Primer vs Paint-and-Primer: When You Still Need Primer

What Does Paint-and-Primer Mean?

It means the paint can act as its own primer on many surfaces. Benjamin Moore describes Regal Select as a 100% acrylic paint and primer that is self-priming on most properly prepared surfaces, while still recommending two coats on bare surfaces and noting special-purpose primers for problem surfaces. Its current Aura exterior is likewise self-priming on most properly prepared substrates.

When Do You Still Need a Separate Primer?

Stains: water, smoke, crayon, marker and nicotine bleed through paint; Benjamin Moore lists its alkyd Fresh Start Undercoater for them.
Tannin-rich wood: cedar, redwood and oak bleed; exterior bleeding woods get Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer or High-Hiding All Purpose Primer.
Big color changes: Benjamin Moore calls Fresh Start 046 the go-to for significant color change.
Glossy or non-porous surfaces: laminate, ceramic tile and glossy enamel need a bonding primer after dulling.
Masonry: rough block gets block filler; alkaline masonry (pH 10 or more) gets a masonry sealer or primer.

How Do Primers Differ From Paint?

Primers are made to seal, bond or block rather than to be the final finish. Benjamin Moore's block filler data sheet says it should not be used as a finish coat, and its masonry sealer is designed to provide the proper foundation for finish coats. Primers also cover differently: block filler at 75 to 100 square feet per gallon versus 400 to 450 for typical wall paint.

Does Primer Need to Be Tinted?

For color changes, it helps. Benjamin Moore's Advance data sheet recommends tinting the primer to the approximate shade of the finish coat when a significant color change is desired, and notes that certain custom colors require a deep base primer tinted to a special formula.

What About Drywall and Repairs?

New drywall and patches absorb differently from painted surfaces. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 recommends priming the entire prepared surface to equalize absorption so repairs do not show through as dull spots.

Where Do We Provide This Service?

Joseph Assise III Painting is based in Easton and serves towns across eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, centered on the Lehigh Valley. Town pages:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need primer if I use paint and primer in one?

Not on most clean, previously painted walls in a similar color. You still need a separate primer for stains, bare or tannin-rich wood, big color changes, glossy or non-porous surfaces and masonry. Benjamin Moore describes Regal Select as self-priming on most properly prepared surfaces but recommends special-purpose primers for problem surfaces.

What primer blocks water stains?

An alkyd stain-blocking primer. Benjamin Moore lists its Fresh Start Undercoater and Primer/Sealer for water stains, smoke damage, crayon, marker and nicotine, with a 2 hour recoat time at 77°F and 50% humidity. Fix the leak and let the area dry before priming.

Should primer be tinted?

For significant color changes, yes. Benjamin Moore recommends tinting primer to the approximate shade of the finish coat, and some deep custom colors need a deep base primer tinted to a special formula. Tinted primer helps the finish reach full color in fewer coats.

Do I need to prime new drywall?

Yes. New drywall and joint compound absorb paint differently, which can make seams and patches show. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 recommends a drywall primer over the entire prepared surface before finish coats to equalize absorption, so the finish looks even across seams, patches and paper.

Primer vs Paint-and-Primer