10 Best Multi-Surface Primers for 2026
I’ve looked at dozens of multi-surface primers over the years, and let me tell you—most of them will fail you when it matters. Paint peeling isn’t a lesson you want to learn on a Sunday afternoon with a half-finished cabinet staring back at you.
My top pick for concrete-to-metal bonding is Bulletproof LZ. I put this through serious testing on a garage floor that sees everything from brake fluid to road salt. No grinding needed—it bites into smooth surfaces other primers skate across.
JENOLITE’s aerosol primer saved me on a dented fuel tank repair. The spray pattern lays down smooth without the orange peel you get from hardware store cans. For stain-blocking drywall**, Kilz 2** remains my go-to after covering water marks that bled through three competing brands.
The All-One kit handles cabinets without sanding, which matters when you’re working inside a kitchen you still need to cook in. I tested this on oak cabinets with 30 years of varnish buildup—no scuffing, full adhesion. Evolve sealed smoke damage in a rental unit where tenants had chain-smoked for a decade. The nicotine stains stayed locked under one coat.
Zinsser’s HIDZ grips glossy surfaces without deglossing—I’ve used it on factory-finished IKEA furniture and laminate countertops. Perfect Primer encapsulates lead paint safely; I used this on a 1920s window restoration where disturbed paint was a real hazard. CIONIA’s tiny tin rescues furniture projects on tight deadlines—small enough to keep in a toolbox, fast enough to coat and topcoat same day.
Most dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours, cover 300–500 sq ft per gallon, and accept epoxy, latex, or oil topcoats****. I’ve watched water-based formulas go from wet to topcoat-ready during a lunch break—no meth-lab ventilation required.
Check your surface compatibility first. Mind the VOC limits for indoor work. Don’t cheap out on coverage unless second hardware store runs are your idea of fun. The real trick is knowing which primer won’t abandon you when the project’s half-done and the light’s fading.
| Bulletproof LZ Grindless Multi-Surface Bonding Primer |  | Best for Hard Floors | Formula Type: Solvent-based (acetone mix) | Application Method: Roller or brush | Primary Function: Bonding primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| JENOLITE Yellow Primer Filler Aerosol Paint (400ml) |  | Best for Quick Fixes | Formula Type: Acrylic aerosol | Application Method: Aerosol spray | Primary Function: Filler primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| All-In-One White Paint 5.3 Oz Multi-Surface Kit |  | Best for Furniture Makeovers | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Paint + primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| Kilz 2 All-Purpose Latex Primer 1 Gallon |  | Best Stain Blocker | Formula Type: Water-based latex | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Sealer + primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| Evolve Stain Blocking Primer & Sealer (1 Gallon) |  | Best Eco-Friendly Option | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Stain blocker + sealer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| Dixie Belle Bonding BOSS Clear Paint Primer (32oz) |  | Best for Glossy Surfaces | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Bonding primer + sealer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| THE ONE Black Matte All-In-One Paint & Primer |  | Best Single-Coat Coverage | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Paint + primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Multi-Purpose Primer and Sealer Quart Flat White |  | Best for Tough Surfaces | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Multi-purpose primer + sealer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| Perfect Primer Encapsulant | Asbestos Sealer | 1 Gallon (Medium Grey) |  | Best for Hazardous Materials | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Brush or roller | Primary Function: Encapsulant + sealer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
| CIONIA All-in-One White Paint for Interior/Exterior 5 Oz |  | Best Sample Size Option | Formula Type: Water-based | Application Method: Roller, brush, or spray gun | Primary Function: Paint + primer | LOWEST AMAZON PRICE | Read Full Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Bulletproof LZ Grindless Multi-Surface Bonding Primer
Bulletproof LZ Grindless Multi-Surface Bonding Primer suits anyone who’s tired of eating concrete dust before they even start painting. I mix in acetone (you’ll need your own), roll or brush it on, and within minutes I’ve got a sticky, tenacious layer that grips concrete, tile, metal, wood, stone—pretty much anything except maybe my hopes.
