What is paint primer used for?

Paint primer helps your paint stick better, like a base layer that makes the paint go on smoother and last longer. Find a primer for <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/1-Gallon/High-Heat/Difficult-Surfaces/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxcyZ1z0ut7sZ1z1dquo?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">difficult surfaces</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/1-Gallon/High-Heat/Low-Odor/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxcyZ1z0ut87Z1z1dquo?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">low odor</a>, or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/1-Gallon/High-Heat/Sealant/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxcyZ1z0uer9Z1z1dquo?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">sealant</a>.

Which paint primer is most common?

The most common type of primer is a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Universal/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0ut90?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">general-purpose</a> latex primer. This water-based primer dries quickly, making it a good choice for most indoor projects.

What is the difference between a flat and a semi-gloss primer?

The sheen of a primer refers to its level of reflectivity. A <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Flat/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z1vuja?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">flat primer</a> has a matte finish, offering a subtle, non-reflective look. This is a good choice for walls and ceilings, as it can help to hide minor imperfections. On the other hand, a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Semi-Gloss/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z10m17?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">semi-gloss primer</a> has a more reflective finish, which can help highlight the surface and make it more durable. This is a good choice for areas with high traffic or needing easy cleaning, like trim or doors.