Paint industry experts share their best priming tips for a faster drying time.

Plus, they sharewhether primer is really necessary, and a few tricks for choosing the right one.

Why Is Primer Necessary?

white room with painting supplies

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“Choosing the right primer is key to getting the best performance of your topcoat,” Hayfield says.

How Long Does Primer Take to Dry?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all guideline when it comes to drying time.

room with window prepped for painting

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Latex primers are water-based, which Hayfield says typically dry faster than solvent-based primers.

When in doubt, Hayfield stresses the importance of following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What Happens If You Paint Before Primer Is Dry?

Woelfel shares another useful tip.

“you’re able to help primer dry by increasing airflow in a space,” she says.