Most products that are advertised as paint and primer in one will be more costly. The project will also cost you more if you buy a paint and primer in one, have issues with adhesion or bleed through, then have to buy another primer just to have to repaint.
If you want to paint a wall that already has paint on it, and there won't be an extreme change in color or texture, then you are free to use a paint-and-primer-in-one because it can be useful for these scenarios. Paint-and-primer-in-one works on pre-painted surfaces.
HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Interior Paint and Primer is our most durable paint, delivering exceptional resistance to scuff marks and scratches, ultra-smooth application and a beautiful finish.
You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color. In short, you will typically need 2 coats of primer for most painting projects.
Two coats of paint ALWAYS looks better and more professional than just one. The best paints sold by top paint vendors recommend a two coat system.
On new drywall, you will use 3 coats of the finish material instead of a primer coat plus 2 coats of finish. Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer.
Overall, both Behr and Sherwin-Williams have upsides and downsides. In the Sherwin-Williams vs. Behr paint comparison, Sherwin-Williams generally performs better, especially in toughness, washability, and application simplicity. Sherwin-Williams is typically a better option if you're okay with the higher price.
Primers help paint adhere to most surfaces. These days, there are a lot of high-quality and effective paints on the market such as Fusion Mineral Paint, so priming is rarely necessary. Primers may also be necessary in some situations where they are being used indoors.
Paint provides color, hiding, sheen, scrub resistance and protection against the elements. Primers seal the substrate, help provide uniform coverage, provide adhesion (between the substrate or wall and the paint) and block stains. In other words, a primer prepares the wall you are about to paint.
Many professional painters use a tinted primer before painting. This is an inexpensive way to bring your walls close to their final intended color before adding the more pricey topcoat.
The main drawback of an oil-based primer is its long drying times, which is 24 hours. A latex primer is a water-based primer and works great on wooden surfaces, but can also be used on masonry, metal, drywall, etc. Latex wall primers have a shorter drying time of only about three to four hours.
Since primer's function is mainly to bond and cover porous surfaces, it is not made to withstand elements like paint. Because of this, if you leave primer without a top coat (or paint) it will deteriorate and break down, probably in a chalk like form.
Priming is not always necessary for every project, especially as many Benjamin Moore paint products are self-priming (paint and primer in one). Before you select a primer for your project, you should first determine whether you even need to prime.
While primers are generally less expensive than paint, avoid substituting a prime coat for a full coat of paint. Given this fact, why not just buy the cheaper primer and use it as one of your coats of paint? Whether you tint the primer color or not, it does not replace an extra coat of paint.
As a general rule, a primer is needed when the surface is either too rough, too uneven, not sealed yet, or when it is a surface that the chosen paint won´t adhere to properly. If no primer is used the paint might peel off, bubble up, or the final paint job might have slight discolorations.
You probably don't need a primer. If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (both are oil-based for example), you can head straight for the paint. You need to fill holes, spackle and sand*, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall.
For the best results, you'll want to clean your walls first. This helps ensure that dust isn't trapped in the new paint and that the new paint adheres better, for a longer-lasting result.
When painting contractors seek out quality paint for their jobs, they often choose Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams – two of the best selling brands on the market. Professional painters the world over have used these paints to great success for many years.
Benjamin Moore has the upper hand in terms of quality, which is why it costs slightly more than Sherwin-Williams house paint. Both manufacturers have multiple lines of interior and exterior paint, such as Cashmere, Emerald, or Duration.
Applying primer to solve the problem (for example uneven, porous surfaces, strong colors or stains that might bleed through the paint, or adhesion issues that might cause peeling of the paint) before applying paint may prevent the need to re-paint or add several more coats of paint to get desired results.
KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Multi-purpose Water-based Wall and Ceiling Primer is a great all-purpose primer at a good price. It can be used indoors or out, and it works especially well on previously painted surfaces; besides drywall, it's effective when applied to interior or exterior wood and masonry.
This water-based primer offers enhanced hiding, making it ideal for changing colors and helping to lessen the number of coats of paint required. When painting to hide a previous color, KILZ® Primer reduces the need for multiple coats of paint to allow truer, richer color from your topcoat.
Chalk Paint
Like mineral paint, you also don't need to use a primer beforehand. It's another paint type that binds to just about every material or surface, both indoors and outdoors. If you use chalk paint to paint furniture without sanding, adding a top coat finish is recommended.