In this guide, I’ll be reviewing the best primer to cover drywall imperfections.
Primers serve as an excellent undercoat for a variety of paints.
They have a glue-like texture, and this characteristic makes them stick to a variety of surfaces before the final paint coat is applied.
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Drywall primers are designed using a special formula, unlike ordinary paints. In this guide, we shall be looking at some of the best primers to cover drywall imperfections.
What is the Best Primer to Cover Drywall Imperfections?
The best primer to cover drywall imperfections is Rust-Oleum 02304 Problem Surface Sealer.
The Rust-oleum 02304 is perfect for repairing torn paper on your drywall.
It is also a great choice if you are looking to eliminate bubbles on your walls or any other paintable surface.
This surface sealer may also come in handy if you want to seal spackling and skim coats.
Also, you can use it to protect your new drywall, some old wallpaper adhesive, and any other chalky and unattractive surface.
Some of the Rust-Oleum’s notable features include fast-drying, easy to apply, and minimal, if any, smell.
Use this surface sealer to cover any porous and crumbling surfaces in your home and paint over the Primer a few hours later.
The fact that the formula is water-based means that it dries to a matte and clear finishing. Painting over the surface created is easy, and the results more visually attractive.
A-List of the Best Primers to Cover Drywall Imperfections
If rust-Oleum 02304 Problem Surface Sealer doesn’t sound like the real deal to you, then below are some of the best alternatives you can use.
1. KILZ Restoration White Primer
The KILZ Restoration works both as a water-based primer and stain blocker.
Thanks to its advanced technology, this sealer’s formula act like an oil-based product that delivers a smoother and more appealing finish.
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This Primer is your ideal solution if you are dealing with tough stains caused by rust, grease, water damage, ink, and pet stains, mentioning but a few.
You can also use it to restore interior spaces like plaster, drywall, brick, woodwork, ceramic tile, painted metal, and glass, among other glossy surfaces.
Just one gallon of this white Primer will go a long way. Just ensure that the area you plan to use it is dust, mold, and dust-free.
You should also follow the manufacturer’s directions when mixing the Primer to ensure this is done correctly.
2. Zinsser 2300 Surface Sealer
The Zinsser 2300 is an interior sealer designed to cover porous and problem areas like uncoated wallpaper, stucco, drywall, plaster, cement, and more.
The formula is low in odor, water-based, and dries clear, leaving a milky blue or white tint over the surface.
This makes it an ideal primer to cover drywall imperfections.
You can paint your color of choice over the sealer surface.
If you are looking for a coating that will protect your drywall against tears, seal any adhesive residue, and prevent blistering, this surface seal is ideal.
The fact that it will dry in slightly over an hour means that you can seal and paint your surface the same day.
Other areas where this sealer can be used include interior walls and ceilings.
You can be sure that it will deeply penetrate the surface so you can have a moisture-proof surface to paint on.
3. Rust-Oleum Corporation 01501
This is yet another Rust-oleum primer that promises outstanding results. However, this variety is best suited for smooth walls.
Aside from priming your walls, the Rust-oleum 01501 will seal your tape joints while ensuring that you have an easier time sanding your surfaces.
The fact that it dries in an hour or less makes the primer ideal if you do not want to wait for days before you can paint over it.
Use this Primer to cover small imperfections on your walls, among other surfaces.
Because the Primer is a bit watery, you need to use a few layers to cover a significant imperfection adequately.
Four best results, ensure the surface you are using the Primer on is dust, grease, and oil-free.
Wipe the surfaces clean and allow some time to dry before applying the primer.
4. KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Sealer
This is another outstanding primer for your surfaces.
Just like any other good primer, this KILZ 2 product will make your paint colors shine in addition to making them stick better.
The Primer stands out because it forms a mildew-resistant film on your face.
It also delivers excellent results when it comes to hiding previous colors, stains, and marks, among other imperfections.
Some of the interior and exterior surfaces you can cover with this Primer include painted metal, brick, paneling, drywall, stucco, wood, and plaster.
This Primer will still hold and create a strong adhesive for your paint, even on a well-prepared glossy surface.
The Primer is water-based, and with just a roller, brush, or spray, you can cover that unsightly stain in minutes.
Just ensure that you remove all surfaces dust, mold, rust, grease, or peeling paint before applying the primer.
