Johnstone's - Quick Dry Gloss Primer Undercoat - Grey - Water Based - Interior Wood & Metal - Fast Drying - Low Odour - Dry in 1-2 Hours - 13m2 Coverage per Litre - 0.75 L

This is good paint. Ideal for painting skirting boards and similar things. It lasts well too and is pretty tough stuff when fully dried. Much more pleasant to use compared with solvent based paints. It covers well too. I had to strip the old lead paint off the skirting boards and then gently sand them (with dust extraction and PPE!) before using the undercoat. It covers well and the photo shows the boards painted with the second coat. As I went back to mostly bare wood I may need another 2 coats but this is fine because it dries fast and the white colour covers well too. It really is touch dry in 30 minutes and you can re coat in 1 to 2 hours. Assuming you have a room temperature of at least 20 degrees, this means you can get 4 coats done in under 8 hours and then apply your water based gloss which takes about 4 hours to cure.Compare this with solvent based undercoat which takes 16 hours to dry and it stinks your house out! Very unpleasant stuff - I won't be using solvent based paint in my house again. Water based all the way for me. Just make sure you stir the paint well before using it, and use a decent brush from a branded supplier like Harris or similar quality. You really should use a decent brush and not buy the really cheap ones.Also when you brush it on just brush it out gently and don't keep brushing it around as it dries quite fast. That's how you avoid brush marks in the finish. Make sure you have very clear and bright lighting so you can see the paint finish clearly. I used a tall spot light which worked very well. For the ultimate finish, gently sand the last coat with something like 400 or 500g wet and dry paper to take out any high spots.

Superb paint goes on and spreads really easy no drag.Dries to a good smooth finish.Really nice paint to use would highly recommend.

I recently used Johnstone’s Quick Dry Gloss Primer Undercoat in Brilliant White for an interior painting project, and it has proven to be an excellent choice for preparing surfaces. This water-based primer offers a range of benefits and a few minor drawbacks. Here’s a detailed review based on my experience.Pros:Quick Drying Time: One of the standout features is its fast drying capability. The primer typically dries to the touch in 1-2 hours, allowing for efficient project completion without long wait times between coats. This is particularly advantageous for time-sensitive tasks.Low Odour: The low odour formula makes it more pleasant to work with compared to traditional oil-based primers. This is a significant benefit for indoor use, as it minimizes the unpleasant smell and improves overall working conditions.Water-Based: Being water-based, it’s easy to clean up with just soap and water. This makes the primer user-friendly and less hazardous to handle compared to solvent-based products.Excellent Coverage: The primer provides a solid base for subsequent coats of gloss paint, ensuring good adhesion and a smooth finish. It effectively covers imperfections and previous paint, resulting in a professional-looking end result.Versatile Application: Suitable for both wood and metal surfaces, the primer offers versatility for various projects. Whether you're working on furniture, trim, or metal fixtures, it provides reliable performance across different materials.Brilliant White Finish: The brilliant white color enhances the brightness of the final paint job, providing a clean and vibrant base. It helps to achieve a true color representation of the topcoat and improves overall visual appeal.Cons:Coverage Area: While it generally provides good coverage, some users might find that multiple coats are necessary for complete opacity or to cover darker surfaces. This could potentially extend the project timeline.Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for the best results. Any existing issues like flaking or rust on metal surfaces need to be addressed before applying the primer to ensure a smooth and durable finish.Price Point: The cost of the primer may be slightly higher than some budget options, but the benefits of quick drying and low odour justify the investment. For large projects, this could be a consideration.Consistency: Some users might find the consistency to be a bit thicker or thinner than expected, which could affect application ease. It may require additional thinning or adjustment based on personal preference and project needs.Drying Conditions: The drying time can be influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. In very humid or cold conditions, drying times might be longer than the stated 1-2 hours.Conclusion:Johnstone’s Quick Dry Gloss Primer Undercoat is a reliable and efficient choice for preparing interior surfaces. Its quick drying time, low odour, and versatile application make it a practical option for a variety of painting projects. Despite minor considerations like the need for proper surface preparation and potential variations in consistency, the overall performance and ease of use make this primer a strong contender for anyone looking to achieve a smooth and professional finish. If you need a high-quality primer that delivers on both speed and effectiveness, this product is definitely worth considering.

Easy to apply. Covered well.

I've bought several tins of this paint now because it's great. It spreads evenly and is very hard-wearing, it primes surfaces smoothly making the top coat super easy to apply. The coverage is excellent and it's very reasonably priced. It dries quickly and there's no noticeable odour too. I would definitely recommend it.5*

So easy to apply, drys really well.Would recommend 👌

Best primer goes on well, dries fairly quickly, can be used on wood and metal effectively, interior decorating purposes should last a while

Honestly up there in my two favourite undercoats. Does the job well for a good price. Happy with the result.