Ever stare at a wall, brush in hand, feeling totally lost about which primer to use? You know primer is important. It makes paint look better and stick longer. But when you see “Rated Primer” on the can, what does that rating actually mean? It’s confusing!
Choosing the wrong primer can lead to peeling paint or a dull finish, wasting your time and money. We need a primer that matches our specific wall surface and the paint we plan to use. It’s not just a simple step; it’s the foundation of a great paint job.
This post breaks down what those ratings mean. You will learn exactly how to pick the perfect Rated Primer for your next project. We will uncover the secrets behind these labels so you can buy with confidence. Get ready to transform your painting guesswork into expert know-how!
Top Rated Primer Recommendations
- SKIN-SMOOTHING and GRIPPING PRIMER: Your makeup. It’s not going anywhere. Prep skin with this gel-based face primer that has the power to grip your makeup while giving skin a natural finish for a smoother complexion.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Our Power Grip Primer's formula goes on clear with a translucent finish for all skin types and skin tones. It is also non-comedogenic (does not clog pores.)
- MOISTURIZES WHILE PRIMING: Infused with powerhouse ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture for a plump complexion, this makeup primer moisturizes, preps, and smoothes to perfection, improving the look and feel of your skin.
- HOW TO USE: Apply evenly to face before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup. Stop use if irritation.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- SKIN-SMOOTHING and GRIPPING PRIMER: Your makeup. It’s not going anywhere. Prep skin with this gel-based face primer that has the power to grip your makeup while giving skin a natural finish for a smoother complexion.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Our Power Grip Primer's formula goes on clear with a translucent finish for all skin types and skin tones. It is also non-comedogenic (does not clog pores).
- MOISTURIZES WHILE PRIMING: Infused with powerhouse ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture for a plump complexion, this makeup primer moisturizes, preps, and smoothes to perfection, improving the look and feel of your skin.
- HOW TO USE: Apply evenly to face before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup. Stop use if irritation.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- Face Primer For Up To 24H Wear: Drip, glide, grip with Grippy Serum Primer. This face primer for makeup is ultra blendable with Serum-To-Grip technology, after 20 seconds the fresh serum texture transforms to a sticky feel that grips makeup for up to 24H
- Gripping Water Based Primer Formula: Grippy Serum is a water-based serum make up primer that has been formulated with 2-percent Niacinamide. This hydrating primer delivers 24H hydration and gives a fresh, plumped skin look
- No White Cast Or Greasy Feel: Apply this primer for face before makeup. Layers well with makeup and does not pill. Our primer face makeup is a non-comedogenic, vegan formula and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Maybelline Has What You Need: Create any look with foundation, BB cream, concealer and highlighter for the perfect canvas, eye shadow, brow pencil, mascara and eyeliner for any eye look and lip products, from matte lipstick to au natural lip gloss
- Remove Maybelline Makeup With Micellar Water: Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup
- Age Perfect by L'Oreal Paris blurring face Primer is infused with a caring serum and features a universal rosy formula
- This product can either be worn alone or with age Perfect radiant serum foundation or age Perfect creamy powder foundation plus Y5
- It instantly smooths the look of lines and pores. In 1 Use it diffuses the look of lines with a natural-looking, soft-focus finish
- The blurring Primer rosy formula is universally flattering - it helps boost healthy looking, radiant skin
- It also works overtime to improve skin appearance, Use after use, skin is more radiant as well as smoother and softer
- SKIN-SMOOTHING and GRIPPING PRIMER: Your makeup. It’s not going anywhere. Prep skin with this gel-based face primer that has the power to grip your makeup while giving skin a natural finish for a smoother complexion.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Our Power Grip Primer's formula goes on clear with a translucent finish for all skin types and skin tones. It is also non-comedogenic (does not clog pores.)
- MOISTURIZES WHILE PRIMING: Infused with powerhouse ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture for a plump complexion, this makeup primer moisturizes, preps, and smoothes to perfection, improving the look and feel of your skin.
- HOW TO USE: Apply evenly to face before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup. Stop use if irritation.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- SMOOTH & FLAWLESS BASE: La Base Pro Makeup Primer uses Elasto‑Smooth technology to refine skin texture and diffuse light for a soft-focus effect.
- OIL-FREE COMFORT: The professional-grade formula controls shine instantly while leaving skin soft and satiny without feeling greasy.
- LASTING MAKEUP WEAR: Promotes vibrant, stay-true makeup shades while enabling even blending of eyeshadow, blush, foundation, and powder for a professional finish.
- VERSATILE FOR ALL LOOKS & SKIN TYPES: Suitable for normal, oily, combination, and dry skin, this primer perfects clean girl makeup or bold, smoked-out looks effortlessly.
- INNOVATIVE ELASTO-SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY: Contains silicone and emollients that form a silk-like network on skin, creating a smooth and even canvas that enhances makeup color payoff and vibrancy.
