How do I know if I need to use a primer before painting??

Question

My bathroom is currently a lime green color. I am wanting to paint it a bright, sky blue color. Will I need to use a primer? Or can I get away without using one?

Thanks!

Answer 1

if the surface is already painted you  dont need  any primer

Answer 2

I have to agree with Sensible, at least in the shade/hue of any color applied, most especially in combining those two, given that one is a Primary, essentially, and the other is created by using the primary.

  I'm not strictly a fan of primer, but certainly it has it's purpose. I paint, every day of my life, and there are usually two coats applied to any surface I work. Obviously to go from a dark to a light, should require a neutral over, as might any finish that has been repaired, etc.

  In your case, assuming you want a decent job, you won't have to stress over, after the fact, just do the primer coat. That extra step, in a sense of overkill, is not at all a bad thing, nor is it cost prohibitive.

  With no offense meant at all, I wanna thank you for painting over Lime green. I would think, in a small room, that could get old.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 3

Use of a primer will help provide truer hues of the color you are applying. It also seals the old color and anything else that may be present on the walls. You can get the primer tinted (usually free) to a color close to the final color.

Answer 4

test an area and let it dry and see what it covers. I think seeing how you are putting a more predominate color over a lesser one you should be ok. You may have to do a second coat however if you dont primer it. Good luck

Answer 5

i always recommend primer when painting areas with a sheen.. bath, kitchen, trim doors and base boards are usually painted with semi-gloss or satin finish. painted for easy cleaning and moister resistant for bathroom..priming ensures good adhesion..