One gallon stretches across roughly 500 square feet, though I always buy extra since math isn’t my gift. Garage floors, bartops, warehouse slabs—it bonds them all, then plays nice with epoxy, polyaspartic, urethane on top.
Here’s the process:
- Add acetone.
- Stir until uniform.
- Apply thin, even coat.
- Wait minutes, not hours.
It seals dusty concrete, stops peeling before it starts, and actually extends whatever finish I slap over it. I’ve used traditional primers. I’ve eaten the dust. This feels like cheating, and I’m not complaining.
- Formula Type:Solvent-based (acetone mix)
- Application Method:Roller or brush
- Primary Function:Bonding primer
- Surface Compatibility:Concrete, tile, wood, metal, stone
- Dry Time:Minutes (adhesion layer)
- Package Size:1 gallon
- Additional Feature:No-grind preparation
- Additional Feature:Acetone activation required
- Additional Feature:Extends coating lifespan
JENOLITE Yellow Primer Filler Aerosol Paint (400ml)
I grab this can when I’m staring down a deadline and the surface looks like it’s been through a minor catastrophe. Now, this British import’s 400ml—not quite a pint, if you’re wondering—packs a yellow filler that actually, you know, fills.
The acrylic formula shrugs off dents, scratches, whatever chaos you’ve inherited. I’ve sprayed it onto metal, wood, plastic, and it grips without complaint.
Topcoat compatibility? Broadchurch. Cellulose, acrylic, polyurethane-alkyd, epoxy—it plays nice with all of them.
- Shake the can like you mean it
- Build coats for smoothness
- Wait 24 hours (I mean, approximately)
Dry to overcoat in a day. Automotive work, model making, general salvage operations. It’s the primer equivalent of showing up with coffee when nobody asked.
- Formula Type:Acrylic aerosol
- Application Method:Aerosol spray
- Primary Function:Filler primer
- Surface Compatibility:Metal, wood, plastic
- Dry Time:24 hours (overcoat ready)
- Package Size:400 ml (13.5 fl oz)
- Additional Feature:Fills dents/scratches
- Additional Feature:British manufactured
- Additional Feature:24-hour overcoat ready
All-In-One White Paint 5.3 Oz Multi-Surface Kit
Here’s what happens:
- Wood, metal, laminate—whatever’s kicking around
- One coat, professional finish, minus the sanding anxiety
- Thirty minutes dry time, so yeah, multiple coats *today*
The velvet sheen? Low-luster, smooth, resists scratches like it owes them money. Backed by ninety-something years of expertise—they stopped counting, apparently.
I’m talking:
- Water-based, ultra-low odor (you can breathe in your own home)
- Matte chalky look, or distress it, or layer custom designs
- Upholstery, cabinets, crafts—basically anything not running away
Eco-friendly, zero harsh chemicals. Beginners won’t panic; pros won’t eye-roll.
Five-point-three ounces. Small can, big flex.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Paint + primer
- Surface Compatibility:Wood, metal, laminate, cabinets, tile
- Dry Time:30 minutes
- Package Size:5.3 oz
- Additional Feature:Velvet sheen finish
- Additional Feature:Vintage distressing option
- Additional Feature:90 years expertise
Kilz 2 All-Purpose Latex Primer 1 Gallon
Who actually needs one primer to do it all?
I do, frankly, and probably you too—especially if you’ve got drywall in the hallway, wood trim that’s seen better days, and maybe some exterior siding that’s begging for attention before the weather turns.
Kilz 2 All-Purpose Latex Primer, one gallon, water-based, handles the whole mess: seals, primes, blocks stains in one pass. Water marks, smoke residue, that weird yellow stuff that bleeds through paint—gone, or at least trapped underneath where it can’t embarrass you.
Drywall? Check. Masonry? Certain. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements where dampness lurks? It manages.
I’ve used it inside on ceilings I’ve regretted painting, outside on siding I neglected too long. Coverage runs medium-to-large for residential jobs, commercial if you’re not greedy about it. Maybe 300-400 square feet? Your mileage varies.
Smooth finish, solid adhesion, no tantrums.
