Prep & Primers

Provide your surfaces the best professional start with our collection of Preps & Paint Primers. Our extensive range includes a large number of high-quality items including basecoats, undercoat paint, and primers suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces such as wood, metal, and flexible priming undercoats. Whether you're looking for a reliable undercoat paint for wood or a multipurpose primer, you'll find the perfect solution in our selection.

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Paint Primer

Helping you create a flawless finish, paint primers and undercoat paints have been designed to provide a stable surface before applying your top coat. Whether you're working on wood, metal, or plaster, there's something suitable for every DIY project. These products are also a great way to help hide surface stains and ensure smooth application.

With a wide range of products to choose from, we stock the biggest brands including Zinsser, Leyland and Johnstone's Trade. 

Popular Paint Primers
Zinsser B-I-N Primer 

One of our favourite paint primers here at DCO, the Zinsser B-I-N Primer is the ultimate shellac-based primer, sealer and stain killer. Featuring a high level of adhesion, this versatile undercoat primer paint works brilliantly on water stains and fungal degradation, while permanently blocking every kind of odour from smoke to pet smells.

Suitable for both interior and exterior use, it dries within 15 minutes and provides coverage of up to 12.5 m² per litre.

Johnstone's Trade Aqua Undercoat Paint 

Featuring low odour and water based primer technology, the Johnstone's Trade Aqua undercoat paint is ideal for both interior and exterior wooden and metal surfaces. It applies smoothly and dries quickly—between 1 to 2 hours—making it perfect for time-sensitive projects. This undercoat paint for wood is available in multiple sizes including 1L, 2.5L, and 5L.

Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat

Designed for use on plaster and wood, the Leyland Acrylic primer undercoat is fast-drying and ideal for recoating in just 1 to 2 hours. Suitable for both interior and exterior projects, this undercoating for wood can be applied with a brush or roller and comes in a clean white finish.

Priming Wooden Surfaces

Wood is naturally porous and susceptible to moisture, temperature shifts, and surface damage, so using an undercoat paint for wood is always advisable. For previously painted surfaces, we recommend sanding lightly to ensure better adhesion and a more professional finish.

Priming Metal Surfaces

Just like with wood, prepping metal involves cleaning and sanding to remove rust, grease, and flaking paint. Once prepped, applying an undercoat primer paint ensures long-lasting protection and performance before applying your top coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Use A Paint Primer?

Primer helps paint stick better, creates a smoother finish, and improves durability. It seals the surface, provides an even base colour, and helps prevent stains or wood tannins from showing through.

What does primer do?

  • Improves paint adhesion so the paint lasts longer.
  • Creates a more even surface for the topcoat.
  • Blocks stains, marks, and discolouration.
  • Helps reduce the number of paint coats needed.

What happens if you paint without primer?

  • Paint may peel, crack, or chip more easily.
  • Uneven surfaces or stains may show through.
  • You may need more coats of paint to get good coverage.
  • The final finish may look less smooth and professional.

Primer is especially important for bare wood, glossy surfaces, repaired areas, and major colour changes.

How Many Coats of Paint Primers Should I Apply?

How much primer you need will depend on the material and condition of your walls. For the best results, we recommend using one coat of primer before applying two coats of your chosen paint.

Where Can I Buy Paint Primer?

You can buy a wide variety of paint primers, undercoat paints, and water based primers directly from Decorating Centre Online. Choose your favourite brands and products, add them to your basket, and proceed to checkout. We offer free standard delivery on all orders over £60.00 and next-day delivery options if needed.