- BLURS FLAWS: Instantly smooths and blurs the look of pores and fine lines
- PRIMES SKIN: Helps makeup look better, longer
- ACTS AS A BARRIER: Protects skin from environmental pollutants, damage and stress
- IDEAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Vegan, Cruelty-free and Travel Size
- LIQUID MAKEUP PRIMER: Your favorite Poreless Putty Primer is now available in liquid form! This silky liquid face primer seamlessly glides over your skin.
- CREATES A PORELESS-LOOKING FINISH: This liquid face primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear and gives you a poreless-looking finish.
- INFUSED WITH SQUALANE: Infused with squalane. Great for oily, normal, dry & combination skin types.
- HOW TO USE: Apply prior to your makeup application to create a smooth canvas.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Rated Primer
Choosing the right primer is a big step for any painting project. A good primer makes your paint look better and last longer. This guide will help you pick the best ‘Rated Primer’ for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at different primers, several features really matter. These features tell you how well the primer will work.
1. Adhesion Power
Adhesion means how well the primer sticks to the surface. Great adhesion prevents paint from peeling later. Look for primers that specifically mention strong bonding on tough surfaces like glossy paint or slick plastic.
2. Stain Blocking Ability
Some surfaces have stains, like water marks or crayon scribbles. A high-quality primer must block these stains from showing through your new paint. This is super important for older homes.
3. Drying Time
How fast the primer dries affects your whole project timeline. Faster drying times mean you can apply the topcoat sooner. Check the label for the recoat time.
4. Coverage and Hiding Power
Good coverage means you need fewer coats. Excellent hiding power means dark colors disappear quickly under the primer. This saves you money on paint.
Important Materials in Rated Primers
Primers are made from different stuff. The main ingredients change what the primer does best.
- Water-Based (Latex): These are easy to clean up with just soap and water. They dry fast and have low odor. They are great for general use on drywall and wood.
- Oil-Based (Alkyd): These primers stick really well to tricky surfaces. They are excellent at blocking tough stains. However, they smell stronger and need mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Shellac-Based: This type is the champion at stopping strong smells, like smoke damage, and stubborn stains. They dry very fast but can be harder to apply smoothly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all primers perform the same. Certain factors boost quality, while others can cause problems.
Quality Boosters:
Primers with higher resin content usually offer better durability and adhesion. Premium formulas often include additives that help them level out, leaving a smoother finish. Always choose a primer designed for your specific surface (e.g., a bonding primer for tile).
Quality Reducers:
Using the wrong type of primer greatly reduces quality. Applying a latex primer over oil-based paint without proper preparation often leads to poor sticking. Cheap, thin primers lack solids, meaning they offer poor stain blocking and require multiple coats.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the primer changes what you should buy.
Interior Walls and Ceilings:
For standard drywall, a good quality, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) water-based primer is usually perfect. It seals the surface and prepares it for color.
Exterior Wood and Metal:
You need a primer built for the outdoors. Look for rust-inhibiting properties for metal and excellent weather resistance for wood. Oil or specialized acrylic primers work best here.
Refinishing Cabinets or Furniture:
If you are painting slick surfaces like old laminate or glossy cabinets, you must use a high-adhesion bonding primer. This step ensures your beautiful new paint does not chip off next week.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Primer
Q: Do I really need to use primer?
A: Yes, for best results! Primer helps the new paint stick better and makes the color look truer. It also seals the surface.
Q: Can I use an interior primer outside?
A: No. Exterior surfaces face sun and rain. You must use a primer specifically rated for exterior use to prevent peeling and damage.
Q: What does “VOC” mean on a primer can?
A: VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Lower VOC means less strong smell and better for indoor air quality.
Q: How long should I wait between priming and painting?
A: This depends on the primer. Most dry fast, but always check the label. Usually, you wait 1 to 4 hours before applying the next coat.
Q: Can a primer cover dark paint?
A: A good stain-blocking primer can cover medium colors. For very dark colors or black, you might need two coats of primer for perfect coverage.
Q: Is oil-based primer always better than water-based?
A: No. Oil-based is better for tough stains or bare wood. Water-based is better for general drywall because it is low odor and easy to clean.
Q: What is ‘sanding sealer’?
A: Sanding sealer is a type of primer that dries very hard. You sand it smooth easily, which helps create a perfect, glass-like finish, usually on wood trim.
Q: My primer feels sticky after 24 hours. What happened?
A: This usually means the primer did not dry completely. This can happen if you applied the coat too thick or if the temperature or humidity is too high in the room.
Q: Should I use a different primer for new drywall versus previously painted drywall?
A: Yes. New drywall needs a ‘sealing’ primer to prevent the paint from soaking in unevenly. Previously painted walls just need a general-purpose primer.
Q: Does primer expire?
A: Yes, primers can go bad, especially water-based ones. If the can has separated badly or smells sour, throw it out. Always try to use it within a year or two of purchase.