DIYbanter - View Single Post - Is tinted primer + one coat of paint enough for repainting walls?

wrote:

I'm getting ready to paint my new apartment and am trying to figure out
the logistics.

I'm using Benjamin Moore's Regal Eggshell paint (latex). One room is
currently painted dark orange, the other lime green (both also with BJ
latex paint), and I'm planning to repaint both of them to light cream.
The third bedroom is standard white, and I"m planning to paint that one
a soft, baby blue. All three rooms are small (110-160 sq. ft) with
high, 9.5 foot ceilings, and don't get much natural light (especially
the orange one).

My plan is to use primer tinted close to my topcoat, and follow that
with only one coat of paint. The paint stores near my house charge an
arm and a leg for paint and I'm on a tight budget, so I'm hoping this
is doable.

My question is: Can I get away with using high-quality tinted primer
plus just one coat of paint? I'm especially concerned if that's
possible in the orange room.

I'm not looking to do a perfect job, just a decent one that I'll be
happy with for the year or two I'm living there. Any advice/experience
is much appreciated.

You don't normally need to prime a wall that is already painted.
Priming is not for color - it is for adhesion and sealing in stains.
Buy cheap paint and you will likely need more coats than if you used a
quality paint, like Ben Moore. Two coats of paint is normal. Dark
color with light over it may need a third coat. You do need to be sure
the wall is clean and free of dust. Any good household cleaner, rinse
and dry.