Apply First Primer Coat (Rolling)

What happens in this clip

After cutting in the edges, switch to a 4-inch foam roller to apply the first coat of Zinsser BIN Primer to the broader, flat surfaces of the stair risers. The foam roller helps achieve a smoother finish compared to woven rollers, which can leave a textured 'stipple' effect. Roll the primer on evenly, ensuring good coverage over the entire surface. This coat will likely still appear somewhat light and streaky due to the nature of the primer, but it provides an essential bonding layer for subsequent coats.

Goal: Apply primer to the main flat surfaces of the risers.

What's used

Tools

• 4-inch foam roller
• Paint tray

Materials

• Zinsser BIN Primer Zinsser

About the full video

This project guides you through the process of preparing, priming, and painting stair risers to transform them from a dated brown finish to a clean white look. It covers the crucial steps of protecting surrounding surfaces, applying an alcohol-based primer, and finishing with latex trim paint.

Step 3 of 6: Apply Primer

Apply one or two coats of a good quality interior latex primer to the sanded and cleaned stair risers. Use a high-quality synthetic brush for cutting in edges and corners, and a small foam roller for the flat surfaces. Allow each coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the next coat or paint.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Prime the Risers
• Apply Oil-Based Primer