What’s Really in the Can? Primer vs Paint & Primer in One

June 29, 2023

Primer vs. Paint and Primer: Can All-in-One Do It All?

If you can skip a step in the painting process and still get the same results, it seems like a no-brainer. Many paint and primer in one (PPIO) products boast this claim, but should you always combine these steps and skip using a separate primer?

When to Choose a Self-Priming Paint

The benefit to using PPIO is that you can achieve similar results in less time. However, there are some things to know before you choose to go this route.

PPIO can work for some jobs, but different products will give you better results depending on the situation. For example, PPIO can work well on pre-painted surfaces without a drastic change in color or texture. However, this is possibly the only reason to choose it.

Why You Should Prime Separately

The goal of any primer is to prepare the surface for a coat of paint. This ensures good adhesion to the substrate and the topcoat. You may also need to block stains and odors, protect walls from mold or mildew growth, change the color, or refresh an old or damaged surface. Be mindful of the nature of your job before deciding to forgo primer as a first step, as it is often explicitly formulated to alleviate many of these surface problems, whereas an all-in-one product is typically not.

When to Choose a Primer

Suppose a surface has never been painted, as with drywall, a traditional primer is a must. If painting a glossy surface with less glossy paint, priming beforehand will ensure adhesion, and your results remain uniform. Priming separately is essential if painting over oil-based paint with acrylic or latex.

Other cases that require a primer before paint include:

• Any bare surface

• Porous surfaces

• Raw, unfinished wood

• Knotty wood

• Woods with tannins – like Cedar or Redwood

• Uncoated metal

• Unfinished drywall

• Masonry

• Stained surfaces

• Slick surfaces – like tile or laminate

Summary

Whether you choose to go the all-in-one route or choose a separate primer and paint, choosing high-quality products suited for your surface’s condition is crucial. KILZ^® primers are formulated for your specific surface issues, such as KILZ RESTORATION^® to block tough stains like water damage or KILZ^® MOLD & MILDEW to create a mold and mildew-resistant film for use in high-humidity rooms. KILZ 3^® PREMIUM is designed to have a thicker formula to improve customer experience and hide. No matter the surface, you can be sure there’s a primer formulated for the job. When you consider how much time and money you invest in your project, choosing the best quality products from the start makes all the difference.

Come back for more tips, tricks, and inspiration, and as always, happy DIY-ing.

Refer to our website, kilz.com, or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on applying our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.