You may be familiar with the description, “paint and primer in one,” that paint companies and big box stores are using to describe their premium paint. Paint and primer combination products do work in certain situations, but every paint job is different. Paint and primer have two different, distinct functions and many times work best as two separate products. 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. If the surface you are about to paint is previously painted (previously prepared), and you are going to re-paint with a similar color and sheen of paint, then you may use a paint and primer in one product. In most situations, paint professionals would recommend that you use a quality primer before painting.
Drywall is a porous surface. It is recommended that you use a primer to seal the substrate before top-coating with paint. Without a proper primer-sealer, you could be wasting time, money and energy applying multiple coats of paint on your porous surface.
Tile, PVC, glass, or any other hard, smooth surface requires a bonding primer. Regular paint and primer in one products would not adhere to slick surfaces without a specialty primer.
Stain-blocking primers seal out water stains, crayon marks, smoke stains, etc. Additionally, shellac-based primers can seal out odors. Regular paint and primer in one products would allow those stains to eventually seep to the surface.
These are just a few examples of the situations that can come up when dealing with a paint project. Every job is different. Discuss your project with your local paint expert in order to create a professional, long-lasting result. Visit a Spectrum Paint store near you for quality products, competitive prices and professional service!
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