Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or giving a fresh face to the exterior of your home, understanding when and how to use a prep coat can be the difference between a good and bad paint project. Haymes Paint is a family-run business with a legacy of crafting quality paints since 1935, so you can trust our guide on when and how to use a prep coat. 

When to Use a Prepcoat

• New Surfaces: Whether it's bare wood, brick, or plaster, any new surface that hasn't been painted before requires a primer or sealer for the paint to adhere properly. Haymes Paint's Ultra Premium Prepcoat Ultracover is a versatile choice for such projects, offering excellent adhesion and gloss holdout.
• Repainting Over Different Paint Types: If you're transitioning from oil-based to water-based paints or vice versa, a suitable primer ensures compatibility and adherence. To bridge this gap, a product like  Haymes Ultralock, which has great adhesion and tannin/stain-blocking is ideal.
• Covering Dark Colors or Stained Surfaces: To cover dark colours or stains effectively, an undercoat is essential for better coverage and hiding power. Prepcoat Ultrahold, provides better coverage and hiding power, making it easier to transition to a lighter or different hue.
• Damaged or Repaired Areas: For surfaces with repairs or inconsistencies, a primer like Prepcoat Ultrahold helps create a smooth, uniform base for the top coat. 

The Importance of Prepcoating

At the heart of every successful paint job lies a well-prepared surface. This preparation should include the application of a prep coat, such as a primer, undercoat, or sealer, often essential for ensuring the longevity, appearance, and integrity of your paintwork. 

Primers and sealers serve as the middleman in the painting process. They adhere to the substrate and create a surface that the top coat can firmly grip onto. This bonding layer is indispensable for a lasting paint job. Without the right primer or sealer, the top coat is prone to peeling and degradation.

In some cases, an existing top coat can act as a gripping layer, but beneath multiple layers of paint, a primer is often the key to adherence to the original substrate. Moreover, it's crucial to note that water-based paint won't stick to old oil-based paint, necessitating a specific primer or sealer for compatibility.

Application Tips

• Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from any loose or peeling paint.
• Product Selection: Choose a prep coat that aligns with your project's requirements, if unsure which prep coat you need speak to one of our experts or visit your nearest store.
• Application: Follow the specific product's instructions for the best results.

Start Your Paint Project Right With a Haymes Prepcoat

Prep Coating is integral to the painting process, ensuring that your paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Whether you're embarking on a DIY journey or are a professional, selecting the appropriate Haymes Paint primer or sealer is the key to a successful paint job. For more information and expert advice, visit your local Haymes Paint stockist or explore our online shop.