Is primer the same as undercoat?

[CuddyMum]

Just that really! :)

[specialsubject]

no - primer for bare wood/metal, undercoat goes on top of primer. Undercoat gives a good finish and also needed for big colour change.

BUT you can get products that act as both. Clever people, these chemists.

[CuddyMum]

Thank you :)

[happylittlevegemites]

The products that act as both - you will need two coats. One as a primer and one as an undercoat. So it doesn't save time, but it does save on having to buy too much stuff.

Ps - if bare pine or something, you'll need knotting solution to stop the sap leaking out through the paint!

[PigletJohn]

if this is for outdoor work, it is very important to use the correct products for a durable finish, with a primer followed by an undercoat. Aluminium wood primer is especially durable, and also seals knots.

indoors, on woodwork, white Acrylic primer-undercoat will do. you will need Knotting which is tiresome if there are many, and the aluminium primer all over may be less trouble.