Renter's question regarding paint and primer

I am moving across the hall to a bigger apartment, and just as I did for my current apartment (which I’ve only lived in a year), I will purchase paint. I am willing to pick up the tab because I have my heart set on a particular Benjamin Moore white paint, but this is no little investment, especially to make twice in just over a year.  The issue is that the current tenants painted over the generic off white paint with paints in the khaki, army green, and taupe family. The super told them they didn’t need to bother painting over the walls because the apartment will be repainted anyway. My concern is this, will the undertones make my investment in the “perfect white” moot? The super never primes, because he is typically just painting over white with white. And he’s not one to do more than the bare minimum or to be particular about the details. My question is, is there any chance that 2 coats of Benjamin Moore will be just fine? And if not, how would you approach this situation?  Thanks in advance.

andecross

in Painters and Painting & Stripping 12 years and 1 month ago

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mruby36 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Just thought I’d echo what Run-Joe, Mazz and Slope had to offer, saved me some typing. Consider a coat of Kilz, then primer (maybe tinted to the finish color) and One finish coat may just do it. With the Kiltz, I wouldn’t use a brush or roller I was planning to re-use, the stuff is not friendly that way. That said, heres a link to a water based Kilz product FYI:  http://www.kilz.com/primer/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=315214dce5542310VgnVCM100000176310acRCRD Hope that helps! Matt R

slopegirl | 12 years and 1 month ago

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if Matt did not convince you already also know that the fumes from oil based primer will knock you over. It REEKS.

mazzonetv | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Even though all of the “newer” Ben Moore paints say self priming, I would still suggest you prime in this instance.  The self priming tag being used on paint now, basically means that the paint will cover well when your transitioning from light to dark, and vice versa.  In this instance, it sounds like you are going to be going over various colors.  In addition, who knows when the last time those walls were painted and what repairs you may have to do before painting.  Priming will always give you a more uniform color, as well as more uniform sheen (espeically when going with anything above a flat finish).   With all the being said, after your prep work is complete, simply use ONE coat of a quality acrylic primer – your Ben Moore store will have either Aqua Lock or Fresh Start – either primer is excellent.  After that primer dries, 1-2 coats of your favorite Ben Moore paint will be fine.  I typically suggest Regal Select (which will be in the $35-40 gal range) or Aura (@ 55 a gal). Both are Low Voc paints (low odor), dry quickly, and cover amazingly well.  Aura will have slightly better coverage and increased durability.  Contrary to previous posts – there is absolutely no reason to use an oil based primer unless you have water, smoke, nicotine, or other stains that are not the norm.  Also, you never want to apply a “heavy” coat of paint.  It is always best to apply two thin coats than one heavy coat.  As far as priming goes – I can’t, off the top of my head, remember a single instance where I had to spec out two coats of primer.  If you use the correct primer, one coat will suffice.  Hope that helps some – if you have additional questions feel free to email me.  Unfortunately I usually don’t get a chance to get on brownstoner much.. good luck! matt   matt@mazzonehardware.com

RunJoe | 12 years and 1 month ago

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2 coats primer, 1 coat paint(if white or offwhite).  Primer is cheaper than paint.  I know folks on here will tell you need to buy the BM primer/underbody, but i’ve good results with the Kilz primer they sell at HD. Also make sure you use at least a 3/8″ roller(on plaster, I prefer 1/2″).

Arkady | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Doesn’t lease call for a paint job before you move?  Couldn’t you ask the super to prime instead of paint for a first coat? (& supply it if necessary)  I agree w/ Tinker, ask at the BM store – not just a paint outlet.

Rick | 12 years and 1 month ago

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You’re going to have to use a thick heavy primer, maybe twice, perhaps a stain killer oil primer will help.

stevecym | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Two coats will not do it.  we had a dark burnt orange in the room I am sitting in as I write this and when we painted it white to make a nursery, I think I put on a coat of super hide primer and three coats of paint.  There may be better primers – maybe the Zinsser Oil Base.   Talk to the folks in the paint store.