During building projects or construction it is necessary to prepare the surfaces of building materials.  Preparation can prevent damage to the materials caused by weathering and can also ensure the surface is smooth and aesthetically pleasing – unprimed surfaces can appear patchy or textured when paint is applied.  The priming occurs prior to painting, but can be done after construction is completed or once an old paint job has been sanded back to reveal the original structure underneath.

Priming is the actual process of treating the materials used in building and construction projects.  The treatment general involves coating the surface of the building material with primer (of which there are many different varieties), and allowing the primer to dry.  Professional priming companies may use machines to undertake the process – spray and brush coatings may be followed by air or vacuum drying.  The use of sprays and vacuums ensures that the surface of the building material is left smooth and evenly coated and that there is minimal waste product left over.

Priming doesn't need to be undertaken by a professional treatment business, however.  There are a number of priming products that are available from hardware stores and carpentry businesses which are easy to use on small projects or do-it-yourself builds.  It is important to make sure you get the right primer for the building material you are using, as each is especially designed to suit the needs of the material.  In general the primer will need to dry for a few hours before you can paint or use the materials in any way.