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Writer's pictureAaron King

Primer: The Most Important Coat of Paint

I love primer. It is the foundation of any exceptional paint job. In the system of finishing, primer serves as a connection for a substrate to receive top coats of finish that help provide resistance to weather, dirt, and certain chemicals while also help with retaining color and an ability to be scrubbed. Primers are also used for stain blocking purposes. Not using the right primer or not one at all is the leading cause of most paint failures. Prep work is the key to unlocking the door to a great finish and priming is a big branch on that tree.


Now let it be known: A "self priming" or "paint and primer in one" is no substitute for a true primer. Full stop. In order to provide a solid foundation for your top coats of finish, and for those top coats to perform well, the right primer is absolutely essential on raw surfaces. From drywall, to wood, to metal, primer is your most important coat of paint. There is no one primer that could be considered "all purpose". There are many primers with many uses for many different substrates. A substrate, which is defined as "the surface or material on or from which and organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment". The substrate on your cabinets is more than likely wood or your exterior door metal, for example.


Sometimes a primer may not be needed. Your average interior paint job may not necessarily need a primer to repaint an average bedroom. Now if there is any patch work that needs to be done it is highly recommended that those patches be spot primed before putting on a finish coat to promote adhesion and also prevent any flashing that may occur. Flashing is a major problem in the paint trade and can usually be prevented simply by using a quality primer. I find it soothing to look down a lengthy wall and not be able to see drywall seams or other imperfections that can show their way through the top coats by not using a primer.


A primer may be needed in an excessive color change. Going from a deep red to a white usually requires 4-5+ coats of finish paint, depending on the products being used. Two primers that I use the most are from the Fine Paints of Europe product line. Both the Eurolux Universal Primer and the Oil Primer are fully tintable to the finish color, which saves a lot of unneeded coats and time spent. Being that the primer coat is the most important coat of paint, to me, it is equally important to use a high quality primer. A high quality primer with unbelievably fantastic coverage that sands like a dream is that perfect foundation that shows all the way through to the finish coats. Having a tintable primer that sands well, blocks stains/tannins, and provides excellent adhesion is key to a great end result.


Be aware of your substrate. What is it made of? I guarantee there is a primer on the market that will suit the needs of whatever substrate needs work. Skimping out on a proper primer coat only leads to a less than mediocre finish that will definitely not last as long or look good as long as it should or could have.


Embrace the primer and I guarantee it will pay off in the long run.



*This blog is written and maintained by Aaron King. Aaron is the owner of AMK Painting located in Menomonie, WI. AMK Painting services west central Wisconsin (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson areas) and eastern Minnesota. With nearly 20 years of experience, Aaron hopes to spread knowledge surrounding the paint trade to both homeowners and contractors alike.


Are you looking to upgrade your homes colors? Contact AMK Painting for your free consultation today! We specialize in interior/exterior refinishing, new construction, historic restoration and fine finishing using only the highest quality products because your project deserves the best!



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