Primer holds an important place in the cabinet industry. Learn when, why, and how to use primer in your projects.
Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets – What You Should Know Before You Apply
We’ve all heard of primer, but what exactly is it? What does it do? How does it work? What is the best primer for kitchen cabinets? We will answer any questions you may have about primer and how it is applied to cabinets down below. Need brand new cabinets? Find the best kitchen cabinets at Wholesale Cabinets.
In this post, you will learn:
- What do primers do?
- What do primers do?
- Where do you apply primer?
- What are the different kinds of primers?
What Is Primer?
Primer is the white or neutral colored coating that is applied to a surface before it is painted. Its purpose is to seal the surface and to provide the surface with a texture that the paint will adhere to. Primer gets its name from its main function: PRIMING the surface for paint. It is essential to achieving a smooth and long-lasting painted surface. Most primers are made from synthetic resin and solvent, sometimes additionally containing polyethylene for better durability. This varies, however, depending on what kind of primer you choose.
Oil-Based Primer
Oil-based primers are durable primers that are great at resisting stains, which makes them a great choice for cabinets. Oil and latex-based paints adhere well to oil-based stains as an added bonus. However, oil-based primers have been a subject of concern in recent years over potential health hazards. It requires about 24 hours to dry and it will need to be thinned out with mineral spirits before applying.
Latex Primer
Latex primer dries much more quickly than oil-based primer and it is believed to be better for your health too. Latex primers are water-based which makes each coat go on much thinner and allows you to get to work painting much sooner. Staining is a greater issue with latex primers but it is normally very manageable. Latex primer will likely take more coats to get it even than an oil-based primer would, but short drying times help compensate for this.
Shellac Primer
Shellac primer is the fastest drying primer, often drying in less than one hour. Its ability to block stains comes as a bonus to its ability to cover up existing stains. It is not seen as being as healthy as latex primer but results are more than enough to compensate for most people. It is very versatile and can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces, including cabinets.
Primer Application
Applying primer will vary depending on what kind of primer you choose. The best rule of thumb is to reference the product's instructions on the back of the can. For most oil and shellac primers, it is best to use a natural bristle brush for application, whereas latex is recommended to use a synthetic brush.