6 High Build: Best Primer To Cover Drywall Imperfections [2020]

Primer is a coating or film over the drywall, masonry wall, or metal. It helps to protect your substrate from any damages as well as it also protects the peeling of paint.

Painting drywall without a primer reduces the life of your drywall as well as paint so the selection of the best primer to cover drywall imperfections is very very important.

Drywall is a plain board or panel made from mostly gypsum materials which are sand-witched in between two thick paper sheets. It is the cheapest, modern, and easy installation alternative to masonry walls.

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How To Pick The Best Primer For Drywall

There are so many options available in the market so it is very hard to select one of the best products among them and when we see so many products then we become even more confused.

The best primer for the new drywall totally depends upon Your Purpose so the purpose must be clear. If your purpose is clear then you won’t get difficulties at the time of selection of primer. So here first think about what your objective is,

1. Moisture Resistant

If you want to apply primer on your bathroom, kitchen, or wetted area of drywall then your primer must be moisture resistant. Although most of the primers come along with this feature so if your purpose is the same then always go with this feature of primer.

2. Mildew Resistant

If you want to resist mold or fungi growth due to surface moisture and water vapor then you should use such primer that has this feature.

3. Stain Blocking

If you want to hide the stains over drywall then you should go with such primer that has this feature.

4. Odorless Primer

Some people have an allergic problem with bad odor such people always go with the odorless primer, but it also trues that the bad odor vanishes when the primer completely dries out. 

5. All-purpose or Specialized

There are so many primers in the market that can be used on any surface, such primer is called All-Purpose primer.

And Some can be used on a special type of surface is called specialized primer so you can use any one of them as per your requirement. 

6. Stickiness

Primer is designed to adhere to surfaces and to form a bonding layer, which indirectly strengthens the surface energy of the material so select the primer that has good adhesive property.

7. Primer Color

Primer comes in different colors so select according to your requirement. Most of the people select primer in white color so that they could get the original paint color over the drywall while they paint.

8. Drywall Imperfections

Tiny scratches, holes, ridges make your wall is imperfect. So if you want to make your wall is perfect then you should go with such primer that has this feature.

9. Base Material

The primer comes in a variety of base materials like water-base, oil base, latex base, and shellac base material. You can select any one of them as per your requirement. 

10. Primer Packing Size

Primer comes in different packing sizes like small, medium, and large so use it according to your requirement.

11. Primer Price

It depends on your budget so select the primer as per your budget but we recommend do not buy a cheap product because we found cheap products are not so good so always go with a good product.  

In this way, you can easily pick up the best primer to cover drywall imperfections. Hope your objective is cleared, now you can buy primer as per your requirement. We give some of the lists of the best primer to cover drywall imperfections are as follows,

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Best Primer To Cover Drywall Imperfections

High build primer is basically a thick primer as compared to regular or traditional primer. It gives you an even surface for the paint to absorb evenly.

High build primers are designed for new drywall. It helps in hiding tape lines and creating an even surface. Not even as a level but even as a substrate.

An Imperfection is a detail that makes something less than perfect. Tiny cracks, holes, bubbles, scratches, ridges, and flashing makes your drywall imperfect.

Drywall imperfections are actually an eyesore. Some imperfections are due to bad drywall installations, some imperfections just happen over the years and some happened due to other reasons also. Now the question that comes to our mind is,

Can we fix it? 

The answer is Yes, you can fix it very easily.

Now again the next question that comes to our mind is,

How do we fix it?

Well, there are a number of ways to fix it which is as follows,

👉 Primer. It helps to hide the minor or medium imperfections of your drywall but remember it doesn’t hide major imperfections of your drywall.

So if you want to hide minor imperfections of your drywall then always use high build primer. It helps you to hide minor imperfections.

👉 Drywall texturing. Here you can fix or hide drywall imperfections with the help of applying texture to the drywall. If you want to know how to texture your drywall then read this post on how to texture drywall with a roller and mud.

👉 Skim coating. It is the thin layer of joint compound over the drywall. It makes your drywall smoother and gives you a level 5 finishing touch and for that, you always use the best joint compound for skim coating. It makes your drywall perfect.

👉 Use Matte paint. It makes imperfections disappear because they reduce light reflection.

👉 Use dark color paint. It also reduces the reflection of light and makes imperfections disappear.

👉 Color washing. It involves using two colors and the use of two colors will play tricks with the light and eyes and won’t show your drywall imperfections.

In this way, you can hide the drywall imperfections. But always remember if the imperfections are major then always go with skim coating. If there are minor imperfections on your drywall then you can use the primer.

Here we pick some best primer to cover drywall imperfections which is as follows, 

1. Rustoleum Peel Bond, High Build Water-based Acrylic Interior/Exterior primer/sealer

Peel bond is a high build, water-based, bonding primer/sealer formulated to bond to and seal a wide range of construction surfaces. It reduces the cracking and peeling of the paint.

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Use in a well-ventilated area when temperatures are between 40-100°F (4-38°C). It can be applied in high humidity conditions up to 90% relative humidity.

