Selecting The Correct Primer or Undercoat For Your Project
We produce a comprehensive range of colour-matched primers and undercoats, to ensure the beauty of your paint is matched by its performance.
Whether you are painting interior woodwork or exterior metalwork, Little Greene’s range of undercoats achieve full depth of colour and the most beautiful finish possible.
For further information on each product, please browse our Technical Data Sheets (which can be found in the Advice Hub).
How should I choose an undercoat paint?
Firstly, do I need to undercoat before painting?
With their Intelligent Grip™ technology, our Intelligent Matt, Eggshell, Satin and Gloss are now self-priming, so they can be applied to almost any surface without the need for a separate primer or undercoat.
If you are radically changing colour, say, from white to dark blue, it would make a quicker job to use our Intelligent ASP first as it is formulated to be a similar colour to the finish, and minimise the power of the original wall colour.
Always use Little Greene's Intelligent ASP when working outside as this gives a stronger film to protect against the ravages of the weather (it's about protection of the building as well as decoration.)
What is the difference between primer and undercoat?
Both primers and undercoats prepare the surface to ensure a better finished result.
An undercoat prepares an even surface for painting. Undercoat is traditionally a separate layer, formulated to provide the best surface for the desired topcoat; promoting good adhesion, depth of colour, flatness and longevity. Painting a base layer ensures that your chosen colour can be achieved in fewer coats.
A primer produces a fully prepared substrate, to support your chosen finish. Primers address issues presented by the underlying surface and are usually quite specific to the type of substrate (for example resinous wood, friable plaster or ferrous metal). Primed surfaces are easier for paint to adhere to and also prevent seeping or bleeding between paint layers.
Which undercoat should I use?
Preparing walls
Patchy or friable walls and new plaster, including skimmed walls and ceilings, are best prepared using our Wall Primer Sealer. This will take up the porosity of the surface and create a uniform base on which to paint. Use our wall sealer beneath any of our water-based emulsion, eggshell or masonry paints.
If your walls have been painted previously and are in a good condition, no separate undercoat is required. We recommend that you simply apply two coats of your chosen finish.
Preparing woodwork
New or resinous wood should always be sealed with a coat of aluminium wood primer. This will prevent any resins from bleeding through the topcoat of your chosen finish.
If your woodwork is sealed or previously painted, to achieve the best finish, apply one coat of quick-drying Intelligent ASP (All Surface Primer). The correct undercoat for wood will depend on your chosen topcoat and should be applied before two coats of eggshell or gloss finish.
Preparing metalwork
Previously primed or painted metalwork, in good condition, can be painted without further priming. However, it is good practice to rub down the surface with a medium grade sandpaper first. This will create a key for the topcoats.
New radiators are usually supplied primed. However, we recommend applying one coat of Intelligent ASP, before finishing with two coats of your chosen topcoat. This may be eggshell or gloss, depending on your chosen finish.
Our undercoat paint finishes
Intelligent ASP - All Surface Primer (All Surface Primer)
Perfect for all interior and exterior surfaces, including woodwork, walls, ceilings, and primed metalwork.
Choose Intelligent All Surface Primer for all surfaces, from bare wood to suitably primed metals.
- Primer and undercoat in one can.
- Easy to Apply
- Excellent adhesion
- Prepares surfaces for the application of Matt, Eggshell and Gloss finishes.
- Tinted to the same shade as your chosen topcoat to ensure full depth of colour.
- Quick-drying: two-hour drying time.
- Odourless
- Matt, low sheen: 5-8%
- Available in 1l and 2.5l tins
Wall Primer Sealer (water-based)
Perfect for walls and ceilings.
Choose Wall Primer Sealer for new plaster, skimmed patch-repaired or friable surfaces.
- Primer and sealer in one can.
- Use this on interior and exterior walls and ceilings.
- Surface preparation for Absolute Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Matt Emulsion, Intelligent Eggshell and Masonry Paint.
- Tinted to the same shade as your chosen topcoat to ensure full depth of colour.
- Environmentally-friendly formulation.
- Quick-drying.
- Odourless.
- Available in 2.5l tins.
Browse our full colour palette in undercoat paint finishes.
If you’re struggling with selecting shades or concerned about colour combinations, Little Greene Colour Consultants can help you decorate your home with confidence.