Valspar Signature is a popular line of interior and exterior paints manufactured by Valspar. Many homeowners wonder if Valspar Signature paint already contains primer or if a separate primer needs to be applied before painting. This is an important question to answer, as proper priming is essential for achieving the best paint results.
What is Primer?
Primer is a preparatory coating that is applied to surfaces before painting. Priming does a few key things:
- It provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to.
- It seals porous surfaces like drywall to prevent the paint from being absorbed unevenly.
- It blocks stains from bleeding through the topcoat of paint.
- It improves paint adhesion and durability.
Applying at least one coat of primer is highly recommended before applying finish paint, especially if painting raw drywall or if changing colors dramatically. Priming creates a strong, protective layer that allows the finish paint to look its best and last longer.
Priming with Valspar Signature
Valspar Signature interior paints are formulated to provide good stain blocking and hide in just one or two coats. However, Valspar still recommends priming new or bare surfaces before applying Signature paint:
- On new drywall, use a drywall primer like Valspar Drywall Primer to seal and prepare for painting.
- On heavily stained surfaces, use a stain blocking primer like Valspar Enamel Undercoater.
- On glossy surfaces, use a bonding primer like Valspar Grip & Seal Primer.
- On new wood, use a wood primer like Valspar Premium Primer.
For most repaints over previously painted surfaces, Valspar states that Signature can be applied directly without needing separate primer. The paint contains vinyl binders that help it grip well to existing coatings. However, it’s always a good idea to spot prime repaired areas, new drywall patches, or over oil-based paints.
Valspar Signature Exterior
For exterior surfaces, Valspar Signature paints also provide good coverage and adhesion over previously painted or properly prepared surfaces. But primer is still recommended in many scenarios:
- On new or bare wood, use an exterior wood primer.
- On Hardie board siding, use a bonding primer meant for fiber cement.
- Over heavy stains/tannin, use a stain blocking exterior primer.
- On galvanized metal, use a metal etching primer.
Be sure to read the specific prep instructions on the Valspar Signature exterior paint you choose. Oil-based Signature paints may recommend oil-based primers, while latex options like Signature Contractor Grade 2000 will specify latex primers.
Primer and Paint in One
While most Valspar Signature paints still require separate primer in many cases, some DIYers may prefer the simplicity of an all-in-one primer+paint product. Options include:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Signature Contractor Grade 2000 | Suitable for many exterior surfaces. Combines primer and paint. |
| Signature Color Sample | Can be used as both primer and paint for small test patches. |
| Signature All-Purpose Primer | Combines interior primer and paint in one. Can be tinted. |
Using an all-in-one primer+paint can simplify the painting process. However, separate primer may still be recommended in some situations for the best performance.
Tinting Signature Paint
An important tip when using Valspar Signature paint is that it can be tinted to any color. Valspar offers over 4,000 pre-mixed colors, but you can also have Signature paint tinted to any custom color you like. Tinting the paint gives more color options beyond the standard Signature color palette.
When tinting Signature paint, Valspar recommends having the paint store add colorants to the following bases:
- Pastel Base for light tints
- Midtone Base for medium tints
- Deeptone Base for deep, vivid tints
Choosing the appropriate tinting base helps ensure proper color development. Always have the paint store shake the paint thoroughly after tinting to fully incorporate the colorants before painting.
Top Primers for Valspar Signature
While Valspar Signature paint provides great protection on its own, you can maximize results by starting with the right primer. Here are some of the best primer options to use under Valspar Signature interior or exterior paint:
| Primer Type | Recommended Valspar Primer |
|---|---|
| Drywall | TuffCoat Drywall Primer |
| Wood | Premium Primer |
| Masonry | Masonry Enamel Undercoater |
| Metal | Swiss Prime Anti-Rust Metal Primer |
| Stain blocking | Perfect Primer Interior/Exterior |
Application Tips
To get the most out of Valspar Signature paint, follow these application tips:
- Properly prepare surfaces – clean, sand, patch holes, etc.
- Prime bare or repaired surfaces appropriately.
- Test paint colors on a poster board before applying.
- Purchase enough paint to complete the entire project.
- If spraying, use proper tip size and thin with water if needed.
- Apply when surface/air temps are between 50-90°F.
- Let new paint cure fully before washing, about 2 weeks.
Valspar Signature covers smoothly and easily with minimal drips or spatters. Use a high quality roller cover and nylon/polyester brush for best application.
Conclusion
Valspar Signature paints provide great protection and visual appeal. But primer is still recommended on new or bare surfaces to maximize adhesion and hide. Separate primer products like Valspar’s TuffCoat, Perfect Primer, or Premium Primer are ideal to use under Signature paint. Or opt for the convenience of tintable all-in-one options like Signature Contractor Grade 2000 or Signature All-Purpose Primer. With the right prep and painting steps, Valspar Signature paint will enhance any interior or exterior surface with beautiful, lasting color.