When painting a wall, two essential materials are often discussed: primer and putty. Many people wonder, “What is the difference between primer and putty?” and which one should come first—primer or putty? These are common questions, especially for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
When painting your home, achieving a flawless and durable finish requires more than just selecting the right paint colour. Two essential materials in the painting process are wall putty and primer. Understanding the difference between primer and putty, their individual roles, and the correct application sequence is crucial for a successful paint job.
Although primer and putty play an important role in achieving a smooth and long-lasting paint finish, they serve different purposes. This blog breaks down their differences and explains their specific uses in painting.
What is Wall Putty?
Wall putty is a white, cement-based or acrylic-based material applied to walls before painting. Its primary function is to create a smooth, even surface by filling in minor cracks, holes, and imperfections. This preparation ensures that the paint adheres properly and results in a uniform finish.
Uses of Wall Putty:
- Fills minor cracks and imperfections, providing a smooth base for painting.
- It creates a uniform surface that improves the bond between the wall and the paint.
- Strengthening the wall surface, making it more resistant to moisture and minor damage.
Applying wall putty is especially beneficial for new walls or surfaces with visible flaws, ensuring a polished and professional paint finish.
What is Primer?
A primer is an initial coating applied to walls prior to painting. It is a base layer enhancing paint adhesion, ensuring uniform colour, and increasing the paint’s longevity. Primers can be water-based or oil-based, chosen based on the type of paint and the surface being painted.
Uses of Primer:
- It ensures the paint adheres firmly to the surface, reducing the likelihood of peeling or flaking.
- Especially important when transitioning from dark to light colours, primer helps in achieving the desired paint shade.
- It prevents the paint from being absorbed unevenly, leading to a consistent finish.
- Conceals stains, marks, or previous colours, providing a clean slate for new paint.
A primer is essential for interior and exterior walls to achieve a smooth and vibrant paint finish.
Difference Between Primer and Putty
While both primer and putty are integral to the painting process, they serve distinct purposes:
| Feature | Wall Putty | Primer |
| Purpose | Fills cracks and smoothens the surface. | Enhances paint adhesion and seals the surface. |
| Composition | Cement-based or acrylic-based material. | Liquid form, either water-based or oil-based. |
| Application Stage | Applied after the initial primer coat (in some cases) to fill imperfections. | Applied before and/or after putty to prepare the surface for painting. |
| Function | Provides a smooth, defect-free surface for painting. | Ensures the paint adheres well and provides a uniform base color. |
Primer or Putty: Which Comes First?
The sequence of applying primer and putty can vary based on the wall’s condition and the desired outcome:
For New Walls:
- Option 1: Apply a coat of primer first to seal the surface, followed by wall putty to smoothen it. After the putty dries and is sanded smooth, apply another coat of primer before painting.
- Option 2: Apply wall putty directly to the new wall to fill imperfections and create a smooth surface. Once the putty is dry and sanded, apply a coat of primer before painting.
For Previously Painted Walls:
If the existing paint is in good condition, clean the surface, apply primer to ensure adhesion, and then proceed with painting.
If the existing paint is damaged or uneven, scrape off loose paint, apply wall putty to repair imperfections, sand the surface smooth, apply primer, and then paint.
In both scenarios, ensuring that each layer is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next is crucial for achieving a durable and smooth finish.
Uses of Wall Putty vs Primer
Use wall putty if:
- The wall has visible cracks, holes, or an uneven surface.
- You desire a smooth and flawless finish before painting.
- The surface has minor damages that need correction.
Use primer if:
- The surface is new, unpainted, or porous, requiring a sealed base for paint.
- You’re changing the paint colour significantly, such as from dark to light shades.
- The wall has stains or marks that need to be concealed.
- You aim to enhance paint adhesion and durability.
In many cases, primer and putty are used to prepare the wall adequately for painting. Your project’s specific requirements will determine their application’s necessity and sequence.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a professional and long-lasting paint finish involves meticulous preparation of the wall surface. Understanding the difference between primer and putty is essential in this process. While wall putty addresses surface imperfections by filling and smoothing, primer ensures that the paint adheres properly and maintains its appearance over time.