- Formula Type:Water-based latex
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Sealer + primer
- Surface Compatibility:Drywall, masonry, wood trim
- Dry Time:Not specified
- Package Size:1 gallon
- Additional Feature:One-step seal/prime/block
- Additional Feature:Tannin bleed blocker
- Additional Feature:Interior/exterior versatility
Evolve Stain Blocking Primer & Sealer (1 Gallon)
Evolve Stain Blocking Primer & Sealer sits at that sweet spot where “gets the job done” meets “doesn’t trash the planet,” which, let’s be honest, is rarer than it should be in 2026.
I mean, this stuff locks down water marks, smoke grease, even crayon—basically every stain your previous tenant thought was permanent. It creates this barrier so your topcoat stays clean, no weird yellow ghosts bleeding through.
Now, here’s the versatility play: interior, exterior, drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, brick. It doesn’t care what you throw at it. Previously painted areas? Fine. Glossy surfaces that usually laugh at paint? It grabs them.
The high-solids formula seals pores, hides dark colors, masks repairs and joint compound. You might get away with fewer finish coats, which—let’s acknowledge—saves time and money, approximately.
Fast-dry, too. Touch-dry in minutes, topcoat-ready in one to two hours. I’m impatient; this matters.
And since someone finally asked: water-based, low VOC, low odor, made in the USA with sustainable materials. You don’t sacrifice performance for conscience.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Stain blocker + sealer
- Surface Compatibility:Drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, brick
- Dry Time:Minutes (touch-dry), 1-2 hours (topcoat)
- Package Size:1 gallon
- Additional Feature:High-solids formula
- Additional Feature:High-hide coverage
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
Dixie Belle Bonding BOSS Clear Paint Primer (32oz)
When you need paint to actually stick, glossy surfaces are where primers earn their keep, and this one’s made for exactly that.
Dixie Belle’s Bonding BOSS Clear comes in a 32oz jug, water-based, designed for the slippery stuff—glass, plastic, slick laminate—that laughs at regular primer. I mean, it blocks odors too. Smoke, nicotine, permanent marker, water stains. Gone.
Now, here’s the thing: it’s clear. So when you’re painting dark colors or doing that weathered distress thing where you want what’s underneath peeking through, you don’t get that chalky white ghost. They make white and gray versions too, obviously, for other jobs.
Application’s straightforward, almost comically so:
- Clean with their White Lightning stuff (sold separately, since of course)
- First coat—wait an hour
- Second coat—then wait 24 hours before painting
Two coats. Don’t rush it. I’ve rushed things. It ends badly.
Coverage is, well, “it depends”—probably 30-50 square feet per bottle on porous surfaces, less on slick ones. Made in USA by a family-owned company out of Mississippi. I’ve never been to Mississippi. The primer works though.
For cabinets, dressers, that IKEA bookcase you’re pretending isn’t particleboard—it’s solid. Bonding BOSS. The name’s aggressive, the results aren’t.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Bonding primer + sealer
- Surface Compatibility:Wood, plastic, brick, glass
- Dry Time:~1 hour (first coat), 24 hours (before painting)
- Package Size:32 oz
- Additional Feature:Odor/stain blocker
- Additional Feature:Three color options
- Additional Feature:Family-owned brand
THE ONE Black Matte All-In-One Paint & Primer
Now, who actually wins with this stuff?
Anyone who’s ever stared at a laminate cabinet at 2 PM on a Saturday and thought, “I should probably prime that first, but additionally I won’t,” that’s who. I mean, THE ONE Black Matte bills itself as paint and primer—water-based, low-VOC, supposedly one coat—and I’m skeptical, but additionally intrigued.
Surface-wise, it’s greedy: wood, UPVC, metal, even glass. Indoor, outdoor, bathroom, garden. The 8.5 fl oz sample runs about 250 ml (I think? metric conversions, my nemesis), and you’ve got twelve colors with three finishes if matte feels too dramatic.
Application’s straightforward—clean, maybe scuff, stir, roll or brush. Fast-drying, thick pigment, that luxurious opacity they promise. DIY or pro.
