Removing a popcorn ceiling is a big job, but it’s one that most homeowners can tackle. Once the popcorn is removed, you’ll need to prime the surface so that paint or wallpaper will stick. There are many primers on the market, but which one should you choose?
We’ve rounded up seven of the best primers for popcorn ceilings and put them head-to-head in a battle royale! Read on to find out which primer came out on top.
Why removing popcorn ceilings is a good idea?
Popcorn ceilings were all the rage in the 60s and 70s, but today they’re considered dated and tacky. Removing the popcorn ceiling is a great place to start if you’re looking to update your home’s look. Not only will it give your home a fresh new look, but it will also make painting and wallpapering much easier.
There are a few things to consider before removing your popcorn ceiling, such as:
- The type of ceiling you have (stucco, acoustic tile, etc.)
- The ceiling condition (cracked, water damaged, etc.)
- The height of the ceiling
- Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional
Once you’ve considered all these factors, you’re ready to remove that popcorn ceiling! But before you can paint or wallpaper, you’ll need to prime the surface.
Why are primers important?
Primers are an important part of any painting or wallpapering project, but they’re especially important when working with popcorn ceilings. This is because primers help to smooth out the surface and create a bond between the paint and the ceiling. Without a primer, your paint or wallpaper is more likely to peel and flake off.
There are many different types of primers on the market, so choosing the right one can be tricky. We’ve put together a list of seven of the best primers for popcorn ceilings to help you decide.
7 Best Primer Paints After Removing Popcorn Ceiling
Now that you know why removing popcorn ceilings and using a primer are important, it’s time to choose the best primer for your project. We’ve put together a list of seven of the best primers for popcorn ceilings, so you can make an informed decision.
1. INSL-X PS800009A-04 Prime Lock Plus Alkyd Primer, 1 Quart, White
When you’re trying to get your home ready to sell, it seems like every surface needs a fresh coat of paint. You want your home to look its best, but painting can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’re not careful, you could end up with paint streaks or missed spots.
With INSL-X PS800009A-04 Prime Lock Plus Alkyd Primer, you can quickly and easily prime and seal a variety of substrates without any fuss. This high hiding primer dries quickly so you can re-coat in as little as 1 hour, and it provides superior adhesion to glossy surfaces.
This primer is fast drying, so you can re-coat in as little as 1 hour, and it covers 75 – 87 square feet per quart. When applying, the temperature should be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll need two coats for the best results.
Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Superior adhesion
- High hiding
Cons:
- Requires two coats
Why Choose this?
This primer is a great choice if you’re looking for a fast-drying, high-hiding option. It’s also a good choice if you need superior adhesion to glossy surfaces.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
2. KILZ Adhesion Primer, Interior/Exterior, 1 Quart
You’ve just spent all day prepping your walls for a fresh coat of paint, but when you go to apply the first coat, the paint just doesn’t stick. It’s incredibly frustrating when you spend all that time and energy prepping a surface only to have the paint not adhere properly. This can lead to bubbling, peeling, and other unsightly problems down the road.
KILZ Adhesion primer is here to save the day. This unique latex primer was developed specifically for surfaces that are tough to paint, such as metal or fiberglass. The primer forms a secure bond on slick surfaces where traditional primers will not adhere, meaning your paint will stay put no matter what. 300 sq ft. per gallon is what this primer covers, and it can be tinted to match your paint color.
Pros:
- Forms a secure bond on slick surfaces
- Tintable
- Fast Drying
Cons:
- Not for use on surfaces that will be exposed to high moisture or heat
Why Choose this:
This is an excellent choice for any surface that needs a little extra help to ensure the paint will stick, and it can be tinted to match your paint color. So, if you’re looking for an adhesive primer that can be used on a variety of surfaces, this is the one for you.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
3. Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer, 1-Quart, White
You’ve just finished painting your house, and the next day you notice that the paint is starting to chip and peel. It’s frustrating when your hard work starts to fade after just a few days. Not only do you have to repaint, but now you have to deal with the mess too.
Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer can help. This primer sealer helps block most stains and seals water, smoke, and nicotine stains. Plus, it dries quickly on interior surfaces, so you can start painting sooner. And if you’re using it on exterior surfaces, it’ll provide full penetration and flexibility, so your paint job lasts longer. Plus, it’s great for new construction, remodeling, or repainting work. It sticks to almost every surface and provides a durable, long-lasting finish.
Pros:
- Seals water, smoke, and nicotine stains
- Dries quickly
- Sticks to almost every surface
Cons:
- The smell can be overwhelming
Why Choose this:
This primer is perfect for anyone who wants a durable, long-lasting finish that will resist chipping and peeling. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants to prime and seal in one step.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
4. Rust-Oleum Corporation 03959 Odorless OB Stain Blocker Primer, 13 Ounce (Pack of 1), White
Smoke and water damage can be difficult to cover up and often leaves a yellowish tinge on walls and other surfaces. Not only is it difficult to cover up smoke and water damage, but it’s also hard to find a primer that doesn’t yellow over time.
Rust-Oleum Corporation 03959 Odorless OB Stain Blocker Primer is the perfect solution for your priming needs. This high solids formula provides excellent coverage over all topcoats, seals stains from water, fire, and smoke damage, and dries flat, so it won’t yellow over time. Instead of a pungent odor, this primer has a fresh scent that won’t leave you feeling nauseous.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage over all topcoats
- Seals stains from water, fire, and smoke damage
- Dries flat
- Has a fresh scent
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find in stores
Why Choose this:
This is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to primer over water or smoke damage. If you have a sensitive nose, this primer is a good choice for you as well.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
5. INSL-X AP100009A-04 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), White
So you’ve just moved into your new home, and the first thing on your to-do list is to paint, but you don’t know where to start. Painting can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and advice, anyone can do it.
