The Ultimate Guide to Primers for Exterior Painting: Insights from Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper
Alright, folks, welcome to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes confusing world of what the heck kind of primer do I need?. If you’re like most homeowners in the western suburbs of Chicago, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your house. You love the space but hate the endless list of things that need fixing, right? We get it. Today, we’re diving into a topic that might not sound exciting but is crucial for anyone thinking about giving their home’s exterior a facelift: Exterior primers from Sherwin Williams . Stick around, and by the end of this, you’ll be an expert on primers made by Sherwin-Williams. Grab your Starbucks and let’s get rolling.
Why Primers Matter More Than You Think
Before you even think about slapping on that beautiful shade of “Sea Serpent” or “Naval” on your house, you need to start with a good primer. Think of primer as the unsung hero of the painting world. It’s like the foundation of your makeup routine—skip it, and everything else just looks, well, off.
Types of Sherwin-Williams Primers
Sherwin-Williams offers a range of primers, each designed to tackle different issues. Here’s a rundown of the main types and when you’d want to use them:
1. Multi-Purpose Latex Primer
This is the Swiss Army knife of primers. It’s versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, masonry, and metal. If you have a house that’s as eclectic as a Wes Anderson film, this might be your go-to.
2. Exterior Oil-Based Primer
Got an older home with a bit of personality (and by personality, we mean it’s a bit of a fixer-upper)? An oil-based primer is great for sealing stains and providing a solid base for your paint. Just remember, it’s oil-based, so you’ll need some strong spirits (mineral spirits, that is) for cleanup.
3. Bonding Primer
If your house has a smooth, slick surface, like aluminum siding or glossy paints, you’ll want a bonding primer. This stuff sticks to anything, like a toddler with a lollipop.
4. Stain-Blocking Primer
Got some nasty stains that won’t quit? Stain-blocking primers are your best friends. Whether it’s water stains, smoke, or those mysterious marks that appeared out of nowhere, this primer will seal them off like Fort Knox.
Common Painting Issues and How Primers Can Help
Let’s face it, painting isn’t always a walk in the park. There are a few common issues you might encounter, and the right primer can be your saving grace.
Peeling Paint
Ever feel like your house is shedding its old skin? That was a problem for a house we painted in Woodstock this year. Old paint removed, peeling happened again, scraped some more , then more, and finally 1 more.
Peeling paint is a pain!! But a good primer can help. An oil-based or bonding primer can make sure your new paint sticks around for the long haul.
Mildew and Mold
Ugh, the dreaded mildew. If your home is prone to mildew, look for a primer with mildewcide. It’s like bug spray, but for mildew. Once the mold etc is removed, we do use a chemical for that. Primers can’t help new mold- but they will block the old!
Uneven Surfaces
If your house has more bumps than a teenager’s face, a high-build primer can help smooth things out. There are some from Sherwin available, that work ok. It fills in small cracks and imperfections, making your final paint job look flawless.
The Contractor Conundrum: Picking the Right One
Choosing a contractor can feel a bit like online dating. Everyone looks great on paper, but the reality often doesn’t match up. Here are a few tips to help you swipe right on the perfect painting contractor:
1. Transparency
Look for a contractor who’s upfront about costs and procedures. If they have a detailed website that answers all your questions (like our FAQ’s), that’s a good sign.
2. Reviews
Check out their reviews on Google, Yelp, or any other platform. If people are raving about them like they just discovered the next best Netflix series, you’re probably in good hands.
3. Quality Over Price
Remember, you get what you pay for. Going with the cheapest option might save you some bucks now, but you’ll probably end up paying more in the long run to fix shoddy work.
A Quick Word on Interior Painting
While we’re at it, let’s not forget about the inside of your house. Whether you’re moving into a new place, updating a single room, or giving your whole house a fresh look, we’ve got you covered. Check out our interior painting services for more info.
Ready to just have some one do it for you?
Ready to give your home the love it deserves? Contact us at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper to get started on your next project. You can reach us at david@dfrancowallpaper.com or give us a call at 847-553-1726. Let’s make your home the envy of the neighborhood!
So there you have it—your ultimate guide to primers for exterior painting. Now, go forth and paint, and may your house look as stunning as you’ve always dreamed it would. And remember, a good primer is like a good contractor: essential for a job well done.
Till next time, happy painting!
