Collection: Prep & Primers

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. 

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.

Using a paint primer or undercoat paint is a crucial step that helps surfaces achieve optimal adhesion, improves finish sheen, and covers stubborn stains. It enhances colour brightness and ensures a smooth, seamless application, particularly on porous surfaces like wood.

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.

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.

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.

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.