Although the finish color will ultimately determine the final color and appearance of a project, the initial base coat is equally important to achieving your desired look. Priming your surface generally helps to limit the amount of coats for stains, paints, and other finishes. It can help to mask minor blemishes, smooth out the texture, or otherwise prep the surface to be finished. Regardless of whether the project is made of wood, metal, or a different material, a primer enables the surface to adhere better to the final coating and usually maximizes color vibrancy.
Priming may seem trivial, especially if you plan on using a thick black paint to finish the project. However, the base coat or primer will impact the final color, so it must be considered from the very first step.
Why Choose Black Primer?
Many makers are familiar with white primers because the translucence of light-colored coatings and paints typically requires at least a single base coat of primer for even coverage and the best results. Without a white base coat, stains and other discolorations are more likely to be seen through the paint or stain.
In many scenarios, however, a black primer may be what you need to maximize coloration in deeper hues. For those who prefer a more dramatic or vibrant look, using a black primer often helps to create more depth and shadow, making darker colors appear more vivid.
Not sure what color will work best for your project? Luckily, FinishWorks’ top-notch color selection program can help match you with the perfect color finish.
Black Primer in Woodworking
Primer, if properly applied, can improve the wood surface’s durability, often helping the finish last longer and keeping the color from fading. In woodworking, primer is used to prepare the wood and is often the very first solution applied in the finishing process. After sanding, makers will apply a base coat of primer on the raw wood to even out the surface texture and fill in any shallow pores, typically resulting in more even coverage.
Choosing the right type of primer is also important. There are many different formulations available depending on the use case, but the three main types of primer include oil-based, latex-based, and shellac. High-viscosity primers can help fill in smaller dings and dents to smooth out the surface texture and evenly distribute the final finish. For wood surfaces with more significant nicks and blemishes, make sure to use one of Mohawk’s touch-up and repair solutions before applying the base coat.
Other Common Uses for Black Primer
While white primers tend to brighten the finish color, black primers darken and deepen it. Similarly, colored primers will make colors appear more saturated and vibrant. Although they have a range of uses, black primers are commonly used for:
- Automotive: Nowadays vehicles come in virtually every color, but darker colors for cars are classically popular. Especially when applying a custom exterior paint color, a black automotive primer will yield deep, rich colors and add vibrance even to the darkest color tones. Applying black primer as a base before black paint usually means full coverage will require fewer coats of paint.
- Other Metals: Primers are used to help the surface material adhere to the final finish, improving overall durability. As a result, manufacturers may use it on structural metals to enhance their strength in addition to enriching the final color. For example, black primer is often applied under dark finishes for metal railings, crates, cages, appliances, and more. When using matte black spray paint for metal, many makers will use a priming coat before applying the paint to smooth the surface or accentuate the texture.
- Stage Sets: Black primer is often used in stage production for professional theaters. In many instances, stage flooring and proscenium arches in particular are painted using a black primer, not only because it absorbs light, but because the primer enhances durability. Applying a robust primer means the surface can stand up to the frequent wear-and-tear that results from prolonged tapping, dancing, sliding, and shuffling on stage.
Start with a Primer to Finish with Finesse
Regardless of your final coating choice, your primer lays the foundation for your finish. From paints and stains to varnishes and shellac, a base coat of primer is necessary for achieving smooth and even coverage. Plus, a good primer makes that eye-catching color and final finish last longer. And if you’re aiming for a dark and dramatic look, black primer might be the way to go.
The perfect finish for your project starts with choosing the right solution to prep and protect the surface. FinishWorks’ selection of primers, conversion varnishes, topcoats, and other premium coating solutions are designed to take your project all the way across the finish line. From priming to polishing and everything in between, you can turn to FinishWorks for all your industrial coating needs.
