Best Colour Primer For White Paint? The 73 Top Answers

Perfect for use under our Chalky Emulsion, Eggshell and Gloss colours. Priming is an important step to ensure your paint is applied smoothly, evenly and lasts a long time. Our 1829 Light Gray Undercoat is best used with colors clearly identified on our website and color chart.

A fast drying primer for walls, ceilings and joinery surfaces. Suitable for gypsum, plasterboard, softwood, MDP and composite panels. Can be for both indoor and outdoor projects.

This article was co-authored by Katya Gudaeva. Katya Gudaeva is a professional makeup artist and the founder of Bridal Beauty Agency based in Seattle, Washington. She has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years and has worked with companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama and Barneys New York, and clients such as Amy Schumer, Macklemore and Train. This article has been viewed 75,151 times.

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When choosing a makeup primer, you should find one that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing foundation to keep your skin hydrated. For oily skin, choose a mattifying primer that will help reduce the oil in your skin. If your skin is easily irritated by cosmetics, choose a primer for sensitive skin. If you have blotchy or uneven skin, you may want to use your foundation as a color corrector. In this case, choose a primer in the same color as your foundation or use a color-correcting primer to cover spots. Get a green foundation to reduce redness, a purple foundation to correct yellow undertones, or a pink foundation to add a bit of color to pale skin. For more tips from our beauty co-author, including choosing a primer if you exercise a lot, read on!

Makeup primer is a godsend! Whether as a daily full make-up or rather simply with BB cream and tinted lip balm, it keeps your make-up longer and fights shine, among other things. So if you haven’t used them yet, this is the wake-up call you need.

Do you need it?

Many people often refrain from using primers because they feel they don’t really need them, are unsure of how to use them, or don’t think the investment is worth it. But makeup funds will tell you otherwise. According to La’eeqa Yunus, in-house makeup artist at CATRICE SA, foundation is important because it fills in fine lines and wrinkles on your skin and acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup. “Primers make your foundation finish look more natural and mimic the appearance of flawless skin,” adds Bodyography’s Ryno Mulder.

how to use them

Because you apply foundation right after priming your skin, you don’t have to cover your face with it. “Take a pea-sized amount and apply to your nose and center of your face and blend with your hands, a foundation brush, or the original Beautyblender R398, available nationally at Placecol, Perfect 10 and Dream Nails” says Ryno. “Focus on problem areas. If you have enlarged pores, squeeze the primer into the pores to fill them to make the skin surface even and smooth. When using a color-correcting primer, focus on areas of the face where there is obvious discoloration to neutralize redness or pigment spots.

How to choose

Here comes the tricky part – which primers should you use and for what? There are a billion types of primers out there. Experiment a little to find a foundation that works for your skin type. “If you have oily skin, I would recommend a mattifying primer. If you have dry skin, choose a moisturizing/brightening primer, like CATRICE Prime And Fine Smoothing Refiner, R104, 95′ she La’eeqa. Ryno thinks that when you first use it, you should opt for a clear primer, like Bodyography Clear Veil Primer, R425, which is universal and will leave your skin looking flawless.

color primers

Primers also come in a range of colors, each with a different function. “Color-correcting foundations work on the principle that a contrasting color neutralizes the color on the opposite spectrum of the color wheel,” says Ryno. “If your skin tone is overly warm and looks red due to rosacea, hot flashes or acne, the green foundation will erase the redness. Your face won’t look green anymore, it just won’t look bright red anymore. If your skin has gray or brown spots due to pigment spots, a peachy foundation will act as a corrector, removing that ashy appearance. If your skin is looking dull, a bronze primer will add warmth,” he adds.

Not sure how to separate your blue from your pink? Here’s our simple guide to which color to use:

Clear – A clear foundation offers all of the above benefits but has no additional color-correcting properties. Stick to a clear formula if your only concern is to even out your complexion and perfect your foundation application. Try Palladio Foundation Primer, R129.95

Green – these neutralize redness, so if you have red spots or blemishes on your skin, this is the color to go for. Try Bodyography Green Primer, R425

Pink – best for lightening complexion. No matter what your skin tone, if you feel like your skin needs a little more radiance and luminosity, this is the color for you. Try Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer, R249.

