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.

A Primer on Oil-Based Primers

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.

• Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® All Purpose Primer is the perfect oil-based primer for covering stains and protecting surfaces. It has an incredibly low-VOC and offers excellent adhesion.
• INSL-X Reduced Odor Oil-Based Primer is a great option for those looking for a fast-drying oil-based option that will block out any stains. This option is a low-odor and quick-drying stain blocking primer that can even be used on exterior masonry.

Latex Primers: Their Benefits and Purposes

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:

• Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer: This latex-based primer is one of our highest-performing options and offers superior hide. This primer is perfect for when you are making drastic paint color changes. It will also seal surfaces with a mildew-resistant coating.
• INSL-X Stix® Waterborne Bonding Primer: This professional-grade primer will adhere to even the most challenging surfaces, from glossy and glazed surfaces to plastic, fiberglass, and galvanized metals as well as wood and drywall. It cures well even in low temperatures and creates a strong and durable layer that can be topped with almost any product.
• INSL-X® Prime All® Multi-Surface Latex Primer: This primer has low VOC output and is known for its smooth application and leveling. It covers stains well and will protect surfaces from mildew. It dries within in one hour, so you can complete your job as scheduled.

Contact Us Today for Oil and Latex Primer from Benjamin Moore

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