Question about Primer?

Question

I am re-painting my son's room blue and green and it is light yellow right now, I am wondering if I even need to primer it because the colors I will be using will be a bit darker than the color it is? Do you always have to primer before you paint a new color?

Answer 1

The only time you really need to prime walls is if you patched the walls or if it was never painted in the first place. Areas where there are Water stains and smoke damage need a special type of primer (Zinsser Cover stain). If there was wallpaper removed be sure to get all the paste off or the paint will not adhere. Prime the areas you patched/Spackle with a tinted flat primer. If you want to prime the entire walls. Then I would have the paint store tint the primer to closely match the colors your going to use for the final coat.  That way your using less coats of paint to cover the existing color. With dark colors you will be more successful in covering dark colors. If there were no needed repairs made to the walls and they look fine just as they are. I would just go ahead and paint them and you should be alright. The less coats of paint you use equals less time and  money spent.

Answer 2

Yes it is best to prime before puting on a dark color. make sure the primes is very dry to ensure that the darker paint will go on properly.