Understanding Primer: The 5 Types of Primers You Should Know Before Painting

Using a premium bonding primer ensures durability and longevity of the paint finish on this exterior wood siding painting project

When planning a painting project, most people focus on the colour—but skip one of the most important steps for a long-lasting, professional finish: priming. A primer creates a clean, sealed, and bonded surface for paint to adhere to, helping improve coverage, durability, and appearance.

But not all primers are the same. Depending on the surface and conditions, you’ll need the right type of primer to get the best results. In this blog post, we’ll break down the 5 main types of primers, what they’re used for, and when to choose each one.

1. Bonding Primer

Best For: Glossy, slick, or hard-to-coat surfaces (PVC, tile, metal, laminate, pre-finished trim)

Bonding primers are specialty primers designed for maximum adhesion—especially when you’re painting over a surface that regular primers would struggle to stick to. They're a must when you don’t want to (or can’t) sand the surface thoroughly.

Example Products: STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer, Zinsser BONDZ, Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond

Benefits:

• Sticks to slick surfaces

• Great for cabinets, tile, glass, and vinyl

• Low odor and fast drying (usually water-based)

2. Oil-Based Primer

Best For: Bare wood, stain blocking (water damage, smoke, ink), exterior trim

Oil primers are known for their superior stain blocking and sealing power. They penetrate wood grain deeply and work especially well on problematic surfaces where water-based primers may fail.

Example Products: Zinsser Cover Stain, Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Oil

Benefits:

• Blocks stubborn stains and wood tannins

• Excellent for sealing raw wood

• Great for exterior surfaces

Things to Note:

• Strong odor and higher VOCs

• Requires mineral spirits for cleanup

• Slower drying than water-based primers

3. Latex Primer

Best For: Drywall, plaster, masonry, softwoods, previously painted surfaces

Latex primers are water-based, low-odor, and quick-drying, making them a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings. They’re flexible and less brittle than oil primers, which is important for surfaces that expand and contract with temperature or humidity changes.

Example Products: Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Latex, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3

Benefits:

• Easy to apply and clean up

• Fast drying

• Low odor

Limitations:

• Not great for stain blocking or glossy surfaces

4. Multi-Purpose Primer

Best For: A wide range of interior and exterior surfaces when you're not sure which primer to use

As the name suggests, multi-purpose primers are made to handle various surfaces moderately well. While they may not be the “best” at any one thing, they’re a great choice for general residential painting projects.

Example Products: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Benjamin Moore Multi-Purpose Primer

Benefits:

• Versatile (use on drywall, wood, masonry, and more)

• Saves time and guesswork

• Compatible with most topcoats

5. PVA Primer

Best For: New drywall or ceilings (interior only)

PVA (polyvinyl acetate) primer is a budget-friendly option specifically for sealing new drywall. It soaks into the paper and joint compound, creating an even surface that reduces paint absorption.

Example Products: Glidden PVA, Behr Drywall Primer, Sherwin-Williams Builders Solution

Benefits:

• Seals porous drywall quickly and cheaply

• Helps reduce topcoat consumption

• Perfect for ceilings or builder-grade repaints

Limitations:

• Not for wood, metal, or glossy surfaces

• Doesn’t block stains

🖌️ Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Primer for the Job

The right primer sets the stage for a smooth, durable, and beautiful paint job. Whether you're painting your home's interior walls, staining over water damage, or refinishing kitchen cabinets, choosing the right type of primer makes all the difference.

At Emerald Professional Painters, we take the guesswork out of choosing the right products. Our experienced painting crews know exactly which primers to use for every surface—ensuring a flawless finish that lasts.

📞 Ready to start your next painting project? Book a free quote online or call us today at 647-909-3946 to learn more.