Do I need a primer for this color?

Some colors, especially yellows, reds and oranges, and other dark accent colors, are considered to be “poor hiding” colors. That means they usually need a primer because, despite their strong, vibrant color, they’re not good at hiding the color they’re covering.

Using a grey (under dark colors) or tinted (under light colors) primer can help you avoid having to apply multiple coats of paint. A tinted primer helps prepare the existing surface for color. You’ll typically only need to apply two coats of paint over tinted primer to get that perfect result. ECOS colors that benefit from additional coats or a tinted primer are marked in our color library (select Fan Deck View) with a roller icon

Still trying to figure out if you need a primer? Click here to print a zig-zag patterned card you can use to test your paint sample.

Please note: this guidance is specifically related to color selection. We recommend using one of our primers if painting over a higher gloss finish, a darker color, or applying an accent color, or if applying over bare or heavily sanded surfaces.

Painting Tips to Improve “Hide"

Paint Card Instructions

Apply a single coat of paint across the middle of the card, covering at least the area within the rectangle marked with ABCD. Once the paint has dried thoroughly, apply a second coat. If the zig-zag lines remain visible after you’ve applied the second coat of paint, we’d recommend a primer for your paint color.

Select a Color

Simply select A, B, or C to choose your perfect color.

• AChoose an ECOS color by name
• BBrowse our colors
  Browse Our Colors
• CRequest a color match
  Select Color Match

ECOS Colors

Blues

Browns

Grays

Greens

Neutrals

Oranges

Purples

Reds

Yellows

Lisa Tharp

Lullaby

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Palette View Fan Deck View

Neutrals

Cool Grey Toned

Cool Grey Toned

Warm Grey Toned

Warm Grey Toned

Red Toned

Red Toned

Yellow Toned

Yellow Toned

Green Toned

Green Toned

Violet Toned

Violet Toned

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Colors

Red/Pink

Red/Pink

Orange

Orange

Yellow

Yellow

Green

Green

Blue

Blue

Violet

Violet