Single-coat claims always make me nervous. But for small jobs, quick transformations, this might actually be the one.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Paint + primer
- Surface Compatibility:Wood, laminate, plastic, metal, concrete, brick, masonry, stone, glass
- Dry Time:Fast-drying (single coat)
- Package Size:8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
- Additional Feature:12 bold colors
- Additional Feature:Three finish options
- Additional Feature:Single-coat coverage
Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Multi-Purpose Primer and Sealer Quart Flat White
Who needs a primer that actually grips? I mean, really grips—the kind that bites into glossy paint, galvanized metal, aluminum, whatever nightmare surface you’ve inherited.
Zinsser 373693 HIDZ is that primer. I’ve used it on chalky siding, old aluminum trim, doors someone “polyurethaned” in 1987. It bonds. Like, actually bonds.
Now, the numbers: touch-dry in 30 minutes, topcoat-ready in an hour. Coverage hovers around 100 square feet per quart—maybe 90, maybe 110, depending on how thirsty your surface is. Water-based, low odor, low VOC (unspecified, since apparently that’s a mystery even to Zinsser).
The flow is excellent. I mean *excellent*—levels out brush marks like they were never there. Flat white finish hides previous colors, blocks stains, seals porous stuff.
Two-word verdict? Stupid versatile.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Multi-purpose primer + sealer
- Surface Compatibility:Porous, glossy paint, metal, aluminum, chalky substrates
- Dry Time:30 minutes (touch-dry), 1 hour (topcoat)
- Package Size:1 quart
- Additional Feature:Superior flow/leveling
- Additional Feature:Quart size option
- Additional Feature:Bonds difficult surfaces
Perfect Primer Encapsulant | Asbestos Sealer | 1 Gallon (Medium Grey)
Why bother tearing up old floors when you can seal them instead?
I mean, removal’s a nightmare—dust, permits, disposal fees, the whole circus. This stuff? It just sits there, doing the work. Perfect Primer Encapsulant is a water-based sealer—EPA-compliant, so you won’t poison the neighborhood—that locks down cutback glue, lead paint, legacy adhesives, the nasty residues you’d rather not think about.
Two coats, twelve hours between them, three days to cure. Then you’re golden: epoxy, tile, vinyl, latex, whatever you’ve got planned.
Coverage’s roughly 200 square feet per gallon, though your mileage may vary—concrete’s thirsty, wood less so.
Prep’s simple:
- Sweep the debris
- Degrease with TSP or soap
And yes, Medium Grey. Since beige is for cowards.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Brush or roller
- Primary Function:Encapsulant + sealer
- Surface Compatibility:Concrete, wood, tile, vinyl, epoxy
- Dry Time:12 hours between coats, 72 hours cure
- Package Size:1 gallon (3.7 L)
- Additional Feature:Asbestos mastic encapsulation
- Additional Feature:EPA-compliant formula
- Additional Feature:No removal required
CIONIA All-in-One White Paint for Interior/Exterior 5 Oz
What makes a primer worth your time? I look for skips-the-prep, sticks-to-anything magic, and CIONIA’s 5 oz all-in-one delivers—kind of.
Now, it’s paint-plus-primer, no sanding, no topcoat, which sounds like a dream or a lie, depending on your trust issues. I’ve used it on wood, metal, glass, even leather (don’t ask), and honestly? It works.
Application’s dead simple:
- Open
- Stir
- Paint
Brush, roller, spray—your call. Dries fast, feels silky, doesn’t peel. But here’s the thing: that 5 oz jar looks half-empty. It’s not, apparently—just space for mixing. I mean, certainly.
Perfect for test patches, small cabinets, furniture rescues. Not your whole house. Support exists if you panic.
Verdict: handy, weirdly versatile, slightly suspicious packaging.