Bronze / Gold – Caramel tones combat ashyness on medium and dark skin tones. If you find your skin looking dull or colorless, this is the color for you. Try Bodyography Veil Foundation Primer in Tahitian Glow, R425

Yellow – these have a brightening effect so can be used where skin is uneven or to conceal dark spots and imperfections. These shades work best on medium and dark skin. Try Inglot Yellow HD Corrective Primer Base Corrective, R499

Violet – Violet foundations counteract dull undertones (these are usually yellow undertones). Yellow undertones, which are particularly common in Indian complexions, can make skin look a bit sticky. Try NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer for R209.95

Multi – some foundations contain swirls in more than one color. Check out the color combinations used as each of the colors in the formulation serves a different function. These foundations are ideal for anyone who wants more than one benefit. Try Almay Smart Shade Primer, R199.

Does your primer color matter? Some say the primer color doesn’t matter, and it doesn’t matter if you put enough coats on top. However, that can get expensive, and many people don’t want to spend more money on paint than they have to. Spray primer (in aerosol cans) and surface primer (which you can airbrush or brush on) come in many different colors. Colored primers help save you time by allowing you to skip the priming steps of your miniature paint job. But colored hobby primers also cost a lot more money!

Does the color of your primer matter and are they worth their cost and limitations? In this article I share my thoughts on whether it is worth buying and using a colored foundation.

What is a primer?

Here is a brief definition of what a primer is used for when painting miniatures or scale models.

A primer is a product that painters use to paint the surface of an object, such as an object. of a building or model, to make it paint-ready, filling in imperfections in the surface and providing a surface for the paint to adhere to. Primers are used by professionals and beginners alike.

RELATED ARTICLES: COMPLETE BASIC GUIDE AND REVIEW FOR MINIATURE PAINTING

When should you use a colored primer? If you have a lot of models to paint, a color primer can speed up your work. (Games Workshop | Ogroid Myrmidon Miniature)

Who makes colored primers?

citadel

The Army Painter

Vallejo

There are three popular companies that make colored primers for miniatures: Citadel, The Army Painter, and Vallejo.

Citadel or Games Workshop make a range of colored primers to match the colors of their main paint layers e.g. B. Macragge Blue, Retributor Armor Gold Metallic and many others.

Citadel Macragge Blue Spray Primer Citadel Retributor Armor (see full review)

Army Painter also has a wide range of colored primers. They are designed to help you skip the priming steps when painting miniatures.

Vallejo colored primers are surface primers that are polyurethane based formulations. They are not atomized with a spray can. Instead, Vallejo Colored Surface Primers can be applied with a regular brush or used with a spray gun.

Vallejo Surface Primer is a great all round primer for various models. It is also available in a variety of great colors for scale modeling and miniature painting in a more realistic style.

Vallejo’s color primers are more intended for scale modelers who want more realistic tones with military colors e.g. B. Panzergrau, Russian Green and others achieve. Vallejo also have a range of mecha colored primers with specific use for plastic model kits e.g. B. Gunpla, Gundam models.

Mecha primers are airbrush-ready primers that help your hobby paints stick. Gundam model painted with acrylic airbrush paints.

Mecha primers work great with an airbrush and are more resistant to bumps and scratches. They need about 24 hours to fully cure. However, mecha primers have a flexible surface that makes your paint jobs extra durable, which is great for both display and wargaming models

The best colored primers for painting miniatures and models?

The purpose of a colored primer is to give you a head start when painting your miniatures. Instead of priming your model in two steps and then painting, you can use a colored primer to paint that first coat of base onto your model.

Choosing the right colors for your miniature painting project takes some planning. The same goes for deciding whether to use a colored primer and what color to start with.

The best colored primer is any primer that comes in the color you need for your miniature painting project. Not every brand has the color you want for your miniature. For example, The Army Painter has a great flesh colored primer. If you plan to paint a lot of humanoid miniatures with skin tones, the Army Painter range of skin toned primers may be your best bet.

Different shades of primer can speed up your project!

As mentioned before, colored primers don’t come cheap. They are more expensive than a primer or paint alone. However, what you get for paying more is the ability to paint your models faster with fewer steps. For those who are frustrated with applying a solid, even primer with a regular brush – an important step in any painting job – a colored primer can make this process easier.

