The Best Primers to Cover a Joint Compound

The condition of the drywall, the quality of the taping job and the type of top coat used are all things to factor in when selecting a primer.

Latex or Water-based Primer

The primers most commonly used on drywall and joint compound are latex or water-based. They ensure uniformity and proper appearance of the top coat, whether it is gloss or matte, and effectively hide any previous color on the wall. Within this category, high-build drywall primers are specially formulated to minimize the appearance of minor defects created when applying and sanding joint compound, such as sanding grooves, pinholes and paper fuzz. Latex primers clean up with soap and water.

Alkyd Primer or Oil-based Primer

Specifically designed for problem areas, stain-killing primers seal in water and other stains on drywall so they do not seep through the top coat. Stain killing primers are oil- water- shellac- or alcohol-based.

Stain Killing

Specifically designed for problem areas, stain-killing primers seal in water and other stains on drywall so they do not seep through the top coat. Stain-killing primers are oil- water- shellac- or alcohol-based.

Tinted Primer

Tinting primer so it is closer in color to your top coat helps achieve a uniform finish with fewer coats. Do-it-yourselfers can either add small amounts of the top coat to the primer, or specialized pigments can be added where the primer is purchased, which is particularly effective when using medium-to-dark shades. When painting with deep tones, as opposed to whites or pastels, tint towards gray rather than the actual finish color.