What are the benefits of using a stain-blocking primer?

<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Stain-Resistant/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0oeot?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">Stain-blocking primers</a> are specially formulated to prevent stains, tannins, and other imperfections from bleeding through the final paint or stain. This is especially important when working with surfaces like wood that can have knots or discoloration. Using a stain-blocking primer will ensure your paint job looks clean and even without any unwanted surprises.

Can you wait too long to paint after priming?

It's best to paint as soon as possible after priming. The primer needs time to dry completely, which can take a few hours to a whole day, depending on the type of primer and the conditions. The primer can harden and become less effective if you wait too long. You might also notice the paint not adhering and may even see the primer showing through the paint.

How do I choose the right sheen for my primer?

The sheen of your primer will depend on the final look you're aiming for and the surface you're working with. <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Flat/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z1vuja?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">Flat</a> or matte primers are generally best for walls and ceilings, while <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Semi-Gloss/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z10m17?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">semi-gloss</a> or gloss primers are better for trim, doors, and areas that need to be cleaned more frequently. Always check the product label for recommendations on the appropriate sheen for your specific project.

Gray - Primers - The Home Depot

Rust-Oleum
1 gal. Concrete and Garage Interior/Exterior Recoat Primer

(4.3 / 197)

Model# 338806

$7448

KILZ
KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. Gray Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

(4.7 / 2203)

Model# 22941

$2498

Zinsser
Bulls Eye 1-2-3 126 oz. Gray Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

(4.6 / 501)

Model# 285085

$2998

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust
1 qt. Flat Gray Latex Aluminum Primer

(4.3 / 118)

Model# 8781502

$1648

Rust-Oleum Professional
1 gal. High Performance Flat Gray Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Metal Primer (2-Pack)

(4.4 / 8)

Model# K7781402

$12196

/case($60.98 /can)

Zinsser
Bulls Eye 1-2-3 31.5 oz. Gray Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

(4.6 / 500)

Model# 286258

$1498

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Raw Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

(4.2 / 9)

Model# DCPR-378-RG

$4655

/gallon

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Charcoal Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

(4.4 / 11)

Model# DCPR-378-CH

$4100

/gallon

Rust-Oleum
1 Gallon Gray Concrete and Garage Interior/Exterior Water Based Recoat Primer (2-Pack)

(4.3 / 197)

Model# 338806

$17100

/case($85.50 /can)

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Dolphin Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

(4.3 / 12)

Model# DCPR-378-DL

$4628

/gallon

SPEEDHIDE
Hi-Fill Blockfiller 5 gal. PPG0993-3 Gosling Gray Interior/Exterior Primer

Model# PPG0993-3SH-05P

$5998

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust
1 qt. Flat Gray Latex Aluminum Primer (2-Pack)

(4.3 / 118)

Model# 8781502

$1648

/case($8.24 /can)

GRAY PRIMERS

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Department

Review Rating

Brand

Zinsser

DAICH

SPEEDHIDE

Lanco

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust

Rust-Oleum

KILZ

Rust-Oleum Professional

Price

$10 - $20

$20 - $30

$40 - $50

$50 - $100

$100 - $150

$150 - $200

Substrate/Surface Use Type

Drywall

Metal

Concrete/Brick/Masonry/Stone

Wood

Stucco

Laminate

Styrofoam

Vinyl

Concrete

Ceiling

Plaster

Plastic

Primer Purpose

Color Changing

Sealant

Stain Blocking

Difficult Surfaces

Low Odor

Odor Blocking

Rust-Resistant

Universal

Container Size

1 Gallon

1 Quart

5 Gallon

Paint/Stain Features

Fast Drying

Tintable

Advanced Hide and Coverage

Mildew Resistant

Rust Preventative

Low Odor

Abrasion Resistant

Durable

High Foot Traffic

High Heat

Low Temperature

Moisture Resistant

No additional features

One Coat Coverage

Prevents hot tire pickup

Skid Resistant

Textured

UV/Fade Resistant

Sealer

Top Coat Required

Application Method

Brush

Roller

Paint Sprayer

Pad

Sheen

Flat/Matte

Flat

Color Family

White

Rust-Oleum
1 gal. Concrete and Garage Interior/Exterior Recoat Primer

KILZ
KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. Gray Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker

Zinsser
Bulls Eye 1-2-3 126 oz. Gray Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust
1 qt. Flat Gray Latex Aluminum Primer

Rust-Oleum Professional
1 gal. High Performance Flat Gray Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Metal Primer (2-Pack)

Zinsser
Bulls Eye 1-2-3 31.5 oz. Gray Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Raw Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Charcoal Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

Rust-Oleum
1 Gallon Gray Concrete and Garage Interior/Exterior Water Based Recoat Primer (2-Pack)

DAICH
Textured 1 gal. Dolphin Gray Interior Exterior Bonding Primer Penetrating Anti-Slip

SPEEDHIDE
Hi-Fill Blockfiller 5 gal. PPG0993-3 Gosling Gray Interior/Exterior Primer

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust
1 qt. Flat Gray Latex Aluminum Primer (2-Pack)