Non-Toxic Paint Primers

Non-Toxic, Zero-VOC Paint Primers

ECOS Paints carries a selection of award-winning zero-VOC non-toxic primer varieties that provide superior coverage without the harmful or irritating chemicals typically found in conventional primers. Perfect for interior and exterior applications, our non-toxic primer paints are suitable for projects such as repainting family room walls or providing a strong bonding layer for new paint on woodwork and drywall.

With several options available, you're sure to find the perfect zero-VOC primer for your next painting project. At ECOS, we strive to produce only the highest-quality non-toxic primer paints for our customers across the globe.

Do I Need a Paint Primer?

Certain paint colors, especially bright yellows, greens, reds, and oranges, as well as some darker accent colors, are considered "poor hiding” colors. That means, these colors are not good at hiding the color they cover, so they need a colored primer to be applied first.

Using a gray primer (under dark colors) or a tinted primer (under light "poor hiding" colors) can help avoid the need for multiple coats of paint. ECOS colors that benefit from a colored primer are indicated in our color library (Fan Deck View) with a roller icon to help you determine if you need a primer.

Still not sure if you need a paint primer for your next project? Print a zig-zag patterned card that you can use to test your paint sample.

PLEASE NOTE: this guidance relates only to the use of primers with specific colors. Primers are also required when painting repaired, uneven surfaces, or bare substrates that have not previously been coated.

Painting Tips to Improve Color Hide

Besides using a primer, here are some other tips for improving color hide when you're repainting a space:

• Choose a high-quality paint like ECOS
• Stir paint thoroughly before painting
• Don't thin or dilute the paint with water
• Combine multiple cans of the same color before painting
• Spread the paint evenly and smoothly
• Allow the full drying time between coats
• Use high-quality brushes, rollers, and tools
• Use the correct primer especially when painting porous surfaces

When To Use Paint Primer

Besides using a primer, here are some other tips for improving color hide when you're repainting a space:

1. New Drywall - Primer is an absolute must on new drywall (sheetrock and plasterboard) and mudded (joint compounded) surfaces. The new drywall and sanded mud will soak up a lot of paint at first, so the primer works to seal the drywall and create a uniform surface on which to apply the paint. One coat of ECOS Drywall Primer or Air Purifying Drywall Primer will be sufficient
2. Bare Wood - Some varieties of bare wood soak up even more paint than drywall does, so you definitely need to prime it. ECOS Wood Primer is perfect for many types of wood including plywood and fiberboard.
3. Stained Surfaces - ECOS Stain Blocking Primer is highly effective at concealing and blocking out difficult stains. If you try to paint over these stains without using a special primer, the stains will bleed through the paint even after multiple coats.
4. Seal in VOCs - ECOS Air Purifying Primer is a unique primer that can be used on new particleboard, plywood, and other manufactured wood products. If you're chemically sensitive, this primer is designed to absorb formaldehyde and other VOCs, helping to trap them before being released into the air.
5. Painting Over Dark Colors - As with stains, dark colors can show through lighter ones, so using a wall primer will create the best base coat for your new paint color.

FAQs About ECOS Paints