Primer and undercoats - do I need them?

Do I need primer for my paint job?

Ask yourself this - are you painting inside or outside?

Should a primer be the same colour as the top coat?

Primers and undercoats are normally tinted to 50% of the formula used for the top coat. The resulting colour is similar to the top coat but slightly lighter.

Why might I need different products for primer, under coat and top coat?

The primer or primer sealer serves to:

Seal the surface to provide hold-out for the top coat therefore, providing a better result.
Provide tannin blocking for exterior top coat (ie- block soluble stains in wood such as cedar.

The under coat serves to:

Enable sanding to a smooth surface that masks small surface imperfections so that the top coat can be very smooth.
Provide greater build (thickness of film when the coat of paint has dried).

The top coat (also known as the finish coat) serves to:

Provide decorative appearance
Ensure durability when used as part of the appropriate system.

What is a paint system?

A paint system is a group of products that give a desired result when they are used together. Normally a paint system consists of a primer, undercoat and topcoat.

Painting Inside

Is there any previous coating on walls?

If "yes" what is the condition of the previous coating?

Poor: Surface preparation such as coating removal and re-priming is required.

Good: Cleaning and de-glossing (not priming) is required.

If "no" what type of material is it?

Drywall: Latex sealer required

Wood: Primer sealer and undercoat required

Masonry: No primer required