If you’re looking for the perfect primer to fix and prepare drywall for painting, there are a few factors you need to consider before making your decision. The best paint primer for drywall should be specifically made for this particular surface, as it will offer the correct adhesion and penetration required to ensure a high-quality finish. Additionally, it should fill any imperfections or cracks on the surface while also offering excellent stain-blocking properties for outstanding results.
Before buying any product, you need to consider some factors to ensure that it is perfect for your drywall. Firstly, determine the type of primer you need, as there are oil-based, latex, and shellac-based primers available. Consider the size of the surface you want to cover, as well as the amount of time you want it to last. Look at the brand, as some brands offer better quality than others. Also, remember that the price of the primer does not necessarily reflect its quality.
When it comes to choosing the best paint primer for drywall, you may ask yourself some questions. What are the unique features of the drywall paint primer? Are they long-lasting and sturdy? Can they be cleaned and maintained easily? Does the primer fill small cracks on the surface of the drywall? Answering these questions will help you make an informed decision and get the best product for your needs. Remember that a reliable and quality primer can help you achieve a perfect and professional-looking paint finish on your drywall.
10 Best Paint Primer For Drywall
# | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
This product is ideal for priming drywall surfaces before painting.
|
|
||
2
|
The product is ideal for blocking and covering stains with an odorless primer in a 13-ounce container.
|
|
||
3
|
Ideal for sealing and repairing problem surfaces such as water damage, mold, mildew, and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.
|
|
||
4
|
It is ideal for priming indoor walls before painting.
|
|
||
5
|
Ideal for priming interior and exterior surfaces such as drywall, wood, brick, painted metal, and more.
|
|
||
6
|
The product is ideal for priming drywall surfaces before painting.
|
|
||
7
|
It is ideal for blocking stains and acting as a primer/sealer on a variety of surfaces.
|
|
||
8
|
Ideal for interior and exterior surfaces as a primer sealer to enhance paint adhesion and durability.
|
|
||
9
|
Ideal as universal primer sealer for wallcovering, providing superior adhesion and resistance to mold, mildew, and moisture.
|
|
||
10
|
This product is ideal for priming surfaces before painting with acrylic or latex paint.
|
|
1. Rust-Oleum Corporation 01501 Drywall Primer, 1-Gallon, White

The GAL WB Drywall Primer is an exceptional product made in the United States that is perfect for those who are looking to seal new drywall with ease. With its fast-drying formula, the primer seals surfaces for painting in just one hour, making it a quick and efficient option for anyone who wants to get the job done in a timely manner.
This primer won't raise the nap on new drywall, giving you a smooth and even surface that's perfect for painting. Its water-based formula makes for an easy clean-up with water, and it sands effortlessly, creating an even smoother surface for painting.
If you're looking for a primer that's easy to use and gets the job done in a quick and efficient manner, then the GAL WB Drywall Primer is the perfect product for you. Its ideal for sealing new drywall and will leave you with a smooth and even surface that's ready for painting in no time.
2. Rust-Oleum Corporation 03959 Odorless Ob Stain Blocker Primer, 13 Ounce (Pack Of 1), White

This versatile low-VOC oil-based primer is perfect for residential and commercial interior surfaces, including wood, drywall, plaster, concrete, masonry, and more. With its high solids formula, this primer provides excellent coverage over all topcoats, and its flat bright white finish does not yellow over time.
This primer also seals stains from water, fire, and smoke damage, making it a reliable choice for any project. Additionally, it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can, making it a time-efficient and cost-effective option.
This non-yellowing primer dries flat and sands easily, allowing for a smooth and flawless finish. It can be used with all topcoats, providing a versatile option for any project.
3. 1 Gal Zinsser 02301 Clear Zinsser, Gardz Water-Based Problem Surface Sealer

The product is specially designed for porous areas such as ceilings, interior walls, and related surfaces prior to texturing, wallcovering, or painting. The water-based, low odor formula applies with a milky-blue/white tint for proper coverage and dries clear, ensuring a clean and seamless finish.
This unique coating covers up to 450 sq ft and dries to the touch within an hour, making it a fast and efficient solution for any project. It seals adhesive residue and protects drywall from tearing, blistering, and other forms of damage. The product creates a clear, hard, flat finish that is ready for topcoat and helps to repair torn paper on damaged drywall and eliminates bubbles.
The product is also ideal for sealing skim coats & spackling and protecting new drywall. It even seals old wallpaper adhesive, making it an all-around solution for various surfaces. Its easy-to-apply, high spread rate, and fast-drying formula ensure that users can complete their projects quickly and efficiently.
4. Valspar 11288 Interior Pva Wall Primer, 5-Gallon

