Primer

Skip the primer and you’ll usually regret it — peeling, bleed-through, and uneven color are all signs the surface wasn’t ready. A good primer seals, bonds, and blocks stains so your topcoat goes on right and lasts longer. Nixa Hardware & Seed Co. carries interior, exterior, spray, and oil-based options for walls, wood, metal, and more. Covering water stains or smoke damage? Reach for a stain-blocking formula like Kilz or Zinsser BIN — they’re built for the tough stuff.