Selecting The Correct Primer or Undercoat
Our groundbreaking Intelligent Paint formulations mean you can now prime and paint from a single tin of paint.
But should you require a primer, we also produce a comprehensive range of tinted primers and undercoats.
For further information on each product, please browse our Technical Data Sheets (which can be found in the Advice Hub).
How should I choose an undercoat paint?
Firstly, do I need to undercoat before painting?
With their Intelligent Grip™ technology, our Intelligent Matt, Eggshell, Satin and Gloss are now self-priming. Intelligent Grip™ technology is specifically formulated to combine primer and topcoat in a single tin of paint. This means that you can apply Intelligent Paints to almost any surface, without the need for a separate primer or undercoat.
All Intelligent Paint finishes are available in every colour in the Little Greene palette.
If you are radically changing colour, say from white to dark blue, it would make a quicker job to use our Intelligent ASP first. Our All Surface Primer (ASP) is formulated to be a similar colour to the finish. Combining ASP with your chosen top coat will minimise the power of the original wall colour.
Always use Little Greene's Intelligent ASP when working outside. ASP acts as an exterior primer, to give a stronger film to protect against the ravages of the weather.
How does Intelligent Grip™ technology work?
Intelligent Grip™ technology makes the decorating process simpler and more economical. Choosing an all-in-one paint finish reduces waste paint and offers new ways to embrace colour. You can paint Intelligent finishes onto almost any surface, direct from the tin.
The Intelligent Grip™ formulations also have excellent adhesion. You can apply all Intelligent finishes to interior walls, metal surfaces, plastic, tile, and even glass.
What is the difference between primer and undercoat?
Both primers and undercoats prepare the surface to ensure a better finished result.
An undercoat prepares an even surface for painting. Undercoat is traditionally a separate layer, formulated to provide the best surface for the desired topcoat. This extra layer promotes good adhesion, depth of colour, flatness and longevity. Painting a base layer can help to ensure that your chosen colour can be achieved in fewer coats of paint.
A primer produces a fully prepared substrate, to support your chosen finish. Primers address issues presented by the underlying surface and are usually quite specific to the type of substrate (for example resinous wood, friable plaster or ferrous metal). Primed surfaces are easier for paint to adhere to and also prevent seeping or bleeding between paint layers. Our new Intelligent Paint finishes combine all of these characteristics into the one tin.
Which undercoat should I use?
Preparing walls
For patchy or friable walls and new plaster, including skimmed walls and ceilings, our Wall Primer Sealer will take up the porosity of the surface. This layer will create a uniform base on which to paint. Use our wall sealer beneath any of our water-based emulsion, eggshell or masonry paints.
If your walls have been painted previously and are in a good condition, no separate undercoat is required. We recommend that you simply apply two coats of your chosen Intelligent Paint finish.
Preparing woodwork
You can seal new or resinous wood with a coat of our Aluminium Wood Primer. This undercoat will prevent any resins from bleeding through the topcoat of your chosen finish.
If your woodwork is sealed or previously painted, to achieve the best finish, apply one coat of quick-drying Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer). The correct undercoat for wood will depend on your chosen topcoat and should be applied before two coats of eggshell or gloss finish.
Preparing metalwork
Previously primed or painted metalwork, in good condition, can be painted without further priming. However, it is good practice to rub down the surface with a medium grade sandpaper first. This will create a key for your chosen Intelligent Finish.
New radiators are usually supplied primed. However, we recommend applying one coat of Intelligent ASP, before finishing with two coats of your chosen topcoat. This may be eggshell or gloss, depending on your chosen finish.
Our undercoat paint finishes
Intelligent ASP - All Surface Primer (All Surface Primer)
Perfect for all interior and exterior surfaces, including woodwork, walls, ceilings, and primed metalwork.
Choose Intelligent All Surface Primer for all surfaces, from bare wood to suitably primed metals.
- Primer and undercoat in one can.
- Easy to Apply
- Excellent adhesion
- Prepares surfaces for the application of Matt, Eggshell and Gloss finishes.
- Tinted to the same shade as your chosen topcoat to ensure full depth of colour.
- Quick-drying: two-hour drying time.
- Odourless
- Matt, low sheen: 5-8%
- Available in 1l and 2.5l tins
Wall Primer Sealer (water-based)
Perfect for walls and ceilings.
Choose Wall Primer Sealer for new plaster, skimmed patch-repaired or friable surfaces.
- Primer and sealer in one can.
- Use this on interior and exterior walls and ceilings.
- Surface preparation for Absolute Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Eggshell and Masonry Paint.
- Tinted to the same shade as your chosen topcoat to ensure full depth of colour.
- Environmentally-friendly formulation.
- Quick-drying.
- Odourless.
- Available in 2.5l tins.
Aluminium Wood Primer (oil based)
Perfect for woodwork.
Use this on bare softwoods and hardwoods, both indoors and outdoors.
- Very high-quality primer and stain-blocker in one can.
- Seals and protects resinous and knotted woods.
- Excellent penetration, flow and levelling providing ease of application.
- Single colour available (metallic pink.)
- Touch-dry in 4 hours, dry overnight.
- Available in 1l and 2.5l tins.
Browse our full colour palette in undercoat paint finishes.
Or learn more about our Intelligent Grip combined paint and primer top-coats.
If you’re struggling with selecting shades or concerned about colour combinations, Little Greene Colour Consultants can help you decorate your home with confidence.