Before picking up a brush, prime the surface with INSL-X AP100009A-04 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer. This primer will provide a strong seal to help the paint adhere better and will also block any stains from showing through. Plus, it dries quickly so that you can make a topcoat in as little as one hour. And if that’s not enough, this primer also provides a mildew-resistant coating.
This primer is 100% acrylic and provides powerful adhesion and stain-blocking properties. When the surface and ambient temperatures are above 40 °F (4 °C) and below 90 °F (32 °C), apply when any of the conditions exist. As it blocks stains, it is perfect for new construction, remodeling, or repainting work.
Pros:
- Provides a strong seal
- Dries quickly
- Provides a mildew-resistant coating
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Why Choose this:
This primer is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to prime and seal in one step. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants to block any stains from showing through.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
6. Rust-Oleum Corporation 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer, White, 16 oz, 1 Pound (Pack of 1), 12 Fl Oz
Painting is hard. You have to get the surface ready, make sure the paint is the right color, and then hope it looks good when you’re done. We know that painting can be a real pain. It’s messy, takes forever to dry, and sometimes it doesn’t even turn out how you wanted it to.
Rust-Oleum Corporation 3609 Oil-Base Spray Primer is here to help. This primer will help your paint stick better to whatever surface you’re painting, and it dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before applying your top coat. 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for this primer, and it’s best if applied when the relative humidity is below 85%.
Pros:
- Has a fresh scent
- VOC compliant
- Don’t have to wait long before applying your top coat
Cons:
- You have to be careful with the temperature and humidity
Why Choose this:
This primer is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to prime and seal in one step. It’s also a good choice for anyone who needs an urgent primer job done as it dries quickly. As its a US-based product, the Rust-Oleum Corporation 360o Oil-Base Spray Primer is subject to VOC regulations.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
7. Zinsser 272479 ZINSSER-02008-1/PACK Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer Spray, 13 Ounce (Pack of 1), White
You’ve just finished painting your walls, and you’re anxious to show them off to your friends. But before you can do that, you need to spend hours sanding and priming the surfaces. By the time you finish priming, the paint might have already started to chip or peel. And if you don’t get a perfectly smooth surface, your topcoat will show every flaw.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer Spray is the solution to your problem. This oil-based primer seals uniformly and will stick to the surface without sanding. It dries in just 30 minutes and covers up to 12 square feet. Plus, it has excellent stain-blocking resistance and can be used over any oil or latex topcoat.
Pros:
- Seals uniformly
- Dries in just 30 sec.
- Can be used over any oil or latex topcoat
Cons:
- Requires a respirator mask
Why Choose this:
Instead of using any old primer, try Zinsser Bulls Eye. This oil-based primer will save you time and effort. It’s quick drying and has excellent stain-blocking properties. So, if you’re looking for a top-quality primer, this is the one for you.
> Check the latest pricing on Amazon <<
Buying Guide for Best Primers for Popcorn Ceilings
Now that you know the seven best primers for popcorn ceilings, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision.
- KILZ Adhesion is a unique latex primer developed to bond securely on slick surfaces where a traditional water or oil-base primer will not adhere.
- Bonds to tough-to-paint surfaces including Kynar, PVC, Formica, vinyl, glass, tile, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass and metals. Topcoat with either latex or oil-based paint.
- Use on most interior and exterior surfaces where a secure bond is critical. This problem solving primer can be used under epoxies, lacquers, and products containing Xylene or other solvents. KILZ Adhesion dries to touch within 30 minutes and ready to recoat in an hour.
- This is a 1-gallon can of KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior water-based Primer in white. Covers approximately 300 square feet per gallon.
- Price for: each surface: wood, metal, masonry, drywall, or tile surface item: spray primer Color: white exposure conditions: mild to moderate Color family: whites net weight: 16 oz. Base Type: Oil application
- Temperature: 40 to 90 degrees F dry time recoat: 1 hr
- Country of origin (subject to change): United States
- Interior and exterior
- Interior/exterior use on new or previously painted Drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal and glossy or difficult surfaces
- Oil-based formula seals uniformly and will Stick to surface without sanding
- Dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and covers up to 12 sq ft
- Has excellent stain blocking resistance and can be used over any oil or Latex topcoat
- Provides a smooth, White finish and; is designed to block imperfections with only one Coat
– Best Overall: KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based Primer
– Best Budget: Rust-Oleum Corporation 360o Oil-Base Spray Primer
– Best for New Construction: Zinsser Bulls Eye 02008 primer
– Best for Repainting: KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Water-Based Primer
- If you’re looking for the best overall primer for popcorn ceilings, we recommend KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based Primer. This primer provides a strong seal and dries quickly. Plus, it’s mildew-resistant and blocks stains from showing through.
- Rust-Oleum Corporation 360o Oil-Base Spray Primer is a great choice if you’re on a budget. This primer is easy to use and dries quickly. Plus, it’s VOC compliant, so you don’t have to worry about the fumes.
- If you’re looking for a primer for new construction, we recommend Zinsser Bulls Eye 02008 primer. This oil-based primer will save you time and effort. It’s quick drying and has excellent stain-blocking properties. So, if you’re looking for a top-quality primer, this is the one for you.
- Finally, if you’re repainting an existing surface, we recommend KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Water-Based Primer. This primer provides a strong seal and is easy to use. Plus, it’s mildew-resistant and blocks stains from showing through.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you choose the best primer for your needs. With the right primer, you can get the job done quickly and easily. So, don’t wait any longer. Get started on your project today.
Happy painting!
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