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"
- Always choose a high-quality paint like ECOS.
- If you have multiple cans of the same color, combine them before you start to paint.
- Always stir paint thoroughly before painting.
- Don’t thin or dilute the paint with water.
- Use the correct primer as described above, or when you’re applying paint over a porous surface.
- Don’t spread the paint too thinly or unevenly.
- Allow the recommended drying time between coats.
- Always use high-quality brushes, rollers, and other tools.
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Pick one of our simple options to choose your perfect color.
- Search for an ECOS Color
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Color Match
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Lullaby Colors
Nature's Palette Colors
The expansive, dramatic skies add saturation to the wide-ranging palette.
The warmth of the palette also reflects the flowering hues of springtime.
From the deep blues of the mountain ranges to the brightly colored flora and fauna, this ecoregion also boasts highly saturated primary colors.
The warms and cools of this palette are uniformly vibrant and saturated.
This set of nine neutral colors is meant to complement the other ECOS System palettes.
ECOS Colors
Universal Primer
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Universal Primer is the strongest bonding primer for use on almost any surface. Very effective at covering difficult stains. As with all ECOS paints and other products, this primer is water based, odorless, non-toxic, and VOC-free.
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This water-based, solvent-free stain-block primer is highly effective and has a number of uses for concealing and blocking out difficult stains such as rusted metal, rust staining, tannin staining from hardwoods such as oak and mahogany, water staining on (for example) plaster walls & ceilings, and many other "difficult to get rid of" stains. However, this product will not block oily or tarry stains, such as those from coal fires (chimney breast) or asphalt. This is the preferred Primer for bare Iron and Steel.
NOTE: Not ideal for exterior bare cast iron - ask for advice.
- ✔ Zero VOC1
- ✔ No Odor2
- 1Conforms to CDPH 01350 (VOC emissions test taken at 14 days).
- 2No traditional paint (polyurethane) odor, which can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.
Universal Primer
Coverage Calculator
| Product Label | |
| Preparation | Surfaces should be clean, dry, sound, and free from dirt, dust, grease, and loose or flaking material. Clean stubborn areas with mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly before painting. Soft or crumbly substrates should be pre-treated. |
| Application and Clean Up | Under most conditions thinning is not necessary. Stir gently before and during use. Intermix if using multiple containers to ensure color uniformity. Generally only requires one coat. Sand lightly between coats as this product may raise the grain of the wood. Normally dries to the touch in one hour. Allow four hours before sanding or painting. Can be applied using a good quality synthetic brush; or rolled using a shed resistant 1/4"-3/8" roller cover. Avoid applying below 50oF. |
| Coverage | 400 sq. ft. per gallon |
| Recommended coats | 1 |
| Product Code | 700355463870 |