondly, a tinted primer provides better adhesion for the paint, ensuring that it adheres more effectively and evenly to the surface of the drywall. This can help to prevent peeling, cracking or chipping of the paint over time. Additionally, a tinted primer can help to reduce the number of coats of paint required, which can save time and money. Finally, using a tinted primer can help to improve the overall appearance of the finished paint job by providing a more uniform and professional-looking finish. Overall, using a tinted primer is a smart choice for anyone looking to achieve a high-quality, long-lasting paint job on new drywall.

What are the different types of primers available for new drywall?

When it comes to new drywall installation, primers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and even finish. There are several types of primers available for new drywall, each with its unique features and benefits.

1. PVA Primer: PVA primer is the most popular type of primer used for new drywall. It is affordable, easy to apply, and dries quickly. PVA primer is ideal for sealing the porous surface of drywall, creating a smooth base for paint application.

2. Drywall Primer: Drywall primer is specially formulated for new drywall installation. It is thicker than regular paint, which helps it fill in any small imperfections or uneven spots on the surface. Drywall primer is also excellent at hiding joint compound and tape lines.

3. High-Build Primer: High-build primer is designed to create a thicker coating on the surface, helping to mask any surface imperfections. This type of primer is ideal for use on rough, uneven, or damaged drywall surfaces.

4. Tinted Primer: Tinted primers are available in various shades, including gray, beige, and green. They are excellent at hiding stains, providing a neutral base for paint application, and reducing the number of paint coats needed.

In conclusion, choosing the right primer for your new drywall depends on the surface condition, the desired finish, and your budget. Always consult your paint supplier or contractor for expert advice on selecting the most suitable primer for your project.

What is a primer for new drywall and why is it necessary?

A primer for new drywall is a type of coating that is applied to the surface of the drywall before painting or wallpapering. It is a necessary step in the process of finishing newly installed drywall as it helps to seal the surface and create a smooth, even base for the paint or wallpaper. Primers also help to hide any imperfections or blemishes on the drywall, such as tape joints or screw holes.

Furthermore, primers for new drywall help to improve the adhesion of the paint or wallpaper to the surface, ensuring that the final finish is more durable and long-lasting. They also help to prevent the paint from soaking into the drywall and improving the overall appearance of the finished product.

In addition, primers for new drywall can also provide a protective layer that helps to prevent moisture and mildew from damaging the drywall, which can be particularly important in areas with high humidity or moisture. Overall, using a primer for new drywall is an important step in the process of creating a high-quality, professional-looking finish for any interior space.

When should I apply primer to new drywall?

When it comes to applying primer to new drywall, timing is crucial. It is recommended that you wait until the drywall is completely dry and sanded before applying primer. This usually takes around 24 to 48 hours depending on the humidity and temperature of the room. Applying primer too soon can result in a poor finish and can cause the drywall to absorb the primer unevenly.

Before applying primer, ensure that the surface is clean and free from dust, debris, and any other contaminants. This allows the primer to bond to the surface better and provide a smooth finish. Additionally, using a high-quality primer can improve the adhesion and durability of the paint, ensuring a long-lasting finish.

In summary, waiting until the new drywall is completely dry and sanded, and ensuring that the surface is clean and free from contaminants are crucial steps to follow before applying primer. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a professional-looking finish and ensure the longevity of your paint job.

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