Selecting a Paint System
Choose the Right Primer and Paint for your Interior or Exterior House Painting
The combination of primers and house paints we apply is called the house paint system. It is the coating that will stand between your home and the elements. With CertaPro Painters®, you receive only the best materials and a primer/paint pairing. It takes into account all the unique characteristics of your home. Typical house paint systems include the following:
Spot Prime/One Finish Coat
Our crew applies primer only to areas that have been prepared. This is because the existing paint film is in good condition in most areas. Use this if your home’s existing paint is still in pretty good condition and you are not planning to change colors. It is an inexpensive house paint system that provides adequate protection.
Spot Prime/Two Finish Coats
As before, we apply primer only to prepared areas. However, if your finish paint is degraded or chalky, two finish coats offer more protection. Additionally, a color change, however slight, usually requires two finish coats to ensure uniform coverage.
This house paint system is an upgrade to the Spot Prime/One Finish Coat system, provides more protection, lasts longer, and costs more due to the material and labor to apply the second finish coat.
Full Prime/One Finish Coat
In some instances the level of degradation of the existing finish paint requires a full prime coat so that the finish coat has a solid base to adhere to. We can tint the primer to match the finish coat and help it cover. Moderate color changes can usually be achieved with this house paint system, but a second finish coat may be necessary in some instances or on some areas of your home.
In specific situations, based on the existing paint’s condition and other factors, this is the appropriate paint system as it allows the primer and paint to form a bond more appropriate than the bond between two finish coats. Its cost is similar or slightly more than the Spot Prime/Two Finish Coats system.
Full Prime/Two Finish Coats
This is a high performance house paint system that is often most appropriate for new construction, renovations, or very particular dramatic color changes. It usually last the longest of the paint systems listed, but comes with the associated costs of more materials and labor.
Let’s start your painting project? Work with a trusted painting contractor, like CertaPro Painters®. This will help you be sure your paint system is appropriate for your particular situation.
