[swaterbenny]

We are buying a house, and going to start painting my question is.... Do you prime all walls regardless of color? Do ceilings need to be primed? Thanks, Ben

 

[Matthewt1970]

As long as the paint is in good condition and no stain issues, you don't need to prime.

 

[sirwired]

There is a lot involved with that question. Generally, if you are doing a mild color change (or simple repaint) on top of a paint of known quality, no you don't have to prime. Priming might be needed for:

Extensive drywall repairs
Topcoating "Builder paint"
Light->Dark color change, especially deep green and red. (Use a grey-tinted primer for these)
Oil paint (use a bonding primer)
Surfaces with past adhesion issues
Difficult environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms

SirWired

 

[swaterbenny]

Thanks! We decided that we are just gonna prime everything. Easy enough, and will deliver the color we want in the end. Ben