What about metallic primer paints?

Painting a good coat with metallic paint is more difficult than painting with non-metallic paints. This is because metallic paints are more transparent than non-metallic paints and require more coats to create an even coat.

To get a nice layer of metallic paint, you need to apply several coats of paint. You also need to do this without diluting the metallic paint too much. Diluting metallics too much can cause the reflective metallic pigments to spread and the layer to appear blotchy.

It can often take much longer to paint models with metallic paint well.

To speed up a miniature paint job with metallics, a number of paint brands have metallic colored primers. These are spray primers with a metallic finish.

Games Workshop has the Citadel Leadbelcher Spray Primer which is the same model color as the Leadbelcher base model color. The Army Painter has a similar steel colored metallic primer called Plate Mail Metal. There are also many other metallic primers for things like gold, copper, and other metal surfaces. These metallic primers allow you to prime and paint your models in a single application.

How exactly does colored spray primer match the original paint color?

If you’re using a colored spray primer, you’ll probably choose a primer color that matches the regular color you plan to skip.

You expect the color of your foundation to be the same as your regular color, right? In my experience this often happens if you have a fresh can of colored primer, shake well and apply a firm coat to your model.

However, it is also possible for a colored spray primer to have a slight sheen or tone difference from the normal colour. This is because spraying any color creates a different look than applying the same color with a brush.

Citadel Base Mechanicus Standard Gray Primer Citadel Mechanicus Standard gray model primer may not look like the regular color version of the same name.

To get a better match of your colored spray primer with your model paint of the same color e.g. B. Mechanicus Standard Gray primer over the base color of the same name, you should use an airbrush with your model color.

Airbrushing primer and paint can speed up the first steps in painting your miniatures, e.g. B. Faster application of primer and primer.

Of course, you may have to live with the possibility that a colored primer doesn’t match the color of your regular paint. This is another potential risk of speeding up your workflow with a colored primer.

You may need to lower your expectation of how much you can achieve with a colored foundation. To get quality results, you may need to avoid relying on colored primers.

Are colored primers worth it?

If you are painting a Horde army, e.g. For example, if you have a collection of Warhammer 40k Tyranids and the miniatures on many models are a similar color, a colored primer can save you a lot of time.

However, if you’re painting a small number of miniatures and each model needs to be painted a different color, a colored primer probably isn’t worth it. I don’t think it’s worth using color primers for most painting projects unless there’s a significant time saving.

The consensus among miniature painters is that you should only use a colored primer if you want to save time or improve the quality of your final paint job.

Speed ​​Painting: The best reason to use a color primer

A word about speed painting or batch painting many models. As I mentioned above, painting many of the same models in your collection, e.g. B. Horde armies in AoS or 40k will benefit from using a colored primer.

RELATED: TIPS FOR BATCHING MINIATURES FOR EFFICIENCY

In fact, I think speed painting is the best use of a colored primer. If you want to paint many models quickly without worrying too much about the overall quality of a single miniature, a colored primer is a great tool!

What is the best color primer (if you could only pick one)?

I’m conflicted when it comes to recommending a “best paint base” for painting miniatures. I think the best color primer is the one you like the most (it’s a favorite color) or a required color for your project. I also think the best color primer is one that you already have in your collection. If you’re not picky about primers, I’d say just use what you have on hand.

You simply don’t have to worry about which colored primers you need for a specific project. If you’re unsure about using a colored primer, you probably don’t need one.

The reality of painting miniatures professionally using speed painting or batch painting methods is that you probably already have several primers in your arsenal. This is because different colored primers create a unique look and quality e.g. B. gray vs. black primer for Warhammer 40k Tyranids or red vs. black primer sprays for Orruk armies from Age of Sigmar (AoS).

I painted this Games Workshop AoS model (Ghorgon) using different painting techniques, starting with a neutral gray undercoat to help me visualize contrasts.

Games Workshop AoS Model (Ghorgon)

If I had just chosen one colored primer for all my miniature paint jobs, I would choose grey. It’s a neutral shade that lets me see contrasts on an unpainted model. A gray base tone allows me to see natural highlights and shadow areas under my hobby lamp.

