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When to use primer; ...painting question
Topic Started: Dec 21 2011, 05:24 PM (259 Views)
The 89th Key
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When I first painted my living room a few years ago, I used a medium/dark blue paint. The walls were white to begin with, so I only needed 2 coats and the finished result was terrific. However, I'm looking to repaint my living room with a lighter brown or tan color. I think it'll give me place a fresh look, open it up a bit.

My question is: Should I apply a white coat of primer first?

The walls don't have any cracks, bubbles, or irregularities from the previous paint job, and I don't really need to worry about mildew, etc...so I'm curious if I even need primer. I think 2 solid coats of the new paint will be fine, but I'm curious what your thoughts are. I know some paints have primer mixed in, but I'm a n00b so advice is appreciated. Don't worry, I will post 1x before/after pic.
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Usually you use primer with more difficult surfaces, because paint sticks to paint better than it does, say, finished metal or a smooth wall.

Also, it can look funny if you go from really light to dark (or vice versa) without some kind of transition first. But maybe extra cotes would take care of that.

If I were you, since it's indoor, I wouldn't use any primer.

(What do you want, I've painted a bike and stained a couple houses before, that's it.)
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Jane D'Oh
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Fulla-Carp
I had a complete and total nightmare going from bright blue to bright orange in kiddos room. Took 5 coats of paint in the end. I wish I'd used primer! That was regular home depot stuff, I've since used better quality paints which may have been a big difference.
Pfft.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Put a good coat of tinted primer on - one that is tinted to your final color. Then you can probably do only one coat of teh paint. It will save you a few bucks too.

Since you are on the east coast, I highly recommend Muralo paints. Expensive and harder to find, but well worth it. Do not try to save money on the paint you buy. I know a lot of people like Sherwin Williams, but I myself don't care so much for them. I like Muralo, Ben Moore and Porter.

The VA dealers are all out west, but here are the MD ones:

Maryland Pt. Center
382 Thomason Creek Mall
Stevensville MD 21666
410-604-0111


Avon Paint & Wallpaper
219 Marlboro Road
Easton MD 21601
(410) 822-4230


Maryland Pt. Center
209 Chinquapin Round Road
Annapolis MD 21401
410-280-2226


Avon Paint
2144 Didonato Drive
Chester MD 21619
(410) 643-4884


Cumberland Valley Decorating Center
1303 Dual Hwy
Hagerstown MD 21740
(301) 790-0681




Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
I'd guess that you need a heavy duty covering prime coat like KillZ or Zinsser to get away from the dark blue. Did you originally paint in latex or oil? I'd suggest keeping with whatever you first used.

You can tint the prime coat to the color you want to finish with also. BTW, the first coat is usually called the prime coat, and the second the finish coat -- I think you are talking about a three coat process? Again, if you use a tinted covering prime coat that might not be necessary.
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
+1 on Mark's recc for Muralo -- can't get them here in AZ but I've used it elsewhere.
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
'Mark's recommendation' :veryangry:














:lol2:
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
Mikhailoh
Dec 21 2011, 05:51 PM
'Mark's recommendation' :veryangry:














:lol2:
:whome:
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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brenda
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..............
ivorythumper
Dec 21 2011, 05:56 PM
Mikhailoh
Dec 21 2011, 05:51 PM
'Mark's recommendation' :veryangry:














:lol2:
:whome:
It's OK for outing him, IT. We've all been wondering whose sock he was.
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
:mad2: :cursing: :banghead:
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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brenda
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..............
Mikhailoh
Dec 21 2011, 06:02 PM
:mad2: :cursing: :banghead:
Yeah, looks like Mark's got some 'splainin' to do. :lol2:
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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The 89th Key
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Thanks all for the good points and brand recommendations.

IT - I originally painted with latex. I'll likely bring in the old paint can in case the sales person has any recommendations in terms of primer (tinted primer is a good idea), etc.
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The 89th Key
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Mikhailoh
Dec 21 2011, 06:02 PM
:mad2: :cursing: :banghead:
Mark, calm down!
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musicasacra
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HOLY CARP!!!
+ 1 IT's recommendation. Primer.

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Improviso
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HOLY CARP!!!
Usually the reason for primer is to seal the *new walls* so it doesn't suck up the expensive paint and the paint will adhere to the wall better.

In your case, going from a dark to lighter color, it may take several coats of expensive paint to completely cover the darker blue. Primer is cheaper than paint. And the advice of tinting the primer for the final color will mean it will take less number of coats to completely cover that darker color.
Identifying narcissists isn't difficult. Just look for the person who is constantly fishing for compliments
and admiration while breaking down over even the slightest bit of criticism.

We have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences.
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The 89th Key
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Thanks Improv!

Now...who wants to come paint! :artist:
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Posted Image
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Improviso
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HOLY CARP!!!
:whistle:
Identifying narcissists isn't difficult. Just look for the person who is constantly fishing for compliments
and admiration while breaking down over even the slightest bit of criticism.

We have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences.
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
Never used Muralo. Used both Kilz and Zinnser. Like Zinnser better.
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Steve Miller
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Bull-Carp
One coat tinted primer, one coat final color is how the pros would do it. Behr (Home Depot) and Lowes sell paints guaranteed to cover in one coat too. At $35/gallon they're not cheap but at least you know how much you are gong to have to spend on paint.
Wag more
Bark less
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
You don't want cheap paint for your own home.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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