Should You Prime Walls Before Painting? A St. Louis Homeowner’s Guide

When planning to paint a room—or your entire home in the St. Louis area—preparation is everything. One of the most common questions we hear from St. Louis homeowners is:

"Do I need to prime my walls before painting?"

In most cases, the answer is yes—and here’s why.

At Malone Painting, we know that priming is a critical step that can significantly impact the quality, durability, and overall appearance of your interior paint project. In this guide, we’ll break down what primer does, when it’s needed, the different types of primer, and the long-term benefits it brings to your St. Louis home.

What Is Primer and Why Does It Matter?

Primer is a base coat applied to surfaces before painting. It does more than just prep the wall—it seals porous surfaces, improves paint adhesion, blocks stains, and creates a uniform foundation for your topcoat.

Think of it as insurance for your paint job: it helps ensure the final finish looks smooth, vibrant, and long-lasting.

When Should You Prime Walls?

Here are four key situations where priming is a must, especially for homeowners in and around St. Louis:

1. New Drywall

If you’re renovating or finishing a basement in your St. Louis home, chances are you’re working with new drywall. This highly porous surface absorbs paint unevenly. A good drywall primer seals the surface and allows for even paint coverage—essential for a professional finish.

2. Color Changes

Changing from a dark to light color—or vice versa? Primer is essential to hide the old paint and help your new color look bold and true. It also saves you money by reducing the number of topcoats you’ll need.

3. Stains, Smoke, or Water Damage

St. Louis homes, especially older ones, often deal with water stains, smoke residue, or kid-related wall art. A stain-blocking primer seals those marks and keeps them from bleeding through your new paint job.

4. Glossy or Slick Surfaces

Glossy finishes (like old oil-based paint or laminate) don’t allow new paint to stick well. Priming these surfaces gives your paint the grip it needs to stay put—and look great for years.

Types of Primers and How to Choose

Choosing the right primer is just as important as applying it. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Water-Based Primer

• Great for most interior walls

• Low odor and quick drying

• Easy cleanup with soap and water

• Not as strong at blocking stains

Oil-Based Primer

• Excellent adhesion and stain-blocking

• Ideal for water-damaged walls or smoke-stained ceilings

• Requires mineral spirits for cleanup

• Longer drying time

Stain-Blocking Primer

• Designed to seal persistent stains and odors

• Often oil-based, with heavy-duty sealing power

• Perfect for homes with smoke damage, mildew, or pet-related issues

Tinted Primer

• Tinted to a shade similar to your final color

• Helps with drastic color changes

• Reduces the number of coats needed for full coverage

Top Benefits of Priming Before Painting

Whether you live in Clayton, Webster Groves, or downtown St. Louis, here’s why priming pays off:

✅ Improved Paint Adhesion

Your topcoat sticks better and lasts longer when applied over a primed surface.

✅ Longer-Lasting Results

Primer provides a more durable surface that resists peeling, cracking, and fading—especially important in high-traffic areas or humid Missouri summers.

✅ Professional Finish

Priming creates a smoother base, which means cleaner edges, better color clarity, and a polished final look.

Common Priming Myths (Debunked)

“I’m using premium paint—I don’t need primer.”

 Even the best paint can fail if it doesn’t have a proper surface to stick to.

“All paints have primer in them.”

 Paint-and-primer-in-one products work only in very specific conditions. They don’t replace the need for a separate primer when dealing with stains, raw surfaces, or drastic color changes.

Let Malone Painting Help You Get It Right

At Malone Painting, we specialize in residential interior painting across St. Louis and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you’re updating a historic home in Lafayette Square or refreshing a modern space in Chesterfield, we’ll make sure your walls are properly prepped for lasting, beautiful results.

Not sure which primer to use—or whether you need one?

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced St. Louis painters are happy to assess your space and recommend the best path forward.

📍 Serving St. Louis With Trusted Interior Painting Expertise

Malone Painting is your go-to partner for quality interior painting services in St. Louis, Ladue, Kirkwood, Ballwin, and beyond. We pride ourselves on meticulous prep work, and that starts with the right primer for your project.