When I apply paint over a grayscale primer, I can better see how my paint will look on the miniature. A gray undertone does not distort the hue, shade, or saturation of my overlying paint job. At the same time I can also see if I’m getting a good coat of paint because a gray undercoat is strong enough to show through thin coats of paint.

For a quality finish, the ability to visualize light and shadow is essential. Gray primer helps me with that. Overall, for my highest quality paint jobs (not speed painting), I choose a neutral gray primer color every time.

Conclusion If you’re painting a Horde army with multiple models of the same type, it’s worth using color primers, as the time savings are worth the additional cost of the primer. For speed painting models for a tabletop quality finish, e.g. For example, when ready to fight, a colored primer will help you paint miniatures faster and more reliably.

For higher quality finishes, I recommend choosing a neutral gray color for your primer color. It will be more work to paint your miniatures because you have to paint your primer layer; However, the end result can be better because you have the opportunity to incorporate additional inking techniques into your workflow.

The most important thing when deciding if you should use a colored primer for your project is what you expect from it – speed vs. quality finish?

Well what do you think? Is using a color primer important and are they worth the extra cost? Leave a comment below!

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We recently painted something and decided to just paint one room white for now. We had some primer in the garage so I brought up the idea of ​​just priming it and then maybe painting it in the future. I was wondering if primer would work as a paint so I did some research and made a few calls and that’s what I learned.

Primer cannot be used as paint as it is specifically designed to bond well with paint and not be permanently exposed to an indoor or outdoor environment. It is not water resistant and can be easily damaged if struck by people or animals. Also, dust and hair tend to stick to the surface.

Basically, there are too many problems that can arise when using a primer as a paint or top coat. In the end, your walls are prone to rapid wear and tear and quickly look old, worn and dull. The rest of the article will go into depth and answer some common questions.

What happens if you don’t paint over the primer?

If you don’t paint over the primer, you’ll end up damaging your walls. Water is a hazard for walls with no paint over the primer. Smoke will also damage your wall more, especially in the rooms near the kitchen. Even the smell of a pet will cling to your walls. yuck

Another reason not to leave your primer unpainted is that primer is stickier than paint. So if you leave it unpainted, dust particles and things in the air will stick to your wall and make it look old and shabby.

In addition, the primer is intended to seal the paintwork and only help ensure that your paintwork is fully covered. It even penetrates any old paint that’s under the primer and can become blotchy or weirdly faded over time. So, even if you like the look or color of the foundation, don’t expect it to stay that way.

How long can you leave the primer unpainted?

The primer generally cannot remain unpainted for more than 30 days. If you wait too long, you will not be able to paint directly on the primer and you will have to re-prime the wall. This is because immediately after it dries, it begins to decompose and accumulate dust or other debris.

Exact deadlines may vary slightly. Usually, the manufacturer states how long a certain type of primer can be left on before painting.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to re-prime the wall, you can also sand it down until it’s smooth and then paint it. Depending on your tools, this can actually be more work than just applying another coat of primer.

How long can you wait to paint over the primer?

When using latex paint, most say you only have to wait about an hour before painting. However, it’s a good idea to wait longer, as it actually takes between 3 and 4 hours to fully die. If you use an oil-based primer, allow at least 24 hours to dry before applying paint.

Can you use primer as a ceiling paint?

Primer should not be used as a ceiling paint for the same reason; it doesn’t make good wall paint. It is not designed to be permanently exposed to an indoor environment and is only intended to bond well with paint. It attracts dust, dirt and odors over time and looks worn out quickly.

Why should you use a primer before painting?

There are 5 good reasons why you should prime before painting:

The primer creates a ground plane, an even texture on the wall to make the finished product look smooth and even. It will extend the life of your paintwork for years to come and protect it from chipping and peeling. It also reduces the number of coats that need to be applied to cover previous paint or markings on the wall. A maximum of 1, possibly 2 coats are required for the first primer. Without a primer you may need 3 coats for it to be the color you want. The number one reason for using primer is simply that without it your wall is susceptible to damage.

When should you first use a separate primer?

Using primer is an important step in painting any type of surface.

Brand new drywall must be primed first, even if old paint is light or it’s fresh drywall. New drywall absorbs paint like a sponge soaking up water, and the paint can start to look uneven and dull.

