The Importance of Using a Primer or an Undercoat Before You Paint

We’ve all been there… the frustration of spending hours painting a surface only to have the whole lot peel off or turn another colour because the old coating bleeds through. With proper planning and preparation, you can avoid wasting time and being stuck with messy workmanship that is often costly and time consuming to repair.

What’s the Difference Between Primer and Undercoat?

One easy way to remember is if a surface is painted use an undercoat, if it's new use a primer.

Primer

A primer is advised if your wall is chalky, powdery, stained or highly alkaline. Priming works to hide stains and prevent discolouration. It should always be used on bare wood, this is because the surface is not only porous with grain variations, it also absorbs moisture at varying rates, making achieving an even finish difficult.

Undercoat

An undercoat is used to create a neutral base for colour to develop. This is because they work to cover surface imperfections, therefore they are often sanded before recoating. Undercoats (sometimes referred to as mid-coats) exist to be used on coated ie. primed or painted surfaces, particularly wood.

Wilkoo Marketing Paint Distributors

Wilkoo Marketing Paint Distributors is a stockist of Prominent Paints, Cemcrete, Top Paints and Dekro Paints. Furthermore, the long-standing company is also an outlet for Den Braven Sealants, Amoriguard, Dekster, Chugoku, Sigma and Woodoc Wood and Rust Rite Metal Coatings.

For more information about primers and undercoats as well as other products, contact the friendly Wilkoo team directly.