When you install fresh drywall, it's tempting to jump straight to painting. After all, fresh surfaces are a blank canvas, right? Uh, not quite. Before that first coat goes on, primer is a must.

The best thing you can do for a smoother, faster base is pick the right type of primer. There are specialty primers for drywall, mold, exteriors, and more. Prepping lightly, tinting primer, and using ...