When painting brick or concrete, a primer should always be used first. The small holes in these two materials make it difficult for paint to stick to them. Masonry primers seal the plane to allow paint to last longer and apply smoother.

In fact, a primer should be used on all surfaces, even when painting bare wood. Wood surfaces, like new drywall, soak up paint like a sponge. It also picks it up at different speeds and causes the color to become uneven. A primer seals the wood and puts an end to this problem.

Multiple coats of primer may be required

When changing colors drastically, or painting over a light or dark color, you often need to use 2 or more separate coats of primer. If you don’t use full coverage, old paint can bleed through and show up on your new paint job. Sometimes this does not become apparent for several days.

Is it better to use primer or paint with primer?

Paint with primer is acceptable if the wall has been previously painted. Of course, if the color change is drastic, you still need to use a primer before painting.

bottom line

Ultimately, it’s best to use the primer as it was intended; To prevent old paint, damage or stains from showing when you apply fresh paint to the wall. Compromising just isn’t worth the risk. It’s not like you have to paint every day and look at those walls for a long time.

In fact, if you’re not going to paint right away, it’s better not to prime at all. Please take my advice and save your money to get it right the first time.

I hope this article was helpful. Thank you for reading!

Hey, I’m Jim and I’m the author of this website. I’ve always been interested in survival, fishing, camping and all things outdoors. When I was growing up, I actually spent more time on the water than on land! I’m also a best-selling author and have degrees in history, anthropology and music. I hope you find value in the articles on this site. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or input!

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Thanks to the seal that the PVA primer leaves on the surface of the drywall, the paint covers as it should and you won’t be surprised by the color. The lack of a primer results in a reduced pigment ratio of the top coat, meaning too much pigment will seep into the drywall and the final color will be lighter than it should be; it may appear washed out in places. In addition, the gloss of the final finish can be chalky and uneven, especially if you use a semi-gloss or low-gloss color as a top coat.

Dark interior colors have been all the rage in recent years, but when trends change, you want a primer. Painting a light color over a dark color requires additional layers of paint to keep the old color from showing through the new shade. You can reduce your labor (and expense) by priming the wall before painting.

Painting your home isn’t always something that requires professionals. By looking at the way professionals treat themselves, you can determine which jobs are right for you. If you’re painting interior walls in your home a new color, chances are you can handle it yourself. It is important to take precautions depending on the scenario. If you paint a dark wall with another dark color, you can most likely use a primer paint. If you’re painting a dark wall with a light color, you’ll likely need separate coats of primer and paint.

Paint over dark colors with dark paint

If you’re painting a dark wall with a different dark color, you can usually use a primed paint. This is especially true if you apply a color that is darker than the original color. If you’re applying a color that isn’t quite as dark but could still be considered a dark color, a base color is still a good option.

Paint with primer isn’t as effective as an actual two-step process for masking old paint. Primed paint is best when applied to a previously painted surface as you do not need to prime a previously painted surface to accept paint. Essentially, painting with a primer falls somewhere between no primer and the usual two-step process. It’s a good middle ground if the wall is already painted and you paint it another dark color.

However, if you paint a dark wall with a light color, then you need to use a primer.

Paint over dark colors with a light color

The problem with painting over a dark color with a light color is that the dark color often shows through in small ways. You’ll probably be able to get cover, but the dark color will still make itself felt. For example, if you paint a light blue over a dark red wall, you can probably cover all of the red. However, the wall could look a little more purple than you’d like. That’s because the red still shines through the blue.

The best way to avoid this is to paint the wall with a primer first. Primer is used to cover up old paint and prepare a wall for painting. It is chemically formulated to help paint adhere to surfaces. If you paint over a dark wall with a light color, you must use a white primer. If you paint with a slightly darker color, you should use a gray primer.

When applying foundation, be sure to use “M” or “W” motions. Also make sure to roll the paint roller up the slanted side of the paint tray. This will help you remove excess primer. Removing excess primer from the roller means you won’t create roller lines on your wall.

After that, you should let the primer dry. Usually only one primer is required as it is thick and covers the walls evenly.

If you are based in Denver, CO, entrust your painting job to the experts at Imhoff Fine Residential Painting. When it comes to painting over darker colors, we have the know-how you need. Contact us today for an estimate.