Peel Bond goes on white and dries to a hazy clear. Once it has turned to a hazy clear, it is ready to re-coat or topcoat.

The Minimum recommended film thickness is 4-6 mils dry (15- 23 mils wet). It can be applied at heavier films but not to exceed 25-30 mils wet per application.

Topcoat only water-based latex paint or elastomeric coatings. Since Peel Bond remains flexible, do not topcoat with alkyds or other paints that dry to a hard finish such as epoxies or urethanes.

Always test a small area first for adhesion and topcoat compatibility. Here you can check the Technical Datasheet for Rustoleum Peel Bond Primer

Note: Peel Bond will not reattach loose or peeling paint, which must first be removed to create a sound, stable surface. Peel Bond will not resolve underlying moisture problems inherent in or behind the substrate.

Some Important Features

• Base material: Water-based Acrylic
• Color: Applies white but dries Clear
• Dry time: 30–60 min
• Recoat/Topcoat: 40 to 60 min
• Interior/Exterior: Both
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surfacetype: Drywall/Wood/Plywood/hardboard/Stucco/Brick/Aluminium/Metal/Fiberglass/PVC plastic

Pros

• Fast drying
• Ideal for rough surfaces
• Peel Bond can be tinted with up to two ounces of universal colorant per gallon.
• Soap and water clean up
• Do not thin
• Excellent adhesion
• Penetrating
• Peel Bond can help fill and level rough surfaces
• It can reduce cracking and peeling of the topcoat paint

Cons

• Topcoat only water-based latex paint or elastomeric coatings
• Do not thin
• Do not use as a primer over silicon caulks
• Use in a well-ventilated area when temperatures are between 40-100°F (4-38°C), check product application 

2. Mad Dog Dura Build, Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer 

Dura build is the best Interior/Exterior primer to smooth uneven surfaces, bridges, and fill cracks, and permanently resists peeling paint and cracking surfaces.

It is used on all surfaces. Mad dog dura build fills in and levels uneven surfaces for a more uniform look. Here you can check Technical Specification Sheet for Mad Dog Dura Build primer.

High build formula fills and smooths rough and cracking areas. Applies at up to 30 mils wet, extends the life of topcoats for up to 20 years, and reduces prep time by up to 20%. It dries to a light gray finish.  

Some Important Features

• Base material: Water
• Color: Light grey
• Dry time: 60 min
• Interior/Exterior: Both
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surface type: Drywall/Wood/Masonry/Metal/Other substrates

Pros

• Outstanding durability
• Provides a stable surface for long-lasting topcoat life
• Prevents paint from peeling, cheeping, and cracking
• Dura build has 35% adhesive solid
• Clean easily with soap and water
• Applies up to 30 mils wet while recommended 10 mils wet
• Super low VOC
• Tintable up to 4 oz of aqueous tints per gallon
• Permanently flexes and breathes, as the substrate expands and contracts with heat, humidity, and cold weather
• Help finish coats retain sheen and color 2 to 3 times longer than traditional primers
• Bonds like glue
• Resists mold and mildew
• Low odor
• Seals stains from water, smoke, ink, pencil, grease, etc. 

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Cons

• Drying time a little bit more comparatively regular primer 
• Dura build is not sandable after applied
• Never apply dura build if weather conditions are not suitable, check application conditions
• Topcoat required within 5 days after applying primer
• Dura build is not for use on floors, decks, most horizontal and walking surfaces or surfaces subject to immersion or prolonged contact with water 

3. Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Prep Coat, High Build Latex-Based Interior Primer

Benjamin Moore’s ultra spec prep coat is a quality, vinyl acrylic latex wall surfacer. Here you can check the Technical Data Sheet for Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec primer.

Designed to be used as a heavily applied preparatory coat necessary to ensure the better appearance of newly applied drywall compound. Prep coat is especially useful over joint lines and minor sanding grooves. 

Ultra spec prep coat hi-build latex interior primer will provide a level 5 finish as defined by ASTM C840 and by the Gypsum Association publication GA-214.

Some Important Features

• Base material: Latex
• Color: White
• Dry time: 60 min
• Recoat: 2 to 3 hrs
• Interior/Exterior: Interior
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surface type: Drywall/Wood/Masonry/Concrete

Pros

• Dries quickly
• Easy to apply
• Sandable
• Low VOC
• Evens out various porosities between drywall
• Performs equally well underneath either Benjamin Moore latex or solvent-based
• Helps make the topcoat smooth
• Minimizes minor surface imperfections, paper fuzz, minor sanding grooves, nicks, and pinholes

Cons

• Dries slowly as compared to regular primer
• Suitable only for Interior purpose
• Do not paint when the temperature of air and surface is below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)

4. Sherwin Williams PrimeRx Peel Bonding, Acrylic-Based Interior/Exterior Primer

Prime Rx Peel Bonding Primer is a high build, interior/exterior primer that saves time and effort from sanding and scraping old paint and helps even out those less than perfect surfaces before you paint giving you a smoother completed finish. 

You won’t be disappointed with this dependable bonding formula that achieves great results. Whether it’s plywood, drywall, or wood, the PrimeRx peel bonding primer helps achieve a beautiful finish while saving you time.