5. The Dap 12374 Spackling Primer
While the Dap primer is primarily used for bare walls, you can still use it to smooth walls that were not finished the way you wanted.
The Dap 12374 primer comes ready to use; hence you do not need any mixing.
Just get a putty knife and use it to apply on required surfaces.
Because of its consistency, this Primer may take a bit of time to apply over a large area.
On the bright side, the results will be much better, primarily if you aim to cover significant imperfections.
Where necessary, sand the primed surfaces to the required finish once you are done covering the surfaces.
This allows a few days for the Primer to dry completely.
Best Primer to Cover Drywall Imperfections Buyer’s Guide
There are several factors to consider when choosing a primer for your drywall.
Below are some of the most important factors to take into consideration if you want the best primer to cover drywall imperfections.
The Primer Texture
The texture of your Primer determines how well it covers the imperfections on your drywall. Usually, the thicker the Primer, the better the results.
With a thick primer, you can cover holes, caps, and the bubbles messing your drywall.
However, if you only have minor imperfections, a light-textured primer would be ideal.
It is important to note that the texture determines how easy it is to apply the Primer.
Lighter primers are easier to use when compared to the thicker ones.
Also, light primers tend to dry faster.
You can use them to create an adhesive for your wall and paint over the surface a few hours later.
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Type of Primer
Primers are not created equal.
Regular primers are designed to bond with your drywall, so you shouldn’t expect a smooth finish.
If your drywall has marks and ridges, you may need to consider the high-build varieties.
These cost more and are a bit hard to use, but they deliver the best results where extensive imperfections are concerned.
There is also the latex primer that works great to even the drywall’s porosity.
However, this type doesn’t absorb paint as good as the regular varieties.
If you are okay with the color of your plaster, you should use a sealer for your walls.
A sealer lays a clear coat that seals your wall, preventing moisture from going through the wall while making it stain resistant.
Don’t confuse a sealer and a primer as these two are chemically different, and the results are different.
Primer improves the adherence of paint to a wall, so you should expect it to stain better.
How Many Layers Of Primer Do You Need?
The number of layers necessary to cover drywall imperfections depends on a number of factors.
For starters, how bad are the imperfections? Can you first fill in all gaps so that you apply a layer or two over an even surface?
Apply One Coat Of Primer If:
You are painting a different color over a white wall. A quality water-based primer is all you need to get your wall ready for the next coat of paint.
In the above situation, all you need is something to bind the white paint to the new one while masking stains and minor patches.
If you are making a dramatic change on your wall, you should consider using a primer that is tinted with your new wall’s shade.
Get a tintable primer and try to bring it as closer to the new paint as possible.
Your local paint shop can help you with the tinting. By using a tinted primer, you can apply one coat of paint to get the results you desire. (Source)
Apply Two Primer Coats When:
You want to paint over unfinished plaster or drywall. Such kinds of surfaces have some areas that are more porous than others.
If you paint over such plaster or drywall without two primer coats, you risk having walls with uneven color.
Since the first primer coat is absorbed the wall, the second coat hides flaws while ensuring the entire surface is uniformly porous.
If You Are Painting on Unfinished Wood:
Use at least two coats of oil-based primer. Wood is highly porous, and you need enough Primer to fill the pores and ensure that the wall is ready for your paint.
Primer comes with a higher reliable content when compared to paint.
When a wooden surface is not primed properly, some of the pores will take in more paint, and the job will not be as flawless.
Water-based Primer may cause the wood grains to swell.
If this is the only option available, ensure that you sand the first primer coat to even it and take care of any Imperfections.
Final Thought on Best Primer to Cover Drywall Imperfections
Above are some of the best primers to cover drywall imperfections.
A primer is a must unless you’re planning to leave the walls in your home bare and unpainted.
If you’re planning to paint them, then you will definitely need a primer. Above are some of the best primers you can get on the market today.
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Hello, I’m Tanya, the voice and passion behind Smart Yard Guide. With a lifelong love for nature and a keen eye for design, I embarked on this journey to share my expertise and experiences in landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design. As a dedicated homeowner myself, I understand the joys and challenges of curating a space that seamlessly blends nature with human creativity.
My background in horticulture and landscape architecture has given me a solid foundation to explore innovative ideas while respecting the time-tested principles of outdoor design. From selecting the perfect plants for your climate to mastering the art of harmonious hardscaping, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.