Painting a car is not a job for anyone. But with the right equipment, you can repaint any size vehicle right at home. Before taking on the challenge, you must understand the importance of car primer and how primer color affects the final paint color of your vehicle. In this article, we explain how primer color affects your car’s paint finish and how to choose the right primer for your vehicle.

How primer works

Before we dive in, let’s get back to the basics of car primer. Primer is a coating that protects your car’s metal body and provides a base on which to apply your paint. Without a primer, your car’s paintwork has nothing to adhere to.

A metal body without a primer will repel paint. So if you’re doing major repairs or repainting your entire car, you’ll want to make sure you have a quality primer to use as the base for the paint job.

primer and sealer

If you want to prime your car, don’t forget the sealer. A sealer binds the primer to the base coat, helping the paint adhere and reducing the likelihood of a top coat running off. In addition, Sealer fills in light scratches in your primer. It creates a smooth, even surface for your top coat or base coat. Using sealer over the primer ensures a smooth, even top coat with no blemishes.

When applying a sealer, you need to be mindful of your schedule. If you leave the sealer on for too long before applying the top coat, you will have to sand it to allow the paint to adhere. But if you don’t let it cure long enough, the solvents will get trapped, resulting in solvent pops. In this case you will have to completely redo this part of your car.

And just like primers, sealers come in a variety of colors. We recommend using lighter finishes when painting your car a light color and dark finishes for black, blue and gray tones.

Sealing your primer requires extra work, but you’ll be glad you took the time and energy to do it. Sealers help you achieve a better top coat finish and give you a long lasting end product.

Matching primer shades

While you paint over your primer with a base coat, your primer still affects how the paint presents once it dries. You should choose your primer according to the shade of your car paint.

Most automotive primers come in black, white, gray, and red. Depending on the color you use for your car’s base coat, choose one of these colors to build on. Below we explain the uses for each of these four primer colors.

Black primer

For darker paint colors like black, dark blue and green and other dark colors, use a black primer. Black foundations produce deep, vibrant colors, especially when the hues are dark and saturated. Choosing a black primer as a base for a dark color like black requires fewer coats of paint to fully cover your car.

White primer

White primer is ideal when you want your final coats of paint to stand out. White primer gives a lighter finish than the other primers and is your first choice for lighter car colors and metallic finishes.

Gray primer

You can use gray car primers the same way you would use a white primer. Gray primer is also ideal for metallic or pearlescent car finishes. It is the most common primer color for cars and often slightly mutes the final hue.

Red primer

Red primer is most commonly used on cars with rust problems. Its formula acts as a rust inhibitor, making it an ideal choice for older cars that will receive a paint job.

As you can see, you have a few options when choosing primers for your car. Regardless of which primer color you choose, stay consistent. If you prime your vehicle with a primer shade, use the same shade for all future paint jobs. Even the slightest change in primer shades can – and will – affect your car’s final finish. Use the same primer every time you paint and you don’t have to worry about color variations in your car.

The importance of coverage

As mentioned above, the choice of automotive primer shades is important. Choosing a primer to complement your base coat will give a finish that matches the color you have chosen. But the primer color isn’t the only factor that contributes to the final hue of your car.

Full coverage can make all the difference in how your primer affects the final shade. You should apply at least two coats of your car’s base coat after your primer and sealer have dried. You can apply more if you feel that your car’s paint has not dried to be colourfast.

Applying an even base coat is a crucial step in ensuring your vehicle’s finish is perfect. Spray on the first coat of base coat, holding your paint sprayer six to ten inches from your car’s body. Spray from left to right in even strokes.

Allow the first layer of base coat to dry thoroughly. Use the same technique to add a second layer. At this point you should not see any primer or metal and the final color of your car should match the color on the paint box. If it’s still not to your liking, you can add another coat or two until the color matches perfectly.

Don’t underestimate the value of a thorough primer. Even if your primer doesn’t match your car’s final shade, full coverage can help you achieve the perfect finish color.

Conclusion

You can see that the color of the car primer plays an important role in how your car’s paint dries. Darker bases produce deeper, darker colors, while a white base produces light tones. Now that you know how primers affect your final shade, choose a primer that matches your paint color and get to work!

