The Importance of Priming in Exterior Painting

When it comes to exterior painting, priming is a critical step that should never be overlooked. At Alberta Painters Co., we prioritize priming to ensure the longevity and durability of our paint jobs. Here’s why priming is so essential and why we always recommend it, especially when the previous paint type is unknown.

Why Priming is Essential

Priming serves several key purposes that contribute to the overall success of an exterior paint job:

1. Improved Adhesion: Primers create a suitable surface for paint to adhere to, enhancing the bond between the substrate and the topcoat. This is especially important on surfaces where adhesion may be questionable.
2. Sealing the Surface: Primers seal porous surfaces, preventing the topcoat from being absorbed unevenly. This results in a smoother, more uniform finish.
3. Blocking Stains: Primers can block and prevent stains, tannins, and other impurities from bleeding through the topcoat, ensuring a clean and consistent appearance.
4. Enhanced Durability: A properly primed surface can significantly extend the life of the paint job by providing a stable base, protecting against peeling, cracking, and other common issues.

Our Priming Recommendations

Given the critical role of priming, we always recommend removing any loose or peeling paint before applying a primer suited to the specific surface. Here are some of our go-to primers for various situations:

• Extreme Bond Primer: Ideal for surfaces with questionable adhesion, Extreme Bond Primer offers exceptional bonding, even on challenging substrates.
• Benjamin Moore Stix: This primer is another excellent choice for ensuring strong adhesion on surfaces where the previous paint type is unknown or if adhesion concerns exist.
• Shellac Primer: For areas with peeling spots, shellac primer is highly effective at sealing and preparing the surface for repainting.
• Loxon Masonry Primer: When dealing with masonry surfaces like concrete, stucco, and brick, we recommend Loxon Masonry Primer from Sherwin Williams. It’s specifically formulated to handle the unique characteristics of these materials.

Addressing Market Claims

While many paints on the market claim they don’t require a primer, we at Alberta Painters Co. always recommend priming. Each case is unique, and the best approach is to prime to ensure the durability and longevity of the paint job. Skipping this step can lead to problems down the road, compromising the quality and lifespan of the paint.

Conclusion

Priming is a vital step in exterior painting that guarantees a lasting and high-quality finish. By using the right primer for the job, we can ensure that the paint adheres properly, looks great, and stands the test of time. At Alberta Painters Co., we are committed to delivering exceptional results, which is why we always emphasize the importance of priming.

For more information on our painting services or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Let’s ensure your exterior surfaces look their best for years to come!