Primer vs. Paint With Primer: Which Is Better?

Do-it-yourself painting projects can be fun and fulfilling, but you need to prepare well to achieve the desired outcome. Part of the preparation involves using a primer before painting your walls. Preparing two different paints can be more time-consuming than preparing one, which is why some painters prefer to use paint and primer in one. The question to ask before you start your project is, which is better between paint with primer vs. primer? Do they have different results, and which is right for your project? 

What Is Paint and Primer in One?

Priming and painting a surface is a two-part process. The first step is to use a primer, and the second step is to apply high-build latex paint. The primer prepares the surface, while the high-build paint delivers the real paint color. These are two separate materials you use. There is an option to use only one paint material, known as paint and primer in one. However, you'll still need two coats with the paint and primer in one.

Paint and primer in one is a paint material that has increased adhesion that works for both interior and exterior surfaces. This two-in-one paint builds higher to give your walls a sturdier coat of paint. However, you cannot use paint and primer in one for every project. You must choose between paint and primer in one vs. primer and paint separately before starting each new project.

Is Paint and Primer in One a Good Option?

A primer provides a strong base for your walls before applying paint. Think of it as the foundation for your paint. Some of the main reasons to use a primer include: 

• Prepare the surface: Primer prepares the walls and ensures the paint adheres properly and evenly on the surface.
• Conceal stains:Primer conceals stains and allows the paint to do its job, displaying colors. It's not the paint's job to cover stains. 
• Cover imperfections: You can use it to seal porous surfaces, which can absorb paint and make the wall look uneven. It makes imperfections like cracks and dents less visible. 
• Minimize coats: Using a primer means you'll need fewer coats of paint to get the job done. 
• Neutralize lower colors: You can use a primer to neutralize color coats when painting light colors over dark colors. 
• Stabilize substrate: Primer provides a solid texture for paint to grab on. It can also increase the durability of your paint job.

Paint and primer in one provides the above functions, in addition to displaying visible paint. Is paint and primer in one as good as separate primer and paint? It all depends on the application. There are projects where one application would be a better choice than the other. 

Pros and Cons of Paint With Primer 

Every paint project has unique needs that require specific types of paint. It's important to identify the benefits and drawbacks of paint with primer before selecting one for your project.

These are the benefits of paint and primer in one:

• Buy a single product: You get both paint and primer in a single layer, eliminating the need to buy two separate items.
• Save time and money:There is no wait period with two-in-one paint. With primer and paint, you must wait for the primer to dry before applying the paint. Paint with primer also prevents peeling or cracking and reduces maintenance costs, making it a more cost-effective choice.
• Simplify paint projects: This method requires fewer supplies and equipment and allows you to do both paint and primer in one go.
• Enhances durability: It enhances the durability of the paint surface. 

These are the limitations of paint with primer:

• Limited application: This paint type is inappropriate for heavily stained areas or very porous surfaces.
• Poor coverage: It may fail to cover certain surfaces, and you may need to paint over them multiple times.
• No primer: Some paints sold as “paint with primer” do not have actual primer. This is because some manufacturers emphasize more finish than primer in the paint. Buying from a reputable paint seller like Aboff's Paints ensures you always get the best quality.

When to Use Paint and Primer in One 

Paint and primer in one works well on pre-painted surfaces without a major change in texture and color. This makes paint and primer in one a good choice for walls that already have paint, and extreme color and texture change is not required.

When using paint and primer in one on pre-painted surfaces, be sure to pick a painting product with a similar shade, type and finish. Otherwise, the paint and primer in one may not get you the results you want. For exterior walls, combining similar colors and finish is still important, even if painted exterior trim and facing do well with paint and primer in one.

When to Use Paint and Primer Separately

When weighing the pros and cons of paint with primer vs. without, consider scenarios in which paint and primer in one would not be the right choice:

• Severe staining: A dedicated primer will be a better choice to effectively cover drastic stains or discoloration.
• Glossy surfaces: A traditional primer would be the preferred choice to cover the glares and achieve a more uniform outcome. 
• Challenging surfaces: Highly porous, heavily stained and bare wood surfaces can be challenging to deal with, and you'll need to use a primer separately to achieve optimal results.
• Surface compatibility: Paint and primer in one is typically latex-based and may not effectively seal incompatible surfaces. Oils, stains and tannins may bleed through the paint. 
• Painting drywalls: You need a primer to seal the substrate on drywall before you paint. The primer will make the paint adhere better to the wall. 

Uncoated metal, slick surfaces, knotty wood and raw, unfinished wood are additional cases that require a primer before painting. If a surface has never been painted before, you should use a primer separately before applying paint to it. 

Find the Perfect Paint Primer for Your Project at Aboff's Paints

Looking to give your home a fresh look but not sure which type of primer to choose? Aboff's Paints has a wide selection of paints and primers — including two-in-one options — and we can help you find what you're looking for. With 95 years of experience in the industry, we offer premium painting products to contractors and homeowners. You can shop onlineand pick the products you want for your next project. You can also shop in-store at one of our 32 Long Island locations.