You should use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall and also to cover any previous paints especially if they are red, orange or some weird outdated color In short, for most painting projects usually require 2 coats of primer. Apply the primer generously and allow it to dry completely before applying your final coat of interior paint. Click on the link below for more painting tips for your next painting projects.

“But this color doesn’t look anything like the one on the chip!” Most painting companies have heard this from a customer before. This is a frustrating dilemma and is particularly common with transparent, deep, or vivid colors. But you can easily solve it by using a proven color palette along with the right base coat whenever color is important to your client. (And when not?)

Prime with white or gray or top coat color tint?

The Sherwin-Williams COLOR® System is a palette of more than 1,000 shades created with input from contractors, architects, designers and planners. It’s also designed with advanced technology to support more accurate color delivery. Common practice is to use a primer white or tinted with the topcoat color. However, approximately 20 percent of the colors in the Sherwin-Williams COLOR® system are maximized when applied over a gray tinted basecoat. This idea or technology is the Sherwin-Williams Color Prime System. There are several benefits to using a gray primer or primer on these colors, including a better touch-up, better skin, and more even color. Painters also save time and money by being able to achieve accurate color matching in fewer coats. Best of all, the system is easy to use as Sherwin-Williams has taken the guesswork out.

How it works

Sherwin-Williams exclusive Color Prime System is a continuum of shades of gray beginning at light gray (P1) and gradually deepening to P6 or the darkest gray. This technology is based on how color pigments scatter and absorb light. A primer tinted to the recommended shade of gray creates the ideal balance of light absorption and diffusion to achieve the right color in fewer coats. By working within the gamut of the topcoat color, the correct basecoat shade allows the topcoat to reveal its true color more fully and quickly. Conclusion: You achieve real colors faster and easier. And you reduce the likelihood of a customer complaining that the color on the wall doesn’t match the color of the chip.

Just follow the instructions

How do you know when to use a Color Prime gray shade basecoat? There are two easy options: ask your Sherwin-Williams representative or look on the back of your topcoat color chip. If you see a code from P1 to P6, make sure you’re using a primer that’s tinted the specific shade of gray. For example, humorous green (SW 6918) requires a P3 gray tone, while with Nervy Hue (SW 6917) you would use a P2 gray tone. As simple as that.

Real world results

Aldo Marini, owner of Interior Solutions in Cleveland, Ohio, says Sherwin-Williams’ gray primer system saves time and money on his new home construction projects. “I work with a lot of decorators and high-end builders who specified the deeper colors,” he says. “In the past we often needed three coats to get the right color. My Sherwin Williams sales rep knew I was concerned and introduced me to the Color Prime system about two years ago.” He found that using the gray primer system allowed him to get the same quality results in just two coats to achieve. There’s no guesswork as he simply has his Sherwin Williams store add the gray tint indicated on the Sherwin Williams color chip to his favorite PrepRite primer. He will also use a gray tinted Color-Prime Interior Primer when working with a ColorAccents top coat. “In the past, I’d shied away from using ColorAccents on new builds, but I’m no longer afraid to use the deep colors,” says Marini. “By using the gray primers we get really good color accuracy and being able to cover in two coats saves us a lot of work.”

Advantages of the gray base coat

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Choosing the right color primer

We’ve talked at length about the two main reasons you might need a primer before painting your furniture (you can find that post here), you evaluated your project and determined that the primer would be best… but what color primer do you choose Does it really matter? Why are there options at all? Let’s break it down…

Wise Owl Primer is available in four color options: Clear, White, Gray and Dark Gray. Each of them serves a different purpose and choosing the right one can have a huge impact on the ease and outcome of your painting project. However, if you choose the wrong color primer, in most cases you will not destroy your project. You can do extra work or use more paint than necessary, but it probably won’t be the end of the world for your project (with one major exception).

In general, choosing your primer color will help you go from your current finish color to your chosen paint color with a little more ease. Think of your current color and your desired color as a staircase, with light colors at the top and dark colors at the bottom. When painting a dark wooden dresser with bright white paint, choosing the right primer color can help you climb the stairs with ease. White primer over dark wood gets you up the stairs so you have a lighter surface for your paint to sit on. Bringing your base color closer to your final color will require far fewer coats of paint for full coverage. If you have a dark wood dresser that you are going to paint black, after priming with white primer you will run to the top of the stairs before running all the way down when painting. This is a waste of time, product and labor that can easily be avoided with the right colored primer.

