Best Paint Primers & Sealers in 2022

Last update: December 4, 2022

Can I just paint over old paint?

You can paint over old paint, but you may need to do some prep work first. If the old paint is in good condition, you can simply sand it and then paint over it. If the old paint is in bad condition, you may need to strip it off or sand it down to the bare wood before you can paint over it.

Can I put sealer over paint?

You can put sealer over paint, but it's not necessary. Paint will seal and protect your surfaces just fine on its own. However, if you want an extra layer of protection, sealer can be a good option. Just be sure to choose a sealer that is compatible with the type of paint you're using.

Can I use watered down paint as a primer?

You can use watered down paint as a primer, but it may not adhere as well as other primers and may not provide the same level of protection.

Can you wait too long to paint after priming?

It's best to paint as soon as possible after priming, but if you can't, it's not the end of the world. Just know that the longer you wait, the more likely it is that the paint will start to chip and peel.


Liquitex G5316 Professional White Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 16-oz Review:


I haven't used any other brands of Gesso before, so I can't compare this one to them. I used this to a coloring book for adults to get the paper ready for wet materials. Since I live in a warm area, it didn't take long for it to dry once I painted it on a few test pages. The page has a gritty, almost sandpaper-like feel to it; this gives the paper more teeth. The paper's hue has also been somewhat altered; it is now a touch more off-white. On top of the transparent Gesso, I experimented with the following mediums:Pencils of color by Prismacolor: worked great. I was able to mix after using a lot of water. Even after the watercolor had dried, I could go back in and rework it with more water. was able to use a lot of water without ruining the paper that wasn't watercolor.Koi Watercolors: The behavior was the same as that of watercolor pencils.Different kinds of colored pencils It didn't work out well because I dislike using pencils over Gesso. The lines were more uneven and difficult to manipulate and merge. If you're not careful, the image can become stained because they produced a lot of colored dust.Sticklers: No problems applying where necessary.Americana acrylic paint Acrylic might be used without water as well as with water as more of a wash.Iridescent medium: When used with watercolor, it gave the painted surface an extremely shimmering appearance. did not cause any problems with the Gesso.Painting Medium: Applied well over the Gesso. When I took it off, I could still feel the Gesso on the paper beneath, protecting it from the watercolor.



Liquitex Professional White Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 8-oz Review:


I haven't used any other brands of Gesso before, so I can't compare this one to them. I used this to a coloring book for adults to get the paper ready for wet materials. Since I live in a warm area, it didn't take long for it to dry once I painted it on a few test pages. The page has a gritty, almost sandpaper-like feel to it; this gives the paper more teeth. The paper's hue has also been somewhat altered; it is now a touch more off-white. On top of the transparent Gesso, I experimented with the following mediums:Color pencils from Prismacolor: These were excellent. I was able to mix after using a lot of water. Even after the watercolor had dried, I could go back in and rework it with more water. was able to use a lot of water without ruining the paper that wasn't watercolor.Koi Watercolors: The behavior was the same as that of watercolor pencils.Numerous colored pencils: Didn't work well; I don't like using pencils on top of Gesso. The lines were more uneven and difficult to manipulate and merge. If you're not careful, the image can become stained because they produced a lot of colored dust.Sticklers: No problems applying where necessary.Americana acrylic paint: I was able to utilize acrylic both dry and wet, more like a wash.Iridescent medium: When used with watercolor, it gave the painted surface an extremely shimmering appearance. did not cause any problems with the Gesso.The Art Masking Fluid performed well over the Gesso. When I took it off, I could still feel the Gesso on the paper beneath, protecting it from the watercolor.



Clear Soft Finishing Wax to Seal and Protect Chalky Finish and Milk Painted Furniture. Eco- Friendly Beeswax Blend Will Not Yellow, No Harmful Fumes! Skin Safe, Matte Finish Review:


This product exceeds expectations in quality! I've been using several kinds and brands, but I've never been more than pleased or happy. With the hope of getting consistent coverage, texture application, and less clumping and roughness on my beloved wax brushes, I ordered this product. The ease with which I was able to work into more intricately designed furniture places and the character of the finishing touches I had planned for without using my wax brushes excessively impressed me. In comparison to other kinds so far, its texture's softness makes it easier to judge how much to apply on a regular basis without damaging my cheesecloths or bristles. I also like how this tool may be used more easily while focused on the overall vision I want for my objectives. Its integrity does not deteriorate even after being opened and stored for use at a later time, and it is very cost-effective.



Aleene's Spray Gloss Finish 6oz Acrylic Sealer, Original Version Review:


does exactly what it should.Pros: This sealer sprayed evenly, dried swiftly, and really brings out the colors I painted on a pair of motorcycle boots. To give it time to completely dry, I applied 3 applications over the course of 2 days. It cured with a crystal-clear gloss. Please take note that I did not spray this sealer on the entire boot; rather, I only did it where the boot was painted.Cons: Despite the fact that I was outside at the time, the smell was a little overpowering, although there was a light breeze. Due to the fact that they were in my downwind, my neighbor two doors away actually came to check on me. Therefore, if you're going to use it, avoid doing it inside or in a compact area. Try to spend as much time outside as possible, or at the very least, turn on a fan. You would benefit from using a painter's mask with a filter if you are relatively sensitive to paint or chemical scents.I'm happy with this product overall and will utilize it for some other craft ideas and projects I'm working on.



