Paint and primer in one products have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient all-in-one solution for painting projects. These products claim to provide both the sealing and bonding properties of a traditional primer with the color and finish of a regular paint. But are they a good choice compared to using separate primer and paint? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding between one-coat and two-coat paint systems.
What is paint and primer in one?
Paint and primer in one, sometimes called self-priming paint, is designed to act as both a primer and a paint in a single coat. Traditional painting requires using a primer first to seal and prepare the surface, followed by one or more coats of paint for color and protection. By combining both steps into one, paint and primer in one products offer a faster and more convenient painting process. They are available in various sheens including flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.
How does it work?
These products work by containing both primer and paint binders. The primers help the paint adhere to surfaces. Meanwhile, the acrylic or latex paint resins provide coverage and a decorative finish. Some paint and primer in one options also contain additional resins and additives aimed at improving adhesion and durability compared to ordinary paints.
Benefits of using paint and primer in one
There are several advantages to using an all-in-one paint and primer product:
- Saves time – Only requires one coat versus two coats with separate primer and paint
- More convenient – No need to switching between primer and paint cans
- Money saving – One product versus buying both primer and paint
- Fast project turnaround – Recoat in as little as 1 hour
- Good for small projects – No partial cans of primer left over
- Improved topcoat adhesion – Bonds to multiple surfaces
- Uniform finish – Color uniformity since only one product is used
The time and cost savings of paint and primer in one make it appealing for quick home painting projects or for painting small areas. The convenience factor is also ideal for DIYers without the equipment for complex paint jobs.
Potential drawbacks
However, there are some potential disadvantages of paint and primer in one to be aware of:
- Not ideal for all surfaces – May not bond well to slick or glossy surfaces
- Tannin bleed through – Doesn’t block stains from wood tannins as well
- Lower hide – Less opaque than a dedicated primer and topcoat
- Shorter longevity – May not last as long as a two-coat system
- Can’t spot prime – Must prime entire surface
- More expensive than separate primer – Cost per gallon is higher
The key shortcoming is that paint and primer in one may not provide the same level of adhesion and durability as coated primed then painted with a topcoat. This can be an issue for surfaces that need an anchoring coat of primer.
When is paint and primer in one a good choice?
Here are the situations when using an all-in-one paint product can be beneficial:
Repainting similar colors
Paint and primer in one works well for repainting a surface the same or similar color. The existing paint coat provides enough tooth for the paint to adhere to, so a separate primer is not critical. The paint’s bonding agents help it grip to the old finish.
Small painting jobs
For quick small painting tasks like furniture, cabinets, or an accent wall, a self-priming paint can provide good results. The convenience factor makes it ideal for jobs where you just need basic coverage.
Pre-primed surfaces
On surfaces like drywall, wood composites, or metal that come pre-sealed, you can go directly to using paint and primer in one. The factory applied primer helps the paint stick.
Intact, cured surfaces
Using these products on surfaces where the existing paint is in good shape can work well. The paint can grip to the cured, unbroken paint coat. Just wash the walls first to remove any dirt or grease.
Low wear areas
For surfaces that see little wear and tear like ceilings and closet interiors, paint and primer in one provides enough durability. These areas don’t need the toughness of a dedicated primer.
Stains and woods
On stained or unsealed wood, using a standalone primer is still best to prevent bleed through. For raw wood, a primer formulated for wood is better for blocking tannins.
| Surface Type | Paint and Primer Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Drywall | Yes |
| Plaster | Yes |
| Brick | No |
| Wood – Raw | No |
| Wood – Stained | No |
| Wood – Painted | Yes |
| Metal | Yes |
| Concrete | No |
When is separate primer and paint better?
There are also scenarios where using a dedicated primer is still the better choice:
Drastic color changes
When going from dark colors to light colors or vice versa, a primer coat is needed to block the old hue. Without it, the new paint can appear uneven as the old color bleeds through.
Raw drywall and plaster
On bare drywall and plaster, primer helps seal surface imperfections that could telegraph through paint. The results will look smoother with a primer undercoat.
Cured, slick surfaces
On surfaces like aged oil paint or glossy enamel that have low porosity, primer adheres better than paint. Primer also helps roughen slick surfaces so the topcoat has something to grip.
Tannin-rich woods
For woods with high tannin content like cedar and redwood, a primer formulated to lock in tannins is a must for preventing bleed through.
Damaged existing paint
If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or otherwise compromised, a bonding primer that soaks in is needed before repainting.
High-wear areas
On surfaces that see a lot of handling like cabinets and trim, separate primer and paint hold up better. The tougher primer coat prevents premature paint failure.
In summary, for new or troubled surfaces, previously painted surfaces in poor condition, or areas that get heavy use, applying a primer before painting is still the best practice.
How to choose the best product?
When evaluating paint and primer in one options, here are some factors to consider:
Brand reputation
Established national brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams tend to have more reliable all-in-one products compared to generic options.
Resin technology
Look for advanced resin systems designed to enhance adhesion, durability, and stain-blocking. Examples include Behr’s Multi-Surface Pro and Glidden’s Gripper.
Primer vs. paint ratio
Some paint and primers skew more to the primer or paint side. Opt for a 60/40 or 50/50 primer-to-paint ratio for a good balance.
Warranty period
Check the manufacturer’s warranty on the hide and durability of the paint. Longer warranties often indicate a more reliable product.
Reviews
Read reviews and look for real-world testing data rather than relying only on marketing claims about performance.
Project specs
Match the paint’s finish, spread rate, and other specs to your specific painting project needs.
Doing your homework on the product technology and testing behind a paint brand’s offerings can give you a better sense of which are the best paint and primer in one options.
Application tips
To ensure you get the advertised results from paint and primer in one, following some best practices during application:
– Properly prep the surface by cleaning, sanding, patching, etc. to create a sound painting substrate.
– Apply a uniform coating using overlapping strokes and avoiding runs. Thinner coats bond better than heavy ones.
– Use a high-quality roller sleeve and brush suited to the paint’s finish.
– Maintain a wet edge and work to logical cutoffs to prevent lap marks as you paint.
– Follow recoat times and recommended number of coats for full coverage and protection.
– Give the paint at least 2 weeks cure time before cleaning or applying additional coats.
With good surface prep and application technique, quality paint and primer in one can provide good results. But the products do have limitations on problematic surfaces.
The bottom line
Paint and primer in one offers a faster, more convenient painting option that can save time and money on certain projects. For small jobs, repainting similar colors, or prepped surfaces, the all-in-one products often perform quite well. However, for new drywall, bare wood, or surfaces in poor condition, applying a traditional primer is still advisable. Consider both the specifics of your painting project and the quality of the particular product when deciding whether to go with a combined or separate primer and paint system. With reasonable expectations about performance, paint and primer in one can deliver good looking, long-lasting results.