What is the primary purpose of a primer in painting?

The primary purpose of a primer in painting is to serve as a base for painting. Primers are specifically formulated to create a suitable surface for paint adhesion, ensuring that the subsequent layers of paint adhere properly. By applying a primer, artists can enhance the durability and vibrancy of the paint, improve coverage, and prevent common issues such as peeling or blistering. Primers can also seal porous surfaces, which is particularly important when painting on materials like wood, drywall, or uncoated canvas.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of primer in the painting process. While a medium for mixing colors is essential in developing hues and textures, it is not the function of a primer. Techniques for applying highlights refer to methods used to create light effects in artwork, which are separate from the foundational role of a primer. Lastly, cleaning brushes is an important part of maintaining tools but is unrelated to priming surfaces for painting.