The Problem:Failure of the dried topcoat to obscure or “hide” the underlying surface.
Causes:Using products with low levels of titanium dioxide (the primary covering element in paint). Using paint with poor flow and leveling qualities (see Poor Flow/Leveling). Using low quality tools and/or the wrong roller cover. Over thinning or spreading the paint. And using a low-grade paint with a much lighter color than the substrate.
How-to-fix:Use a tinted primer on substrates with a color significantly different than the new topcoat. Use top-quality paints with high levels of titanium dioxide. Finally, apply the topcoat with high-grade tools and a roller cover with the correct nap length.
Product Solutions:
Primers
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat® Oil-based Primers and Fresh Start® Oil-based Primers are ideal for raw or natural wood surfaces.
- Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® Acrylic Latex Primers and Sure Seal™ Acrylic Latex Primer are suited for previously painted wood and masonry surfaces.
Interior Paints
Exterior Paints
- Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior, Regal Select® Exterior Paintsare premium coatings that come in a wide variety of finishes and build levels.