For optimal performance, this primer must be top-coated with latex, alkyd/oil, water-based epoxy, or solvent-based epoxy coating on architectural applications. Here you can check the Specification sheet for Prime-Rx primer. 

For exterior exposure, this primer must be top-coated within 14 days with architectural latex or oil finishes. Always test a small area first for adhesion and compatibility with the topcoat.  

Note: PrimeRx Peel Bonding Primer is not designed to penetrate through the old paint and reattach loose or peeling paint. It will not repair any substrate. Any deteriorated or damaged wood, masonry, or other substrates must be repaired first.

Some Important Features

• Base material: Acrylic
• Color: Applies milky white but dries clear
• Dry time: 4 hrs
• Recoat: For water-based topcoats4 hrs & solvent-based topcoats 24 hrs
• Interior/Exterior: Both
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surface type: Drywall/Wood/Masonry/Plywood/Previously painted surfaces/Aluminium/Metal/Pvc

Pros

• Seals surfaces and assures a smoother finish
• Less sanding and scraping 
• Goes on milky white for ease of application and dries clear
• Compatible with any of our exterior acrylic topcoats
• Penetrating
• Use on smooth or textured surfaces
• Meets the most stringent VOC regulations
• Cleans up easily with soap and water

Cons

• Drying time more as compared to other high build primers
• Suitable only for top-coated with latex, alkyd/oil, water-based epoxy, or solvent-based epoxy coating on architectural applications

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5. Sherwin Williams High build, Latex-Based Interior Primer

High Build Interior Latex Primer smoothes and fills drywall imperfections. Fills rough surfaces and uneven new drywall construction. Uniforms various porosities between drywall paper and joints.

Ensures the finish coat will be a smooth and uniform sheen. It minimizes minor surface imperfections: paper fuzz, minor sanding grooves, nicks, pinholes. 

For optimal performance, this primer must be top coated within 14 days with architectural latex or oil finishes or wallcovering. Here you can check the Technical Data Sheet for Sherwin Williams High Build Primer.

Gaps between walls, ceilings, crown moldings, and other interior trim can be filled with the appropriate caulk after priming the surface.

Some Important Features

• Base material: Latex
• Color: White
• Dry time @ 77 degree F, 50% RH: 1 hr
• Recoat: 4 hrs
• Interior/Exterior: Interior
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surface type: Drywall/Cured plaster/Previously painted surfaces

Pros

• High Build Interior Latex Primer smoothes and fills drywall imperfections
• Ensures the finish coat will be a smooth and uniform sheen
• Cleans up easily with soap and water
• Dries quickly
• Low VOC

Cons

• Suitable for an interior purpose only
• Topcoat required
• Dries slowly as compared to regular primer

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6. Behr Pro High Build, Vinyl Based Interior Primer

Behr pro high build interior primer is recommended for new and previously coated drywall and plasterboard walls and ceilings.

It is a primer that combines skim coating and priming steps into one spray application over properly prepared new drywall. 

It helps hide minor surface defects, minimizes joint banding, photographing, and improves the appearance of the topcoat. Ideal for use on commercial and residential properties.

When properly applied to a drywall surface with a minimum of a level 4 finish, Behr pro high build interior primer will provide a level 5 finish. Here you can check the Technical Data Sheets for Behr Pro Primer.

This is particularly important for critical lighting situations like long hallways, large wall areas, and high sheen finishes. May also be used where rough and/or uneven surfaces prevent uniform coverage and application of the topcoat. 

Some Important Features

• Base material: Vinyl
• Color: White
• Dry time @ 77 degree F, 50% RH: 1 hr
• Recoat: 4-8 hrs
• Interior/Exterior: Interior
• Stain clean up: Soap and Water
• Substrate/Surface type: Drywall/Plasterboard

Pros

• Helps smoothen the rough surfaces and minimize joint banding
• Ideal for use on commercial and residential properties
• It helps hide minor surface defects
• Do not thin
• Effective skim coat and primer in 1
• Cleans up easily with soap and water
• Dries quickly
• Low VOC

Cons

• Interior use only
• Do not thin
• Brush and roller not recommended
• Do not use on floors
• Only sprayable
• Do not use over previously painted surfaces
• For best result, apply when air, material, and surface temperatures are between 50 degrees F to 90 degrees F, check cautions/limitations

So these are some of the best primers to cover drywall imperfections. You can use any one of them as per your requirement and make your drywall perfect.

Final Wording

Here you came to know that how to pick the “best primer for new drywall”, as well as you came to know which are the “best primer to cover drywall imperfections” is.

We tried to cover all the details regarding the best primer to cover drywall imperfections but also you can check the datasheet before applying.

If still you are confused then you can go with Mad Dog Dura Build Primer or Rustoleum Peel Bond Primer are the best primer to cover drywall imperfections.    

We studied minutely and brought this best primer to cover the drywall imperfections list for you. In our study, the following things are included

Hope this post will help you in the right direction. If you have any questions, suggestions or tips then type them in the comment section. We welcome your tips, questions, and suggestions.

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