How to Choose the Best Paint Primer

Step #1: To Prime or Not to Prime?

• Priming is not always necessary for every project, especially as many Benjamin Moore paint products are self-priming (paint and primer in one*). Before you select a primer for your project, you should first determine whether you even need to prime.
• If you’re working with a previously painted surface that is in good condition, you most likely do NOT need to prime.
• Here are a few painting scenarios for which we highly recommend using a primer:
• 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, glass, high-gloss or non-porous surfaces

Step #2: A Primer on Primer: Things to Consider

• Once you’ve determined that you DO need to prime, it’s time to choose the right primer for your project.
• Choosing the best paint primer for your project will save you time and optimize everything from stain suppression to adhesion.
• The right primer will also help you achieve optimal performance and aesthetics from your finish coat.

Step #3: Acrylic vs. Alkyd (Oil-based) Primers

• When it comes to choosing a primer, the primary consideration will usually be whether to use an acrylic primer, or an alkyd, oil-based primer.
• Acrylic paint primers offer easier application, water clean-up, and fewer environmental considerations. This type of primer can be used for almost any surface, including wood, laminate, and metal, unless there is the presence of rust (more on that later).
• Alkyd (oil-based) primers offer superior stain blocking—think tannin-rich woods, rust, smoke, or water stains.
• Alkyd-based primers are a good choice for both interior and exterior bare wood substrates. They are efficient in penetrating the wood's porous surface, and provide long lasting adhesion.
• You may also want to go with alkyd products if you have removed wallpaper because it seals the residual adhesive.

Step #4: Primers: At-a-Glance by Type

Benjamin Moore’s premium quality Fresh Start^® interior and exterior primers offer superior adhesion and hold for smooth, long-lasting top coats. Here’s a look at our Fresh Start primers by type:

• Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer
• Use: Both  Interior or Exterior
• Type: Acrylic
• Substrates: Most, including wood, laminate, drywall, plaster, and most non-ferrous metals, including galvanized metal.
• Features: Provides a mildew-resistant coating, maximum hide, superior adhesion, and stain blocking. This acrylic latex primer is low-VOC and fast-drying. It performs well when a significant paint color change is needed.


• Fresh Start All Purpose Primer*
• Use: Both Interior and Exterior
• Type: Alkyd, oil-based
• Substrates: Best for wood and some laminate; not suitable for galvanized metal, PVC, ceramic tiles, or fiberglass
• Features: A premium quality, low VOC alkyd primer offering excellent adhesion, hide and tannin blocking. This undercoater and stain-blocking sealer provides a mildew-resistant coating and a 4-hour recoat time.

*Not available in all areas. Please check with your local Benjamin Moore^® retailer.


• Undercoater & Primer/Sealer*
• Use: Interior
• Type: Alkyd, oil-based
• Substrates: Best for interior wood projects, previously painted surfaces, and drywall; not suitable for aluminum, brick, cedar, redwood, concrete, stucco, galvanized metal, PVC or fiberglass
• Features: Provides excellent adhesion. This premium quality primer can be sanded or recoated in two hours and offers outstanding enamel holdout and stain suppression for a smooth, uniform top coat.

*Not available in all areas due to VOC regulations.


• Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer*
• Use: Exterior only
• Type: Alkyd, oil-based
• Substrates: Tannin-rich woods and weathered or chalky surfaces
• Features: Suppresses stains and blocks tannin bleeding, penetrates wood surfaces for maximum adhesion and lasting results, even on damaged surfaces. This premium deck and siding primer seals uniformly for a durable finish.

*Not available in all areas due to VOC regulations.

Step #5: Specialty Primers

While Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start premium primers cover the most surfaces, there may be times when you’ll need a specialty priming product, like a bonding or metal-specific primer, including:

• Metal, if there is rust present. We recommend using Ultra Spec^® HP Acrylic Metal Primer.
• Non-porous surfaces where sanding is not possible, we recommend STIX^® Waterborne Bonding Primer.
• Any other hard-to-coat surfaces, like glazed ceramic wall tile, glass, previously painted substrates with a high-gloss coating, or PVC exterior surfaces like decorative outdoor moldings, we also recommend STIX^® Waterborne Bonding Primer.
• If you’re working with challenging substrates and are not sure if you need a specialty primer, consult your local Benjamin Moore contractor rep or retailer for product recommendations and advice.