Is primer the same as undercoat?

[CuddyMum]

Just that really! :)

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.

Thank you :)

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!

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.