Do I have to Prime before I paint?

Do I need to Prime? Most likely the answer to that question is ...no actuality. Priming is needed for two main reasons. Adhesion and coverage. So if your painting project is a simple repaint of you bedroom walls and ceiling with out a strong color change Priming is not really needed.
The paint on the walls before you start is likely a flat, or and eggshell/satin finish. Sometime even a semi-gloss. Todays paints will bond to these finishes with out the time and additional expense of priming.

Coverage is the most likely problem you could have in an repaint. One hint that could help is that "the darker the color the better it covers " is NOT the case! As a matter of fact very dark colors often require additional coats. I will not bore you with the details but it's the way paint is tinted today.

One clue you can use to determine how well your color selection will cover is look at the "base" of the paint that is used to make your color selection, The "Base" is the paint before any tint is added to it to make your color selection. A "deep" or an "ultra deep" base paint will have coverage issues, regardless of what the final color you have selected is. In that case 2 or more coats could be needed.

Comments

How to paint over crayon marks.

The kid's found the crayons and have just made an art project of their bed room walls. Clean it off? Sorry there is a 99% chance this is a waste of time. Your going to have to repaint and do a better job of hiding the crayons. Step one is lightly sand the crayon marks on the wall. This not to remove all of the crayon marks but simply get some of it off so the texture of the crayon marks do not show through your fresh paint. You will need to prime. If your facing a project as large as pictured you will need to prime the entire wall. Some latex primers will seal the marks out but ask the paint supplier for their recommendation for sealing crayon marks. It is a possibility you will need to use a oil based primer. Oil based primer/sealers are the best for this job but do present there own set of problems. The smell is likely #1 on the hassle's of oil based primer/sealers,#2 slow drying times and clean up. So do some work and find a latex primer/sealer that will do

Paint or stain for that new wood deck?

Building a new wood deck this spring/summer? If so you have a decision to make not long after you finish construction. Paint or stain for the finish? This could help. Advantages of stain; Advantages of paint; Easer application. More durable than stain. 5 to 7 years. No pealing or chipping issues. More color selections. Maintain that "wood" look. Resist mildew better. Cost; Cost; Stains, $25.00 to $45.00 per gallon Paint $35.00 to $60.00 per gallon Coverage;

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