Priming Drywall - What You Need to Know

Paint and Primer in One? Is it really good for priming drywall? Does it replace using oil primer on wood?

Over the years, the painting industry has changed a lot - specifically the products being used and their environmental impact.

In this video I discuss the differences between using a PVA (poly vinyl acetate) primer versus the paint-and-primer-in-one.

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[petesantana]

Great info. Finally someone is clean about this subject. Thank you

[frozenhouse]

This video reminds me of when I used to travel to Jamaica with my family several times a year. The children loved it. Especially, chasing the baby animal and waking up early to go out with their grandfather to feed the animals. They are all professionals now and give back to Jamaica in many ways. Bless up to you and your family.

[tamic]

Thanks so much for this quick and to the point video! Answered the question I had as I’m finishing my kitchen walls. Thanks again!

[Kenobi]

I was amazed by my primer pva. I had good coverage with just one coat on freshly installed drywall.

[gregcastagneri]

Paul thanks for the video. Very good tip on the primer sealer. I do drywall also a third-generation painter. I would agree with you on the primer and then use your top coats.

[handytbutler]

painted for 15 years and you are spot on. Unfortunately when people buy new holmes the builder hires the cheapest painters they can find and the painter has to supply the paint. When this happens the painter will put two coats of the cheapest flat paint on the wall right over the drywall. I always hated that, felt like it was a crappy job. I loved it when the owner would contract us outright and pay the extra and we would prime the drywall with a primer first then put two coats of quality paint over it. Gotta say ive been doing alot of painting lately and absolutely hate how they have changed the paint, it leaves you zero time to work the paint. The drying time is ridiculous. I prefer a paint that takes longer to dry so you can spread it and get a beautiful finish. Top it off the paint nowadays destroys your brushes to boot.

[whirlwind]

The reason you want a primer sealer is to seal the surface so humidity does not travel into the drywall compound and reactivate later and cause peeling. The primer grips the surface so later on you do not have peeling over the multi surfaces like old paint, sanded compound or scraped popcorn ceilings. When you prime and seal surfaces prior to finishing on existing surfaces you will use less mud and it will flow better on the work. Fresh drywall will not work well with paint and primers . It does not adhere well to sanded compound. I use "PPG Gripper" formerly "Glidden Gripper"...for me it has worked well.

[jackt]

- PVA is an acronym for Poly Vinyl Acetate.
- PVA Primers deposit a rubbery synthetic polymer that seals over any tiny holes in the surface you apply it to, creating a solid surface for the paint to adhere to. It’s precisely this poly vinyl acetate that separates PVA primer from paint. It will adhere much better to porous surfaces rather than simply being absorbed like paint. However, it won’t cover over stains or colors in the base material and it is generally not a good wood sealer.
- PVA Primer and Drywall Primer are both PVA primers and are exactly the same. The ONLY reason for the labeling difference is for marketing. Drywall Primer creates an exclusive association to drywall, and thus the best product to use for drywall. PVA Primer does not create that exclusive association, but same primer is also the best primer for brick, masonry, plaster, stucco, and some even throw in wood. A manufacturer could sell the same product in two different containers.

[amythompson]

I purchased a rehab that the previous owners had hired out. The Sheetrock was only two years old. I hired someone to paint the house. He didn’t know much about painting, which I didn’t realize when I spoke to him originally. I found out after he had put down two coats of paint and the coverage was terrible. He figured out that the contractor DIDN’T use ANY sealer, but just white flat. Ugh! A Very expensive mistake!

[FknNefFy]

Thanks for such a good explanation as to WHY, too!

[DAngelo]

Absolutely great advice - use PVA primer on drywall

[sumpter]

All the drywall patch videos I watched nun mentioned I should prime the drywall mud thank you

[BriansGarageTV]

Thanks for this video. I’ve been tearing my hair out, first time drywaller trying to figure out if I could take the “easy” route and just use the paint+primer on new drywall, I did an entire room, 3 walls plus the ceiling so I have a lot. I’ll be grabbing a can of the drywall primer. I’m far from perfect too so maybe it’ll help hide some of the tiny pinholes and whatnot that I’ll have missed.

[josec]

On a smooth finish I like back rolling my pva when I spray it.
Looks way better.

[Duraamen-Flooring]

Priming drywall is a crucial step in achieving a flawless finish for your walls. Not only does it provide a smooth surface for paint application, but it also seals the porous material, enhancing paint adhesion and durability. Understanding the essentials of priming can make all the difference in your DIY projects or professional endeavors. From choosing the right primer to proper application techniques, this article covers everything you need to know to ensure your drywall looks its best. Don't skip this vital step in the painting process!

[guydesnoyers]

Gotta love a straight answer. Thanks Paul, you've got a sub 👍

[markthehunter]

Thank you Sir! Quick and to the point !

[jaythojj]

we tint the primer in the top coat color too

[richierodriguez]

My question is, how do you get rid of the overlap Look on new drywall even using PVA you still have it and it shows through even two coats of finish paint.

[homewithellieb]

Same for in a bathroom. Bought a home 2 years ago and the guest bathroom paint started to bubble and peel in sheets. We did replace the fan as well. As I am now in the process of removing (painfully) the paint, it does not appear that a sealer/primer was put on the drywall