The product being described is a high-quality sealer that is specifically designed to prepare unpainted drywall and plaster surfaces for painting. This sealer is a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve a smooth and uniform finish when painting their interior walls.
When applied correctly, this sealer creates a uniform surface that helps to ensure that your paint goes on evenly and smoothly. This can be especially important if you are using different types of paint, such as latex and oil-based paints, as this sealer is compatible with both.
The sealer is easy to apply and dries quickly, so you can get your painting project done in no time. Plus, it is formulated to be long-lasting, so you can be confident that your walls will look great for years to come.
So if you are looking for a high-quality sealer that will help you achieve a professional-looking finish on your unpainted drywall and plaster surfaces, this product is definitely worth considering. With its easy application, compatibility with different types of paint, and long-lasting formula, it is sure to be a valuable addition to your painting toolkit.
5. Kilz 2 All-Purpose Primer, Interior/exterior, 5 Gallon

For over 50 years, professionals have trusted KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE primer, sealer, and stain-blocker, which is our best-selling product. This primer is renowned for its performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for many painting projects. It is excellent at hiding previous colors, blocking light-to-medium stains, and providing excellent adhesion to most interior and exterior surfaces, as well as topcoats.
KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE has an advanced formula that includes an acrylic polymer, making it a reliable and effective primer, sealer, and stain-blocker for most residential and commercial painting jobs. Its slightly toned formula helps to conceal marks, stains, and previous colors while effectively blocking mild to medium stains such as ink, pencil, felt marker, grease, nicotine, and water stains. Additionally, it seals porous surfaces and offers strong adhesion for new paint, which helps you use less paint.
This versatile primer-sealer-stain-blocker can be used on multiple interior and exterior surfaces, including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal, and properly prepared glossy surfaces. It is essential to ensure that surfaces are free of dust, grease, chalk, rust, and peeling paint. The product works well with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints.
KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE provides superior coverage, and this 5-gallon pail of water-based primer, sealer, and stain-blocker can cover approximately 1,500-2,000 square feet per gallon. It dries to touch within 30 minutes and can be recoated or top-coated after one hour.
KILZ has been a trusted brand for nearly 50 years, providing high-quality primer products that offer solutions to a wide variety of painting problems. The brand is consistently ranked as one of the most trustworthy brands in the architectural coatings market. KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty (see label for details) to provide peace of mind to our customers.
6. Sheetrock Tuff-Hide Flat White Latex-Based Primer For Drywall 5 Gal.

Introducing a top-of-the-line coating material perfect for any large-scale project – the Latex-Based Coating Material. This product boasts an impressive coverage area of 500-625 sq. ft., allowing for efficient and cost-effective coverage of large spaces.
One of the standout features of this coating material is its fast drying time, with only 90 minutes before recoating is necessary. This allows for quick turnaround times and increased productivity.
Cleanup is also a breeze with this product, as it can easily be cleaned with soap and water. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the workspace is left clean and tidy.
The Latex-Based Coating Material comes in a generously-sized 5-gallon container, making it the perfect choice for projects that require a significant amount of coverage.
7. Zinsser 1 Qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/sealer

This versatile product is a must-have for anyone looking to give their surfaces a fresh new look. It can be used both indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces including drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal, and even glossy or difficult surfaces.
The water-based formula is easy to apply and will seal uniformly without the need for sanding. It dries to the touch in just 35 minutes, making it a quick and efficient option for those looking to complete their projects in a timely manner. It's also ready to be topcoated in just one hour, saving you valuable time.
This product boasts excellent stain blocking resistance and can be used with any oil or latex topcoat. Its one coat hide feature saves both time and money by improving the hide and coverage of topcoats.
With a coverage area of between 87-112 sq. ft. per quart, this product is both efficient and effective. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality product that will provide a professional finish to any project.
8. Diamond Brite Paint 40100 5-Gallon Interior/exterior Latex Pva Primer Sealer

This multi-purpose primer is designed to hide surface imperfections and create a smooth foundation for your painting projects. Its fast-drying formula ensures that you can get to work quickly, without any long waits between coats. Plus, its low odor makes it a great option for those who are sensitive to strong paint smells.
This versatile primer can be used with both latex and oil-based paints, making it a great choice for a wide variety of projects. It acts as both a primer and sealer, helping to create a uniform surface that will hold up to the test of time. And with its easy-to-use application methods, including brushing, rolling, or spraying, you can achieve the look you want with ease.
Whether you're painting a room in your home or tackling a larger project, this primer is the perfect choice for ensuring a professional finish. Its parameters and specifications are designed to meet your painting needs, and its quality is unmatched. With this primer, you can be confident that you're getting a product that will help you achieve your desired results.
9. Zinsser Primer: Universal Wall Protection In One!