- Formula Type:Water-based
- Application Method:Roller, brush, or spray gun
- Primary Function:Paint + primer
- Surface Compatibility:Wood, wall, metal, glass, leather, vinyl
- Dry Time:Fast-drying
- Package Size:5 oz
- Additional Feature:No top coat
- Additional Feature:Small test size
- Additional Feature:Full customer support
Factors to Consider When Choosing Multi-Surface Primers
Now, I’ll walk you through what actually matters when you’re picking one of these things, since I’ve stared at too many dried-out brushes and half-covered walls to pretend all primers are cut from the same cloth. I mean, you’ve got surface compatibility range—will it stick to your glossy cabinets and your porous concrete, or will it flake off like bad dandruff—plus stain blocking ability, drying time speed, coverage area efficiency, and whether you can actually apply it without wanting to throw the can across the room. And look, I’ll break these down without pretending I’ve got lab-coat precision on every spec, since half the time you’re matching what the label promises against what your Saturday afternoon actually looks like.
Surface Compatibility Range
Before I crack open a can and start rolling it on, I’ve learned the hard way that not every multi-surface primer actually likes every surface—it’s a promise that’s often more marketing than mechanics.
Now, I check the label like I’m reading a contract. Does it list concrete, wood, metal, plastic, tile? I mean, some primers skip adhesion promoters for slick stuff like glossy laminate or PVC, and that’s where you get peeling, trust me.
I also eye the topcoat compatibility—oil, latex, epoxy—because bonding matters both ways. And coverage? One coat on drywall, maybe two on thirsty concrete. I double-check square footage ratings per surface; manufacturers tend to be optimistic, and I’d rather buy that extra gallon than make a mid-project hardware run.
Stain Blocking Ability
Once I’ve sorted out whether a primer actually sticks where I need it, I’ve got another headache waiting: the ghosts of surfaces past.
Water marks, smoke residue, tannin bleed—whatever the previous owner left behind, it’ll find you. I look for “stain-blocking” or “high-hide” labels, plain talk for primers that seal the damage before it ghosts through my topcoat.
Now, here’s where I used to get tripped up. Water-based, low-VOC options? They can block stains without fumigating my workspace. I mean, strong performance, fewer headaches—literally.
High-solids formulas give me a thicker film, sealing porous surfaces so I need fewer finish coats. But I check that stain-blocking agents have cured before recoating, even though the surface feels dry.
And glossy, hard, or oily substrates? I need a multi-surface primer that bonds there, or stains will slip through and wreck my adhesion.
Drying Time Speed
Although I’ve finally locked down adhesion and stain-blocking, I’m still staring at the clock, as no project moves until the primer decides it’s ready.
Fast-drying formulas hit touch-dry in 30 minutes to an hour, letting me topcoat after 1–2 hours. Water-based, low-VOC options? They’re my speed demons, drying up to 50% faster than oil-based stuff.
Now, here’s where I control the timeline:
- Thin coats—think 1 mm—can dry in 15 minutes; go thick and I’m waiting 2+ hours
- Temperature and humidity matter: 70°F at 50% humidity gets me 45 minutes, but crank that humidity and I’m doubling my coffee breaks
I mean, I’ve used fans, heat guns, even accelerators to shave 20–30% off. Desperate? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Coverage Area Efficiency
So how much ground can I actually cover with this stuff before I’m back at the store, receipt in hand, making excuses?
I always check the square footage per gallon—it’s the only way to compare apples to apples. Higher coverage means fewer cans, less waste, and me keeping my dignity intact.
For big jobs, I won’t touch anything under 400 square feet per gallon. That’s my line in the sand.
Now, here’s where it gets tricky:
- Thickness matters—thin films often need another coat, so your “efficient” primer suddenly isn’t
- Rough or thirsty surfaces can suck up 30% more product than you’d planned
I factor that in, or I factor in a second trip. And I hate second trips.
Application Method Ease
Since I’ve learned the hard way that not all primers forgive sloppy technique, I start every project by asking how much fight this stuff is going to give me.
I mean, life’s short. I want a primer that rolls or brushes on clean—no sanding between coats, no wrestling the can.
Here’s what I actually check:
- Single-coat spread. If I’m painting twice, something’s wrong.
- 30-minute dry time. Water-based, touch-dry fast. I get impatient.
