Tinting Primer

October 31, 2023

What is tinting primer and what is the purpose?

Primer acts as a base coat and helps the paint adhere to the surface. Tinting the primer can help you achieve color matching with your desired paint color in fewer coats.

When is tinting primer necessary?

It is not absolutely necessary but recommended to help the topcoat paint achieve its true color in fewer coats.  By tinting the primer especially if painting dark, deep, and rich colors or going from darker shade to a lighter one, it will lessen the work and coats needed to closely match the desired topcoat color.

Can I tint primer for drywall or previously painted walls?

Yes, most primers are white in color and can be tinted to a limited color palette.

How do I tint primer? Should I have a professional tint for me?

Most paint stores or home centers that sell paint have tinting machines and associates/employees who know how to do this.

Is there anything I should know before tinting the primer?

Label instructions about tinting of the primer should be followed. It is recommended to tint to a lighter shade than the topcoat color.

Can all primers be tinted?

Primers for residential painting typically come in white color and this is most suitable for tinting. Gray or pre-tinted primers do not need to be tinted. Aerosol primers cannot be tinted.

Can you tint a water-based primer?

Yes, water-based primers that are white or light color can be tinted.

Should I tint primer that will be used on mold and mildew?

These types of primers can typically still be tinted unless the label claims it should not be tinted or does not say that it is tintable.

Do I tint my primer with regular colored paint, or with a colorant?

Most paint stores or home centers and hardware stores that sell paint and have tinting capabilities will use tint machines which have the color formulations specific to brand, tint base type and other specifics already in their tint machine software. It is recommended to have the primer tinted in a store using colorants dispensed by a tinting machine.

What is a colorant?

Universal colorants are materials containing a color pigment dispersed in a blend of surfactants and a liquid (most often a glycol). The level of pigment is dependent on the type, color strength and pigment surface area – from paintinfo.com

In what use cases should you not tint primer?

Tinting primers is not needed if you are painting the same color as before or there is little change from the old color and the new one. Tinting primers is particularly helpful to lessen the number the coats needed to achieve truest color and when doing dramatic color changes.

Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.