So how do you know which primer color to choose for your project? Here are my tips and preferences and why I choose them for my projects.

Clear

If you plan on painting a piece and then painting areas back onto the wood but still need help with adhesion or stain blocking…then a clear primer is for you! The clear primer locks in tannins, giving you a great grippy surface to paint on…while also allowing you to access the bare wood without your primer showing through. (This is my one exception to the advice “choosing the right color primer is helpful but not critical”. Using a white or gray primer on stresses will most likely show the primer on your stress points and change the overall look of your finish! ) It will too Be your go-to place when starting with a dark shade and painting to another dark shade. If you use a clear primer in this case, you can stay on the lowest step and avoid wasting energy going up and down.

White

If you paint white, cream or beige, white primer is your best friend. Trust me. If you plan to take a dark piece of furniture and paint it white, you can use a coat or two of white primer to halve the amount of paint needed. It’s like going up from the bottom of these stairs. Use a white primer to jump up several levels before you start painting. The white primer not only lightens your base tone, resulting in fewer layers of color, but also blocks any potential stains and bleeds, giving you a flawless finish.

dark grey

Do you plan on painting it red? bright pink? Orange? Use dark gray primer and you’ll thank me. Gray is the perfect base for any red toned color, and it will drastically reduce the number of coats you need for your color. Reds are notorious for being the trickiest colors, sometimes requiring 4, 5, even 6 coats for full coverage. (Side note, start with Wise Owl and you’ll never use more than 3 coats of red. Really.) Use the dark gray primer underneath your hot pinks and you’ll get away with just 2 coats. Dark Gray Primer is also perfect if you are starting from a super light wood or something that has already been painted white… and you want to go dark. Throwing a dark gray primer under your navy, gray, and blacks will drop your hue so you don’t have to make such a drastic leap when you start painting.

Gray

The same concept applies here as with the dark gray primer, but in a much lighter tone. The default gray foundation is perfect under lighter pinks and oranges, and any light neutrals with gray undertones. It’s a great option for lightening a dark surface without going as high as the bright white primer. (Think of a step or two from the top of the stairs)

Too long, haven’t read it?? Here are the short notes 😆:

Want to torment to the wood? CLEAR

Switch from a dark surface to a dark color? CLEAR or DARK GRAY

Paint everything white, cream or beige? WHITE

Switch from a dark surface to a light color? WHITE or GRAY

Paint with red, pink or orange? GRAY or DARK GRAY

Switch from a light surface to a dark color? DARK GREY

And as always, if you’re not sure, just send me a picture and we’ll work through it together. 😘 And when you’re ready to jump in, here’s your Wise Owl primer.

How primer affects paint color

Spring and DIY projects go hand-in-hand, and this spring season, it feels like that sentiment rings truer than ever. Since we’re all staying home to practice safe social distancing, we have a lot more free time, making it the perfect time to tackle a DIY painting project. But don’t forget the primer before painting!

While the job of the paint is all about the color, the job of the primer is to prepare the surface for painting and make that paint as good as possible. Even with a simple color change, where you cover an existing lighter color with a different color, painting without a primer would not be advisable. If you paint without a primer first, the end result might be a color that’s a slightly different shade than the color you chose. From a simple color change from walls to repainting furniture, KILZ 2® all-purpose primer is just the thing for the job.

There are also certain surface types that are extremely porous, including brick and wood. If you paint on these surfaces without a primer, there’s a good chance the color will seep into the surface – and that means your color won’t be as vibrant or real as you expected. If you are looking to seal porous surfaces, KILZ® 1 Standard Primer and KILZ 2 All-Purpose are both great primer choices.

And of course, when painting over a darker color with a new, spring-fresh, lighter shade, it is important to prime first. Otherwise shades like deep red will show through and change the tone of the new paint color you have chosen. If you’re going from a darker to a lighter color in your DIY painting project, KILZ® 3 Premium Primer has a thick, high-coverage formula that’s up to the task.

Prime first for dark to light color changes!

In all of these cases, priming before painting reduces the number of top coats required – saving you time and ensuring your finished DIY project has the color you want!