Do You Prime Before Texture? (Yes – Here’s Why)

If you’re getting ready to spruce up your walls, you might find yourself wondering about the order of operations. Should you prime before or after adding texture? 

It’s a pretty common question, and while there’s some debate out there.

But the proper way is to prime first and then apply the texture.

That is what most professionals and product manufacturers recommend, and that is what we recommend too. 

There are some pretty good reasons for this, and it usually means your walls end up looking awesome and staying that way for ages.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on why you should prime before texture.

Why You Should Prime Before Texture

Here are the 4 biggest reasons why you should prime first:

#1 Improves Texture Adhesion

Priming before you add texture gives that texture something to really grab onto. Primer makes your wall a bit sticky, which means the texture can hold on tight.

This is super important for a couple of reasons. 

First, it means your texture is way less likely to start peeling or flaking off over time. 

Nobody wants to see their hard work start to come apart, right? 

Second, it’s especially crucial in areas of your home that tend to get a bit damp or steamy. 

In bathrooms, kitchens, or even in humid climates, that extra grip can make all the difference in keeping your textured walls looking great for years to come.

Also Read: Why Use High-Quality Paints and Materials?

#2 Even Absorption

Priming before you add texture also seals the drywall surface and makes sure the whole wall absorbs the texture evenly. 

This is really important if you’re working with new drywall or patches.

New drywall often has spots that soak up more than others. The same goes for walls with patches – the fixed-up areas will probably absorb differently than the rest of the wall. 

If you put texture right on these surfaces, you might end up with a patchy look because some areas will soak up more of the texture than others.

Primer evens things out. It creates a surface that absorbs the same way all over the wall. 

This means when you put on your texture, it’s more likely to look even and consistent from one spot to another.

Even absorption also helps your texture last longer – it’s less likely to crack or peel over time.

#3 Highlights Imperfections

Another cool thing about priming before texturing is that it can help you spot imperfections in your wall that you might have missed otherwise.

When you put on primer, it can make small dents, dings, or uneven spots easier to see.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why would I want to see more imperfections?” 

Well, it’s actually a good thing! Finding out these issues before you apply texture, you give yourself the opportunity to fix them. 

Also Read: How To Prep Walls For Painting After Removing Wallpaper

You can fill in small holes, sand down bumps, or deal with any other issues you notice.

Fixing these flaws at this point is way easier than trying to fix them after you’ve added texture. 

It lets you start with a smoother, more even surface, which means your texture job will look more professional.

Plus, dealing with these issues now can save you headaches later. Flaws that are covered up by texture can sometimes become more noticeable over time, especially after painting. 

#4 Better Texture Appearance

Priming before texturing can make your textured wall look way better in the end. 

The primer creates an even base color, which can really make your texture stand out.

This is super important if you’re using a light-colored texture or if you’re planning to paint your wall a color that’s totally different from the original wall color. 

The primer gives you a consistent background that lets the texture really shine.

Without primer, the original wall color might peek through in spots, especially if your texture is thin in some areas. This can make things look uneven. 

Primer can also change how light hits your textured wall. 

A primed surface often creates more depth in the texture, making the overall look even cooler.

What Do The Manufacturers Recommend?

A lot of the texture product companies actually tell you to prime before you use their stuff.

They don’t do this just for fun – there are good reasons behind their advice.

These companies have spent a lot of time and money testing their products in different conditions. They know what works best and what can lead to problems. 

When they recommend priming first, it’s because they’ve found that this approach leads to better results and fewer issues.

Bottom Line

So, to wrap it up, priming before you add texture is usually the way to go if you want the best results when finishing your walls. 

It helps the texture stick better, seals the drywall, makes sure everything absorbs evenly, helps you spot and fix imperfections, and generally makes the texture look better. 

However, it might take a little more time and effort upfront.

But the benefits of how your wall looks and how long it lasts make it a worthwhile step!