Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the existing paint is in good condition – no peeling, no glossy oil-based layer, no stains bleeding through – and you’re applying a similar color, many modern paints allow you to paint directly over with minimal prep, just light sanding and cleaning.
However, primer becomes important in a few cases:
- When the old paint is very glossy and new paint might not adhere well.
- When you’re switching from a very dark color to a much lighter one.
- When there are stains, patches, or repairs on the wall.
- When the existing paint is of a very different type (like old oil-based under new water-based).
Primer helps the new paint grip better and gives you a more uniform finish with fewer coats. Skipping it when you clearly need it often leads to patchy results or peeling later. So technically you can skip primer sometimes, but it’s worth judging the wall honestly before deciding.
