Do I Need A Primer?

Some colors, especially yellows, reds and oranges, and other dark accent colors, are considered by the paint industry 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 or tinted primer can help you avoid having to apply multiple coats of paint to get the color you want. A tinted primer will help prepare the existing surface for your color. After that, you’ll typically only need to apply two coats of paint to get that perfect result.

At ECOS, we can help you tell which colors need a primer. Click here to print a zig-zag patterned paint card you can use to test your paint sample. Apply two coats of paint over the pattern. If you can still see the pattern through the paint, you’ll get better results if you use a grey or tinted primer under your color.

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.

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