Mod Podge 1470 Clear Acrylic Sealer, 12 oz, Gloss Review:


I just had to glitter something, and I chose this stuff because a tutorial said the glitter wouldn't come off on your hands, clothes, or anything else. At first, I was dubious, but I gave it a shot. It works! I can pick up a fully glittered "



Deco Art Empty Squeeze Writer Bottles 3/Pkg-2 Ounces Review:


These things are wonderful; the frosting turned out beautifully, and I was able to add some incredibly minute decorations.Just a user tip I didn't know to pass along to you. For whatever reason, I decided it would be a good idea to melt some chocolate, pour it into one of these, and then pipe with it.The tube is really thin, and chocolate dries extremely quickly. The chocolate had begun to harden inside the tip around the halfway point.Actually, the product is not at blame. I'm entirely to blame. Just so you know, avoid using with chocolate. You'll get excellent results if you use it with icing. Use with chocolate, and you'll have to spend some time attempting to remove that:/



FolkArt K864 Outdoor Sealer (8 Ounce), Matte Finish Review:


I bought this because the faux-patina on my rock art project turned shiny after I applied a spray matte sealer from Mod Podge. Since patina is naturally matte and I needed to accurately mimic it with my project, I was devastated when the spray sealer I used caused my patina to appear false and unappealing. After applying one coat of this matte sealer paint over the (glossy) sealer, the lovely matte I had initially desired was restored. I now use it to seal each and every piece of rock art. It is flawlessly matte, non-yellowing, and fantastic. see image



FolkArt K861 Outdoor Sealer (8-Ounce),Gloss Finish Review:


I bought this because the faux-patina on my rock art project turned shiny after I applied a spray matte sealer from Mod Podge. Since patina is naturally matte and I needed to accurately mimic it with my project, I was devastated when the spray sealer I used caused my patina to appear false and unappealing. After applying one coat of this matte sealer paint over the (glossy) sealer, the lovely matte I had initially desired was restored. I now use it to seal each and every piece of rock art. It is flawlessly matte, non-yellowing, and fantastic. see image



Aleene's Spray Matte Finish 6oz Acrylic Sealer, Original Version Review:


In connection with a candle-making project I was working on at the time, I used this to seal chalk paint on several glass Mason jars. It does indeed have a matte finish as said, but you MUST let it dry for the full amount of time advised on the can's back (longer if possible). I was too impatient to wait the minimal amount of time, thus a few of my candles had faint smudge markings after a few hours of drying. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with the product and will continue to use it. Additionally, it shipped immediately, and the box arrived at my home undamaged in about five days.



HXDZFX Glow in The Dark Paint UV Paint(Set of 12 Bottles 20g. Each) Safe Non-Toxic for Slime,Nails,Epoxy Resin,Acrylic Paint,Halloween,Fine Art and DIY Crafts Review:


This was excellent stuff! I bought this kit for my daughter's glow party to "decorate" the children's faces, and they absolutely liked it under the black lights. The adults also enjoyed it and had their faces painted. The best thing, though? When we were finished, everything rinsed out VERY easily. Kids got it on the walls; no big deal; the next day, disinfectant wipes easily removed it. Clothes? No stains after washing, no issue. Faces/arms/skin? Once more, no issue; it rinsed off quite quickly and easily. Simply make sure you have the proper lighting, and this stuff works fantastically. I'll be writing separate reviews for the lights that worked well (LED) and those that didn't (CFL):-)


Do I need one or two coats of primer?

It's generally a good idea to use two coats of primer, especially if you're painting over a dark color. One coat of primer will probably be enough if you're painting over a light color, but two coats will give you better coverage and more protection against future wear and tear.

Do you need a sealer when painting?

When painting, a sealer is not always necessary. However, if you are painting over a dark color or a glossy surface, using a primer or sealer can help to create a more even finish.

Do you need primer if you use sealer?

If you use sealer, you may not need primer. Sealer creates a barrier between the paint and the surface, so it can help to protect the surface from paint damage.

Does paint and primer in one work?

There is a lot of debate on whether or not paint and primer in one products are actually effective. Some people swear by them, while others find that they don't work as well as they'd hoped. Ultimately, it probably comes down to personal preference and the specific product that you're using. If you're considering using a paint and primer in one product, it might be worth doing some research to see if it's the right fit for you.

How long after sealer can you paint?

After sealer has been applied to a surface, it needs to dry completely before painting can begin. Depending on the type of sealer used, this can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Once the sealer is dry, the surface can then be primed and painted.

Is it OK to leave primer unpainted?

It's not ideal, but if you're in a pinch you can leave primer unpainted. It's better than no primer at all, but it won't protect your surface as well as paint would.