Paint primers or undercoat paints are specifically formulated to serve two functions. The first is to cover the previous surface and provide additional protection from the elements, rain, the suns UV, and acids in the air. Paint primers provide a win/win situation for paint stores and their customers. Customers who use a primer win by achieving better painting results. This is a must no matter what is to be painted if you wish the job to turn out correctly.

If you are looking to paint your homes walls then prime the walls with any high quality primer intended for drywall. If any stains or discoloration have appeared in the compound, use a stain killing primer such as Killz. Killz comes in latex water based paint which is perfect for the interior of your home. Water based Latex based Killz is perfect for the interior of your home. You also need to prime the walls to protect the wall area from wallpaper paste damage and to seal the drywall if your plans are to hang wallpaper. Primed surfaces will allow the paper to adhere better and slows the drying time of the adhesive, giving you plenty of time to work and shift the paper.

Drywall primer/sealers may not give a 100% uniform opaque coat (you may see some of the mud lines showing through) but that's okay. If you are planning on painting the walls with darker colors you might consider having the primer tinted a medium grey (no need to tint it with the same pigments as your top coat, grey will actually work better). Drywalls, gypsum boards or sheet rocks come in 1/2 or 5/8 inch thickness and two styles. Grayish color which can be used for all walls, hallway or ceiling and green color which is a waterproof drywalls mostly used in bathrooms and sometimes behind sinks in the kitchens so tile backsplashes can be installed at a later time. When the dry-wallers start taping and mudding it usually should take them about a week or so to complete their job depending on the size of the job and home. After the board is completed and the job is cleaned up and swept you can begin the priming process.

Primers vary depending on the different problems and applications. Though one thing does remain constant - regardless of the primer used, adequate ventilation is always very important. Primers are formulated with a high proportion of binder to help them better adhere to the surface and the next layer of paint. They ensure a good bond and good coverage for the finish layers of paint or wallpaper. Primers are designed to stick better to difficult surfaces so you know you will get the best coverage from your finish paint.

Paint sheen goes from dull too shiny and is not standardized among paint companies. Common paint sheens are flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Painting is one of those jobs that can go on forever; repair the walls, primer the walls, apply two coats of paint, and then run around fixing all the spots you missed. Maybe you've just bought a new home or are trying to get your current house sale ready, a painting party can help you get this done quickly. Painting ability and reliability are also considerations.

As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.