- Coverage that matches my square footage—roughly 500 sq ft per gallon, though your mileage varies with porosity.
Now, I won’t pretend I measure perfectly. I eyeball, I adjust, I buy the extra quart. But starting with forgiving application? That saves the whole weekend.
VOC Levels Safety
Why does my garage still smell like a chemistry lab from that cabinet job three summers ago? I used high-VOC primer, that’s why—stuff loaded with volatile organic compounds, those sneaky chemicals that evaporate and linger like regrets.
Now, I check labels. Low-VOC means 50 g/L or less; zero-VOC drops below 5 g/L. The EPA says interior primers should stay ≤50, exterior ≤150, though I aim lower because my lungs aren’t negotiable.
High-VOC products off-gas formaldehyde and friends—hello, burning eyes and that throat-scratch feeling. Plus, many areas enforce limits, and I’d rather not explain myself to a code inspector.
- Under 5 g/L = often no respirator needed
- Under 50 g/L = safer indoor air
- Check local regs, because fines aren’t funny
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Mix Different Primer Brands Together?
I wouldn’t mix different primer brands together. I mean, I’ve tried shortcuts before, and they bite back. Different formulas—oil-based, water-based, shellac—cure differently, bond differently, and sometimes chemically disagree. Now, you might get lucky, but you’ll probably get lifting, peeling, or weird texture. Stick with one system. If you’re desperate, test a small spot and wait 48 hours. But honestly? Just don’t.
How Long Does Primer Smell Last After Painting?
Primer smell lasts 24 to 48 hours for water-based, and three to seven days for oil-based, though I’ve had shellac primers linger for two weeks in humid bathrooms.
Now, ventilation changes everything. I mean, crack windows, run fans, and don’t sleep in freshly primed rooms. The odor fades, but your nose adjusts too.
I once painted a closet, forgot about it, and wondered why my sweaters smelled like industrial chemicals for a month. Lesson learned.
Is Primer Safe for Children’s Furniture?
Primer safety for children’s furniture depends on formulation, not category—here’s how I sort it:
- Check the label for “VOC-free” or “<50 g/L VOC" before buying; I won't trust marketing alone.
- Water-based acrylics dry harder and faster, usually safe once fully cured—24–72 hours, though I add a day for humidity I didn’t measure.
- Shellac-based primers (Zinsser BIN, et al.) off-gas alcohol; I use them only outdoors, then ventilate aggressively before the piece enters a nursery.
I mean, “child-safe” isn’t regulated—so I default to Greenguard Gold certification when I can find it, and I wear a respirator even when the can says I don’t need one. Better paranoid than sorry.
Can Primer Expire if Unopened?
Yes, primer expires unopened, though I’ll hedge—probably 2–5 years, give or take. I’ve cracked cans that sat basement-dry since 2019, and they’re fine. Others? Curdled mess.
Check the label, but manufacturers play it safe. I mean, it’s alkyd or latex, and chemistry doesn’t pause.
Sniff test. Stir test. Your nose knows, and lumps don’t lie.
Buy fresh if you’re nervous. I’m cheap, so I gamble.
Does Primer Prevent Wood Tannin Bleed?
Yes, primer stops wood tannin bleed, but only if you pick the right one. I mean, I’ve learned this the hard way—those reddish-brown stains seeping through fresh paint, laughing at my efforts.
- Shellac-based primer: total tannin blocker, 2+ coats for stubborn cedar and redwood
- Oil-based primer: decent, though I’ve seen it fail on really sappy stock
- Latex? Forget it—tannins laugh, I cry
Apply thin, even layers. Wait 24 hours minimum. And yes, I’ve rushed this, regretted it, repainted.
Rounding Up
So we’ve covered the bases—metal, drywall, tile, that weird laminate from 1987 you found under the carpet. Primers aren’t glamorous, I mean, nobody frames a gallon of Kilz, but skimp here and you’ll be repainting by March. Pick your surface, check your square footage (roughly, nobody’s measuring to the inch), and commit to the boring stuff now so your topcoat actually sticks. Dry walls, happy life. Or something like that.