Looking for a versatile primer that can do it all? Look no further than this multi-purpose primer that primes, hides, seals, and sizes in just one easy step. With excellent adhesion to all paintable surfaces, you won't have to worry about any uneven coverage or peeling paint.
This primer also has impressive hiding power that can cover colors and patterns, saving you time and effort when preparing your walls for a new coat of paint. It even seals "builders flat" latex paint to ensure a smooth and consistent finish.
But that's not all – this primer also protects your wallboard when removing wallpaper, making it a must-have for any DIY home renovation project. With its reliable performance and easy-to-use formula, this primer is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a professional-looking finish in less time.
So why wait? Try this multi-purpose primer today and experience the difference for yourself!
10. White Latex Paint With Primer By Rust-Oleum

Introducing the versatile and durable acrylic paint that is perfect for all your indoor and outdoor project needs! This paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic, making it a handy addition to any DIY enthusiast's toolkit.
Crafted with a water-based acrylic formula, this paint boasts a low odor while providing long-lasting protection and resist chips. This means that your project will not only look great, but will also stand up to wear and tear over time.
With a coverage of up to 120 sq ft, this paint allows you to complete your projects quickly and easily. It also dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those looking to complete a project in a short amount of time.
This paint features a flat finish that minimizes surface imperfections, and goes on smoothly to provide an excellent base. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry, and then apply the paint.
Best Paint Primer For Drywall FAQs
Can I use a paint and primer in one product on drywall?
Yes, you can definitely use a paint and primer in one product on drywall. In fact, many manufacturers offer such products that are specifically designed for use on drywall. These products are designed to save time and effort by eliminating the need for a separate primer coat before painting.
Using a paint and primer in one product on drywall can provide several benefits. It can help to seal the surface and promote better adhesion of the paint. It can also help to hide minor imperfections and stains on the drywall, providing a smooth and even surface for painting.
However, it is important to note that not all paint and primer in one products are created equal. Some may not provide adequate coverage or adhesion, especially on surfaces that have not been properly prepared. Therefore, it is important to choose a high-quality product and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
Overall, using a paint and primer in one product on drywall can be a convenient and effective option for achieving a professional-looking paint job.
Can you use any type of paint primer on drywall?
No, you cannot use any type of paint primer on drywall. There are specific types of primers that are designed for use on drywall, and using the wrong type of primer can lead to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and other issues. The most common type of primer for drywall is a PVA primer, which is made from a water-based emulsion of polyvinyl acetate. PVA primers are easy to apply, dry quickly, and provide a good base for paint to adhere to. Another option is a high-build primer, which is thicker and more textured than a PVA primer, and can help to smooth out rough or uneven drywall surfaces. It's important to choose a primer that is specifically formulated for use on drywall, as other types of primers may not adhere properly or may cause damage to the drywall surface. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times, and make sure the primer is fully dry before applying paint.
How do I choose the right paint primer for my drywall project?
Choosing the right paint primer for your drywall project is essential to ensure a long-lasting and attractive finish. When selecting a primer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, determine whether your drywall is newly installed or has been previously painted. If it is new, a high-quality latex primer is recommended to seal the surface and provide a good base for the topcoat. For previously painted drywall, an oil-based primer may be necessary to block any stains or discoloration.
Another factor to consider is the type of paint you will be using. If you will be using a water-based paint, a water-based primer is recommended. If you will be using an oil-based paint, an oil-based primer is necessary. It is important to ensure that your primer and paint are compatible to avoid any issues with adhesion or peeling.
Additionally, consider any specific needs for your project, such as covering dark colors or filling in imperfections. There are primers available that are specifically designed for these purposes.
Finally, choose a primer that suits your budget and meets any environmental or safety requirements. Look for a reputable brand with good reviews, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from professionals or home improvement stores.
How important is using a paint primer on drywall before painting?
Using a paint primer on drywall before painting is extremely important. A primer is a preparatory coating that is applied to a surface before painting. It helps to ensure that the paint adheres well to the surface and provides a smooth and even finish. When it comes to drywall, using a primer is particularly important because drywall is a porous material that can absorb paint unevenly, resulting in an uneven or patchy finish. A primer seals the surface of the drywall, preventing the paint from being absorbed too quickly and providing a consistent base for the paint to adhere to. Additionally, a primer can help to hide any imperfections or stains on the drywall, providing a clean and professional surface for painting. In short, using a primer on drywall is an essential step in achieving a high-quality and long-lasting paint job.
How long should I wait after applying primer on drywall before painting?
