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"
- Choose a high-quality paint like ECOS.
- Combine multiple cans of the same color before painting.
- 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.
- Spread the paint evenly and smoothly.
- Allow the full drying time between coats.
- Use high-quality brushes, rollers, and tools.
EMR Grounding Kit
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The earth-grounding cable for Imperial Paints EMR Shielding Paint comprises an aluminum plate attached to a green length of wire.......More Details
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$16.95
The earth-grounding cable for Imperial Paints EMR Shielding Paint comprises an aluminum plate attached to a green length of wire. One end of the wire is crimped with a spade terminal for attachment to the aluminum plate, while the other end is left to be grounded to either the ground of a nearby outlet or metal plumbing. Also included is a white wall plate to cover the aluminum ground plate. We recommend all electrical work be done by an electrical professional.
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Grounding Plate InstallationClick to download
| Product Label | |
| Application and Clean Up | The earth-grounding cable for Imperial Paints EMR Shielding Paint comprises an aluminum plate attached to a green length of wire. One end of the wire is crimped with a spade terminal for attachment to the aluminum plate, while the other end is left to be grounded to either the ground of a nearby outlet or metal plumbing. Also included is a white wall plate to cover the aluminum ground plate. We recommend all electrical work be done by an electrical professional. Installation Instructions: 1. Decide where the grounding plate is to be attached. We recommend grounding to a nearby outlet. MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF. The grounding plate should be mounted to the side of the wall stud that the outlet is attached too. (this allows for ease of hiding the ground wire). 2. Hold the ground plate against the wall where it will be affixed and trace the screw holes onto the wall. We recommend using the face plates to mark the wall as this gives a better visual representation to what it will look like upon completion. 3. Drill the traced holes into the wall. The holes for the toggle bolts should be drilled with 3/8” drill bit. Attach your grounding plate to the wall. Be sure to not tighten the bottom screw completely so we can attach the spade end of the grounding cable to it later. 4. Below the mounted grounding plate, drill a small hole to “snake” the ground wire through and to the outlet. (We find it easier to make a snag with a stiff wire to reach in and pull through the ground wire from the outlet) 5. It’s time to attach the spade end of the ground wire to the ground plate and tight that bottom screw. Push all the excess wire into the wall and pull enough through the outlet to work with. 6. Make the proper connection to the ground of the outlet and screw the faceplate back onto the outlet. Double check that both screws on the ground plate are tight and screw the grounding plate cover with gasket on (before tightening plate cover you can turn it to make sure it is lined up correctly) It is not always necessary to ground Imperial Paints EMR Shielding Paint. The paint will screen RF fields whether grounded or not. However, the paint is conductive, so it might pick up ELF electric fields from the mains electricity wiring. If protection is needed against EMR only (microwaves, mobile telephone masts etc.) then grounding is not necessary. If full shielding efficiency at lower frequencies is required (for example power lines) then it is essential that the product is grounded. If in doubt: Conduct a "before" and "after" test for ELF electric fields. Using a calibrated electric field meter, measure the electric field, standing on the floor at least a foot away from the wall once it has been painted. Note the readings. Earth the paint using an earthing lead and measure the electric fields again in the same position. If the fields are higher once the paint has been earthed remove the earthing lead. If the readings fall, keep the earthing lead in place. |
| Product Code | grounding-kit |
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