Primers

Primer is used to helps with adhesion, hide, and stain blocking. Using primer is highly recommend in these painting situations:

• Bare substrates that have not been previously painted or coated
• Any bare PVC or composite material
• Surfaces that have been sanded down to the bare substrate due to damage
• Surfaces where rust or stains are present
• Dramatic color changes
• Any hard-to-coat substrates like plastic, laminate, and glass, as well as high-gloss or non-porous surfaces

When selecting a primer, choose between acrylic (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based) options. Acrylic primers are easier to apply, clean up with water, and are more eco-friendly, making them suitable for most surfaces like wood and laminate. Alkyd primers excel at blocking stains from tannin-rich woods, rust, smoke, or water damage and offer strong adhesion on bare wood, both indoors and outdoors.

To apply acrylic primer, begin by stirring thoroughly. Apply one or two coats as desired. For best results, use a premium Benjamin Moore^® custom-blended nylon/polyester brush, premium Benjamin Moore roller, or a similar product.

Alkyd (solvent) products should be applied with a natural bristle brush, not a synthetic one.

While many of Benjamin Moore’s paints are self-priming, we recommend a dedicated coat of a high-quality primer, like Fresh Start^® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer. Fresh Start offers superior adhesion and hold for smooth, long-lasting top coats.