primer coats

[NANCEM]

is it ever necessary to do more than one coat? I'm covering a color that isn't really that dark (meadium peach color) but the primer isn't going on  very evenly (cut in is much lighter than rolled walls and rolled walls aren't covered even ly either).
Thanks!

[rmichael]

Hi Nancem,

Primers aren't really formulated to "hide" very well. I would not worry about the uneven "look" of the primer, two finish coats over the primer should be all that you need to get a nice "full" finish.

Hope this Helps
rmichael      pro painter

[CarlThePainter]

Have you ever wondered how it came to be that all homeowners, DIY'ers and a whole lot of pro painters think that when you are painting a lighter color over a darker color that you need a primer? It's so bad that when I tell homeowners that I'm not using a primer to cover up their dark red walls, they think I'm skipping a step or something.  I just wonder how that misconception ever came to be.

[rmichael]

Today's popular finish paints, those with a sheen, do not have very much hiding power. Most have a translucent quality that reflects the underlying surface. This is why a medium gray primer is recommended before applying dark colors and a white primer is recommended to cover a dark color before applying a light top coat.
I agree that if you are using a flat finish paint or are applying light color to light color.. a primer may not be necessary.

[NANCEM]

Thank you gentlemen.

[funcolors]

I may have a slightly different perspective.  Some pro painters can achieve an excellent final finish due to their experience and skill without using a primer -- their experience and skill with a brush and roller as well as their experience and skill at prepping.

I think using a primer can be the difference between a paint job looking like a 10-year-old did it or a pro for a vast majority of DIYers out there.  It aids not just in hiding, but the overall smoothness and eveness.  So, IMO primer isn't just always about what color over what color -- there's oftentimes more to it than that.  Some DIYers need that solid base to start from, plus a primer coat can kind of be like a warm up or practice coat so by the time they get to the second coat of color, they've developed a bit of comfort and finesse for painting.

[rmichael]

I agree, the color is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether or not to use a primer. For example, a primer/sealer will provide an extended "wet edge" when applying the finish coat. This means a DIY can roll the wall with fewer lap marks and achieve a smoother, more even finish. The primer will also allow the finish coat to develop it's full depth in terms of sheen.

and yes, a fresh canvas is a good starting point for color ...

[NANCEM]

Oops...started a note and I'm not sure where it went!! Hopefully this isn't a duplicate.
I'm hoping I have three good reasons to not prime. Please give me your opinions:
I'm covering an off-white with a light creamy yellow

[NANCEM]

oh man...I'm having a hard time typing today!
1) off white being covered with light creamy yellow
2) new color is BM matte (I understand it is a washable flat paint)
3)plenty of recent practice painting

Think I'm safe to not prime?

[DecorativeWalls]

   Nancem,

if your walls are clean,  free from dust ,  not a builder's low grade flat(chalkly) paint and no repairs,     yes  you should be fine to go ahead with your  regal matte,

2 finished coats-       Since you are not working with a saturated color,   and this being a more softer creamier yellow  and a number one base  you should be able to get good coverage with 2 coats     .    Yellows are very transparent ,  but you seem to be using one with a pastel base.  


 wow  ,  couldn't hard get the post to work.     no where to type anything.   The little cursor   just vanished .

[rmichael]

Hi nancem,

I agree, if the walls are in good shape ( no patching ) two coats of the matte should give you a full finish, without a primer.

Good Luck with the project.

rmichael    pro painter

PS ... no problem posting on this end....