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.

What color should my primer be?

You can choose from <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Gray/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxdwZ1z19x95?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">gray</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Brown-Tan/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxdwZ1z19xb2?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">brown / tan</a>, or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/White/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0kxdwZ1z19x9g?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">white</a>.

Is there a specific primer for wall paint?

The best wall primer depends on the type of wall and the paint you're using. For most walls, 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 will work well. However, you may need a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Stain-Blocking/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ1z0v3l5?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">stain-blocking primer</a> if you paint over a surface with stains.

Which brand of primer should I choose?

Choosing a brand is all about finding what works best for you. We offer brands like <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZblwZ1z0kxdw?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">Rust-Oleum Stops Rust</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/KILZ/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ3myZ1z0kxdw?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">KILZ</a>, and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Primers/BEHR/Rust-Preventative/N-5yc1vZbt0tZ3mwZ1z0kxdw?emt=plpfaq_2408_primers" style="text-decoration: underline;">BEHR</a>.