When you are painting, chances are you want to make as little mess as possible. This might mean using the same paint brush for different colors and potentially different products. One of the main questions asked about paint brushes is whether you can use the same brush for paint and other products.
So, can you use the same brush for primer and paint? Yes, you can. If you want to use the same paint brush for your primer and acrylic paint, it is definitely possible. However, you will want to make sure that you thoroughly clean the brush of all the primer before you go on to use it for the acrylic paint. You can use the brush immediately without needing to wait for it to dry.
While it is possible to use the same paint brush for your primer and acrylic paint, it’s not necessarily recommended to do so. Primers have the potential of breaking the bristles on your paint brush, which can be frustrating with newer, nicer paint brushes. If you need to use a paint brush with primer, make sure you use the right kind.
Can You Use a Paint Brush for Primer?
You can use a paint brush to apply primer to the surface you are painting. The best brushes for applying primer are synthetic brushes that are made from polyester, nylon, or a combination of the two.
I recommend this Paintbrush Set for your primer, and some larger acrylic paint applications. It comes with 3 brushes in different sizes so you can find the perfect brush.
Synthetic brushes are usually stiff, making them a better option for thicker paints and primers. It will be easy to evenly apply the primer and prevent any potential brush strokes from being visible through your paint.
Should You Use a Paint Brush or Roller for Primer?
The tool you use to apply primer will largely depend on what your project is. Paint brushes and paint rollers have different functions, so they will perform better under different circumstances. Consider your project before deciding which painting tool you want to use.
A paint brush will work better for smaller areas and detailed areas such as trim, edges, and corners if you are painting a wall. You might also want to use a paint brush if you are priming the surface of a canvas because you will be able to effectively cover the surface without needing to roll over the same spot multiple times.
A roller will be more beneficial for larger surfaces. You will want to use a roller to prime walls, ceilings, and larger pieces of furniture. Rollers have a porous surface, so they will be able to hold more primer than a paint brush. This makes it easier and quicker to apply an even layer of primer to the surface.
Can You Reuse a Paint Brush?
It is possible to reuse a paint brush multiple times. The length of time you will be able to use the brush depends on how well you take care of it. If you maintain your brushes well, you should be able to reuse them over a period of several years. It is, however, advised against reusing a paint roller because they become less absorbent with use.
You will want to start by cleaning your paint brushes properly after each use. Squeeze out any of the excess paint that might be stuck to the bristles of the brush. If you are using a water-based product, you can clean the brush with soap and water or soap and vinegar. Clean the brushes as soon as you are finished using them, don’t wait for the paint to harden.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
If you used oil paint, you would need to use a paint thinner or solvent to properly clean your paint brushes. It can be a little trickier to clean oil paint from paint brushes, because the solvents can’t be thrown in the trash or poured down the drain. They need to be taken to a center that will properly dispose of it.
To maximize the life of your paint brush, you will benefit from a brush comb. This comb will make it easier to clean your brushes and reduce the time it takes to clean them. The bristles will also remain in the proper shape for longer when you take the time to brush them.
How Many Coats of Primer Do I Need to Paint?
The number of coats of primer you need will also vary depending on your project, as well as the colors you are using for larger projects. If you are just priming a canvas to paint on, you will need between one and two coats depending on the coverage you get from the first layer.
For primer, I like to use Mont Marte Primer. It offers great coverage and it’s super affordable.
If you are painting on a wall, the number of coats of primer you need will matter a little more. For example, if you are painting a white wall a light color, you will only need one coat of primer. This will just enhance the adhesion of the paint to the wall. Since the wall is already white, it won’t impact how the final color turns out.
If you are painting on a bare or unfinished wall, you should use a minimum of two coats. The first coat will soak into the material of the wall, providing a better foundation for the next coat of primer. The second coat of primer will work to stick the paint to the bare wall.
If you are painting a wall that is dark or brightly colored, you will want to apply a minimum of two coats, potentially three depending on how well the first two coats cover. For darker colors, you will need more coats to hide the paint and prevent it from showing through.
Can You Leave a Paint Brush in Mineral Spirits Overnight?
It can be hard to get all of the oil paint off of a paint brush, so you are probably wondering if your paint brushes will be okay to sit in mineral spirits overnight. While allowing your paint brushes to soak for longer periods of time can be beneficial, it can damage the bristles of low-quality brushes.
If your brushes are higher quality, they will be completely fine to soak overnight, or longer. It is often recommended to let the brushes soak for 24 hours, giving the paint plenty of time to completely soften and detach from the paint brush.
Final Thoughts
When you are painting, it is common that you will want to make as little of a mess as possible. This might lead you to wonder whether you can use the same paint brush for both your primer and your acrylic paints. Luckily, you can use the same brush for both as long as you clean all of the primer off the brush before you use the acrylics.
The good thing is that it is not necessary for you to wait for the brush to completely dry before using it. As soon as the primer is ready to be painted on, you can use the paint brush even if it is still wet.
It is also commonly asked if you can, or should, use a paint brush for priming. It will basically depend on what your project is and how large of a surface will need primed. For smaller projects and corners, you can use a paintbrush. For larger projects, you will want to use a paint roller to apply the primer.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your paint project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
