7/8     What exactly is a paint primer? I know it is something you put on
        before painting a real coat. Is it a thick coat of clear paint
        that covers up little holes? Or is it pure white so that it covers
        up imperfections on the surface?
        \_ No, it is more like whitewash. It is a cheaper coat that helps
           the paint stick.
        \_ Primer is a paint that has better adhesion capabilities. It
           can be tinted any color, although it is usually white or gray if
           you don't have it tinted. It does help the paint stick and
           can help provide better color saturation, but primarily its
           bonding characteristics with the unpainted surface are why it
           is used.
            \_ Home Depot sells paint that says "primary not needed." Are those good?
               How about automobile paint shops, do they use primers? How do they make
               the surface shinny?
            \_ Home Depot sells paint that says "primary not needed." Are those
               good? How about automobile paint shops, do they use primers?
               How do they make the surface shinny?
               \_ It depends on the surface you're painting on whether primer
                  is necessary; if you're painting on metal, it's probably a
                  good idea to use primer even if the paint says no primer
                  needed. The shiny surface is just some number of glossy
                  clear coats.  -tom
               \_ Auto body shops do use primer, but it's not why the
                  surface is glossy. I suggest you avoid Home Depot and
                  go to a real paint store. If you use primer you will
                  always get the best results whether it was 'necessary'
                  or not.