After applying primer on drywall, you should wait for at least 24 hours before painting. This waiting period allows the primer to dry and set properly on the drywall surface. If you try to paint on the primer before it is completely dry, you risk ruining the finish and creating a messy, uneven surface.
It's important to note that the drying time of the primer may vary depending on factors such as humidity, temperature, and ventilation in the room. Therefore, it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the primer can for the recommended drying time.
In addition, it's always a good idea to do a test patch on a small area of the wall to ensure that the primer is completely dry before painting the entire wall. This will help you avoid any potential issues with the finish or adhesion of the paint.
How many coats of paint primer should I apply on drywall?
When it comes to applying primer on drywall, it is recommended to use at least one coat of primer before applying the paint. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to apply two coats of primer.
For instance, if the drywall has never been painted before, it is advisable to apply two coats of primer. Similarly, if the drywall has been repaired or has stains or marks, it is recommended to use two coats of primer to ensure proper coverage and adhesion of the paint.
It is important to note that the quality of the primer used also plays a vital role in the number of coats required. High-quality primers tend to provide better coverage and adhesion, thereby requiring fewer coats.
In conclusion, while one coat of primer may be sufficient in some cases, it is always best to assess the condition of the drywall and use good quality primer to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Is it necessary to use a separate primer and paint on drywall?
Yes, it is necessary to use a separate primer and paint on drywall. A primer is a preparatory coat that is applied before the paint to ensure better adhesion, durability, and color uniformity. Drywall is a porous material that absorbs paint unevenly, resulting in blotchy and uneven finishes if painted directly. A primer fills in the pores and seals the surface, allowing the paint to bond evenly and smoothly.
Moreover, a primer enhances the coverage and longevity of the paint, prevents stains and mildew growth, and reduces the amount of paint needed to achieve the desired color. Using a good quality primer also saves time and money in the long run by reducing the need for multiple coats of paint.
Therefore, to achieve a professional-looking and long-lasting finish on drywall, it is essential to use a separate primer and paint. It is also important to choose the right type of primer and paint based on the drywall surface, environmental conditions, and intended use of the space.
What are some of the best brands of paint primer for drywall?
When it comes to painting drywall, using a high-quality paint primer is essential to achieve a smooth and even finish. There are several good brands of paint primer available in the market, but the following three are some of the best:
1. Kilz Premium Primer: This water-based primer is known for its excellent adhesion and stain-blocking properties. It is ideal for use on new drywall or painted surfaces and can be used under both oil and latex paints.
2. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer: This versatile primer is perfect for use on a variety of surfaces, including drywall, wood, and masonry. It is a water-based primer that dries quickly, provides excellent coverage, and is easy to sand.
3. Sherwin-Williams ProBlock Interior Primer: This high-quality primer is ideal for use on new drywall or previously painted surfaces. It is a water-based primer that provides excellent adhesion, stain-blocking, and sealing properties, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
In conclusion, selecting a high-quality paint primer is essential for achieving a professional-looking paint job on drywall. Kilz Premium Primer, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer, and Sherwin-Williams ProBlock Interior Primer are some of the best brands available in the market that you can consider using.
What are the benefits of using a high-quality paint primer on drywall?
Using a high-quality paint primer on drywall has numerous benefits. Firstly, it helps to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a more professional-looking finish. The primer also helps to seal any small imperfections and pores on the surface, preventing the paint from being absorbed unevenly and resulting in a patchy finish.
In addition, using a primer can help to improve the durability and longevity of your paint job. It helps to protect the drywall from moisture, which can cause the paint to peel or crack over time. This is particularly important in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture levels are higher.
Using a primer can also save you time and money in the long run. It helps to reduce the number of coats of paint you need to apply, as the primer creates a base layer that the paint can adhere to more easily. This means that you can achieve a more even coverage with fewer coats of paint, which can save you money on paint and reduce the amount of time spent on your project.
Overall, using a high-quality paint primer on drywall is a smart investment that can help you to achieve a more professional-looking finish, improve the durability of your paint job, and save you time and money in the long run.
What is the best type of paint primer for drywall?
When it comes to painting drywall, choosing the right primer is crucial to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. The best type of paint primer for drywall is a PVA primer, which stands for polyvinyl acetate. PVA primer is water-based and has a high solids content, which means it fills in small surface imperfections and creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. PVA primer is also easy to apply, dries quickly, and is relatively inexpensive. Another benefit of PVA primer is that it is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safer choice for indoor use. However, it is important to note that PVA primer is not recommended for areas that will be exposed to moisture or high humidity, as it can break down and lead to peeling or flaking paint. In those cases, an oil-based primer or a moisture-resistant primer may be a better choice.