A Professional Painter’s Guide for Seattle, King County & Snohomish County Homes

Primer is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of any painting project. Many homeowners assume it’s optional, but in reality, primer can make or break the final result, especially in the Pacific Northwest where moisture, stain bleeding, and surface texture are common issues.

At Interland Design, we use primer strategically to ensure long-lasting, smooth, and professional finishes in homes, apartments, and commercial spaces throughout Seattle, King County, and Snohomish County. This guide explains exactly when you need primer, when you don’t, and which type of primer is best for your specific project.

What Does Primer Actually Do?

Primer is not just “white paint under the paint.” It has a different makeup than paint and these differences serve several key purposes:

1. Seals porous surfaces

Drywall, new wood, and patched areas absorb paint unevenly. Primer creates a uniform surface.

2. Improves adhesion

Primer helps paint grip surfaces such as glossy walls, cabinets, metal, or existing oil-based coatings.

3. Blocks stains and discoloration

Smoke, water stains, knots in wood, and tannins can bleed through regular paint. Primer prevents this.

4. Evens out sheen

Without primer, patched areas can “flash” (look shiny or dull compared to other areas).

5. Enhances durability

Paint lasts longer and resists peeling, especially in humid climates like the Pacific Northwest.

When You Should Use Primer

While not every job requires primer, many do—especially in Seattle’s damp and variable climate.

✔ 1. When Painting Over Stains

Water damage, smoke residue, marker, and pet stains will bleed through paint unless blocked with primer.

Best primer type:
✨ Stain-blocking oil primer

✔ 2. When Painting Bare Drywall or Fresh Patches

Drywall mud absorbs paint unevenly.
Primer seals the surface for a consistent finish.

Best primer type:
✨ Drywall/PVA primer

✔ 3. When Switching From Dark to Light Colors

Whites and light neutrals can take 4–6 coats without primer.

Primer reduces it to 1–2 coats.

Best primer type:
✨ High-hide latex primer

✔ 4. When Painting Over Glossy or Slick Surfaces

Paint doesn’t adhere well to:

  • Glossy trim
  • Cabinets
  • Old oil-based paint
  • Tile or laminate
  • Metal surfaces

Best primer type:
✨ Bonding primer (scuff sanding also recommended)

✔ 5. When Painting New Wood

Wood knots leak tannins that discolor paint.

Best primer type:
✨ Oil-based or shellac primer

✔ 6. When There’s Odor to Seal

Smoke, pet odors, or mildew smells can persist even after cleaning.

Best primer type:
✨ Shellac-based primer (extremely effective but strong odor)

✔ 7. When Painting Exteriors in the PNW

Because Western Washington deals with moisture:

  • Weathered wood
  • Bare siding
  • Peeling surfaces
  • Rusty spots

All benefit from priming before painting.

Best primer type:
✨ Oil-based exterior primer
✨ Rust-inhibiting primer (for metal)

Common Situations When Primer Is NOT Needed

Primer isn’t required in every situation.

You typically don’t need primer when:

  • Repainting walls that are in good condition
  • Keeping similar or darker colors
  • Re-coating trim already in good shape
  • Using a high-quality paint-and-primer formula (for color-on-color)

However…
If surfaces are glossy, damaged, stained, patched, or changing drastically in color, primer is recommended.

Types of Primer & Their Best Uses

Below is a breakdown of the most common primer types and when to use each.

1. Latex (Water-Based) Primer

Best for:

  • Drywall
  • Bare wood (non-tannin)
  • Mild stains
  • General repainting
  • Low-odor interior projects

Benefits:

  • Lowest smell
  • Fast drying
  • Easy cleanup

2. Oil-Based Primer

Best for:

  • Water stains
  • Smoke damage
  • New wood (especially pine and cedar)
  • Exterior surfaces
  • Glossy surfaces (with sanding)

Benefits:

  • Excellent stain blocking
  • Strong adhesion
  • Moisture resistant

3. Shellac Primer

Best for:

  • Severe stains
  • Smoke/fire restoration
  • Heavy tannins
  • Sealing odors
  • Interior trim and cabinets

Benefits:

  • Unmatched stain/odor blocking
  • Ultra-fast drying
  • Seals everything

Drawbacks:

  • Very strong odor
  • Not ideal for large wall areas

4. Bonding Primer

Best for:

  • Tile
  • PVC
  • Laminate
  • Glass
  • Glossy or slick surfaces
  • Old oil-based coatings

Benefits:

  • Designed for difficult adhesion situations
  • Great for cabinet refinishing and trim

5. PVA Drywall Primer

Best for:

  • New drywall
  • Fresh mudded areas
  • Newly patched walls

Benefits:

  • Evens out absorption
  • Essential for a consistent finish

Note: Make sure you are using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying primer (or any wall covering) and have proper ventilation in the space you are working in.  Follow all manufacturer recommendations for the product you are working with and if you are not comfortable, hire a professional to take care of it.

Choosing the Right Primer for Pacific Northwest Homes

Because of our damp climate, soft natural light, and mixed housing stock, homeowners in Seattle, King County, and Snohomish County often benefit from:

  • Stain-blocking primers for older homes
  • Bonding primers for cabinets in modern remodels
  • Exterior primers that protect wood from moisture
  • PVA primer for new apartment turnovers

Whether you’re dealing with cedar siding in Snohomish County, condo walls in Bellevue, or older Seattle craftsman trim, the right primer ensures long-lasting results.

Need Help Choosing Primer? Interland Design Can Help.

Primer may not be glamorous, but it’s the foundation of every great paint job.
At Interland Design, we help homeowners, property managers, and realtors choose the right products for long-lasting, flawless results.

Contact Interland Design

📞 425-290-9639
📧 Interland@interlanddesign.com
🌐 www.interlanddesign.com
Transforming Spaces One Brushstroke at a Time