Paint like a pro for a look that lasts

One of the easiest home improvement projects – one that will add the most value to a home for the least amount of money – is painting.

It’s easy to keep a paint job looking great so it continues to add value to the home for years to come. Just do what professional painters do: use one coat of primer and one coat of paint instead of two coats of paint. Here’s why.

Primers hide previous colors – even the darkest blues and deepest reds – far better than paint alone and prevent them from showing through or changing the color of the topcoat. They’ll make your new color look more vibrant and even.

Here’s a little secret: by tinting the primer toward the paint color, a painter will use less paint, plus get all the benefits of priming. Just ask a paint store or home center associate to add one half the same colorant they use to mix the paint.

Primers work hard to block stains. If someone tries to cover a stain with a fresh coat of paint, the stain will probably bleed through, no matter how many coats of paint is applied.

Quality primers seal in stains and prevent them from ruining a paint job.

Primers prevent common paint problems. Because primers are formulated to prevent problems like cracking, peeling and blistering, they’ll make any painted surface more durable, washable and longer-lasting.

Finally, primers provide a sound base for paint. Paint is formulated to provide rich, beautiful color, but don’t expect it to do a primer’s job. High-quality primers are rich in resin and provide a firm base for paint to adhere.