Getting a great paint finish starts with proper surface preparation — and that’s where primers make a real difference. These base coats help stabilise uneven or porous materials, block out stains, and provide a sound foundation for your topcoat. Whether you’re painting bare wood, metal, or interior walls, a quality primer improves coverage and durability while making application easier. Also, primers can be applied to multiple surfaces, such as bare wood, MDF, metal, or a previously painted surface, ensuring that a good primer can help to achieve smoother, longer-lasting results on various surfaces.
Primers are essential when working on porous or problem areas. For example, raw timber absorbs paint unevenly without a primer, leading to patchy finishes. Similarly, metal surfaces can suffer from flaking and rust without proper priming. Products like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and Earthborn Multi Purpose Primer are designed to tackle a range of materials — sealing the surface while improving durability and coverage.
They also help reduce the number of topcoats needed by preventing paint from soaking in. Some formulas are stain-blocking, such as Protek Stain Blocking Primer, meaning they stop marks from seeping through your finish. Others are tinted to help with colour transitions, especially if you're painting a lighter shade over a dark base.
Primers come in either a water-based option like Earthborn Multi Purpose Primer or solvent-based options, such as Rust-Oleum CombiPrimer Adhesion Primer , depending on the surface and environment. Water-based primers are ideal for interior use with fast drying times and low odour. Solvent-based versions offer stronger adhesion and better stain resistance, perfect for more challenging surfaces.
Key Features:
• Seals porous surfaces like wood and plaster
• Blocks stains and prevents bleed-through
• Enhances paint adhesion and durability
• Reduces the number of topcoats needed
• Available in water- and solvent-based options
Summary:
Primers are a crucial step in preparing your surface for paint. They seal, protect, and smooth the base, ensuring your topcoat applies evenly and lasts longer. With the right primer, you'll achieve a more professional, polished result every time.
For more information covering undercoats then please follow Undercoats: Build a Better Base for Your Paintwork
For more information on combined unercoat and primer products then please follow Primer and Undercoat: One-Step Prep for a Flawless Finish
