{"id":158855,"date":"2020-02-03T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T14:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/colobar.ca\/when-and-why-to-use-a-primer-or-undercoat-in-painting\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T13:09:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:09:20","slug":"when-and-why-to-use-a-primer-or-undercoat-in-painting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/colobar.ca\/en\/when-and-why-to-use-a-primer-or-undercoat-in-painting\/","title":{"rendered":"When and Why to Use a Primer (or Undercoat) in Painting?"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”30px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” left_padding_desktop=”2%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”left-right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-6″]
<\/i> <\/div>
Difficulty: Medium <\/div>
<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-6″]
<\/i> <\/div>
Cost per sq. ft. = $0.10 to $0.33 <\/div>
<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” column_link=”https:\/\/colobar.ca\/produits\/?filter_articles=effet-beton” gradient_type=”default”]
<\/i> <\/div>
Products: In stock
\nDelivery: Ready to ship anywhere in Canada <\/div>
<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
<\/i> <\/div>
Lemieux M.<\/strong> (Customer)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Excellent product, easy to apply and good coverage.
\nThanks to the Colorbar team for recommending this product.” <\/div>

<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”60px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
\n

Working as a paint advisor, I’m often asked: is it really necessary to apply a primer? Before you get an answer, you first need to understand its role. The primer, also called a “primer<\/em>,” allows the finish coats to adhere properly to the surface. It allows you to cover in fewer coats (and therefore save money!), avoid problems caused by contaminants, and prevent incompatibilities between products. <\/p>\n

We’ll explain in detail when you need to use a primer, why, and which product to choose!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”60px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_video_lightbox link_style=”play_button_2″ nectar_play_button_color=”Default-Accent-Color” image_url=”158787″ hover_effect=”defaut” box_shadow=”none” border_radius=”20px” play_button_size=”default” video_url=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/tFPU3fEd9dU”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”3%” top_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”10px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″ column_padding_type=”default”][split_line_heading line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”letter-reveal-bottom” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#88988d” content_alignment=”left” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” link_target=”_self” text_content=”01″ font_size=”6vw” font_line_height=”1″ font_size_phone=”65″ font_size_tablet=”70″ text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-8″ column_padding_type=”default”][split_line_heading line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” font_style=”h2″ content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” link_target=”_self” text_content=”2-in-1 Paint versus Primer + Finish: What's the Difference?” font_size=”2vw” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”\u00e9tanch\u00e9it\u00e9”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Many paints are marketed as “two-in-one” products, intended to suggest that these products fulfill the function of a primer. This is not entirely accurate. <\/p>\n

While it’s true that these are generally paints with very good coverage, they do not replace the sealing effect of a primer<\/strong>. These paints will, for example, better hide a dark color, but will not solve the problem of a stained surface<\/strong> or soiled surface, will not seal porous surfaces<\/strong> (such as new drywall), and will not allow the transition from an oil-based product<\/strong> to a water-based finish.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”3%” top_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”10px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″ column_padding_type=”default”][split_line_heading line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”letter-reveal-bottom” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#88988d” content_alignment=”left” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” link_target=”_self” text_content=”02″ font_size=”6vw” font_line_height=”1″ font_size_phone=”65″ font_size_tablet=”70″ text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-8″ column_padding_type=”default”][split_line_heading line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” font_style=”h2″ content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” link_target=”_self” text_content=”Which Primer to Use for Transitioning from Oil-Based Paint to Water-Based Paint?” font_size=”2vw” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”\u00e9tanch\u00e9it\u00e9”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]In older homes where the walls haven’t been painted in decades, it sometimes happens that the old paint is oil-based<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If this is the case in your home, it’s non-negotiable that you apply a primer<\/strong> before applying water-based paint. Why? Because water-based paint cannot adhere durably<\/strong> to an oil-based product. <\/p>\n

You’ll need an oil-based primer<\/em><\/a> or an <\/strong>ultra-adhesive primer like Stix<\/a><\/strong> to make the transition without adhesion problems.<\/p>\n

How to Recognize a Poor Transition?<\/h3>\n

If you apply water-based paint directly over old oil-based paint, problems will generally appear quickly. You might observe: <\/p>\n