In Florida, the dry season typically runs from around December to April, so that makes it a perfect time to tackle that long list of home improvement projects. If one of those projects happens to be either an interior or exterior paint job, then it’s important to know that one of the most important steps is selecting the correct primer to ensure your outcome is professional.
Primers are the foundational coating before any paint job. They can cover almost any surface—from wood to drywall and even concrete, and help create a base for paint to adhere. They also help out even out the finish and seal pores of your painted surfaces and fill gaps caused by joinery compounds.
The question remains: Should you use an oil or latex primer? In short, it all depends on the surface you are covering. Our team at Supershade South is here to explain the benefits and purposes of each style of primer and help you find the perfect Benjamin Moore primer for your home improvement project.
Oil-based primers are a versatile standard primer with many interior and exterior uses. They work well with both oil- and latex-based paints and can cover surfaces like wood, metal, and drywall. Oil-based primers dry to create a hard and durable coat, which is beneficial for high-traffic areas and hiding any stains or discoloration from leaching through to your painted surface.
On the other hand, oil primers are not the best fit for very rough surfaces like brick or concrete. Compared to latex primers, oil-based primers also have a longer drying time that may extend your painting project, considering multiple coats, and they can produce stronger odors and release more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other options.
Oil-based primers may be the best for your unfinished wood surfaces: they stop tannins (naturally-occurring acidic chemicals) that can react with moisture, leach out, and bleed through the surface of a paint job. An oil-based primer will seal wood surfaces for a lasting finish.
Latex primers can be used for both interior and exterior projects and are probably the best choice when it comes to most paint jobs, as they are very durable and provide excellent adhesion. If you are painting metal, wood, masonry, plaster, or plastic, a latex primer will ensure for perfect coverage. They are often water-based and are more flexible than oil-based primers. In most cases, latex primers will require fewer coats to achieve maximum coverage and adhesion. Another added benefit is their speedy dry time. Typically, latex primers dry within half an hour to an hour so your paint project does not have to be delayed. However, they may not be the best choice for covering tannin staining as an oil-based primer.
Benjamin Moore offers a variety of great latex primers with options for almost any paint job. Some of our favorites include:
Supershade South has been your premier source for all things in interior design for over two decades. Our team of design professionals are well versed in helping professionals and homeowners choose the best solution from our range of Hunter Douglas window treatments and Benjamin Moore paints and supplies.
If you are ready to learn more about oil and latex primer and select the perfect option for your next paint job, stop by our showroom in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or set up an online
consultation and one of our friendly staff will reach out to you.
We are proud to serve Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Plantation, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale by the Sea, and Victoria Park, FL
Supershade South specializes in residential and commercial window treatments and paint! Whether you're looking for a high-quality blind renovation or to transform a room's color, you've come to the right place. Call (954) 455-1965 to learn more about how we can help you! Supershade South carries Hunter Douglas and Benjamin Moore products. We are proud to serve Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Plantation, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale by the Sea, and Victoria Park, FL.