Paint and Primer in One the untruth

One coat coverage. Paint and Primer in One coat…BULL

Big box stores started this myth to sell more paints and then the major paint suppliers noticed they were missing out on sales to the DIY’ers. So they joined the game.

Why this does not work for a quality lasting paint job.

Primer is made to prep the surface for applying the finish product  (PAINT) over it.  This forms a sound barrier from the untreated surface for best adhesion sealing the raw surface first.

Any time you are painting a raw piece of wood, sheet rock and or plaster a quality primer being oil or latex should be used.

Also we find most primers do not have any visible sheen, thus leaving a dull surface for the final coat of finish paint.

The Myth behind the paint and primer in one:

When painting over an already painted surface this suppose to act as a primer but in fact you probably would not need a primer at this point due to the surface already being sealed.  If you needed to prime over a color for a color change, primer is formulated for this and is less money than a finish paint so it would only make sense to DO IT RIGHT and not skip a step.

Tips with Primer:

1. We find having the primer tinted to a light gray primer to applying it on the wall will allow you to see any wall discrepancies prior to final coat of paint.  At this point you can perform any necessary repairs and reprime those areas after repairs have been completed.
2. light sand the primer after it has cured and wipe or vacuum off.  This will open the surface of the primer slightly for better adhesion of the final coat.
3. Oil primers have a purpose so do not believe all primers are the same.
4. From experience we have found that the oil based stain blocking primers work better to cover and block stains than their latex counterpart versions.

If we can advise on a paint or primer selection for your next project, please do not hesitate in contacting us at 1-800-PAINTING or 978-683-9119.