Can I use chalk paint as primer?

I wouldn't. If you are using a primer, you want to block tannins in the wood or stains. Use an actual primer for that purpose.

If you haven't sealed it, chalk paint's flat finish acts as a great primer

Depending on the piece, you don't need one. But if you have anything that needs to be blocked you should use a primer like Kilz or Bullseye. If you only use the chalk paint it will bleed through.

There is a chance the chalk paint will show through your painting if you use it as a primer. Personally I would rather block the chalk paint than trust it as a primer.

I know someone who only uses chalk paint as a primer. She works with furniture and all her pieces come out beautiful.. BUT she sprays it on with a paint sprayer.

Yes you can - https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Use-Chalk-Paint-as-a-Primer#:~:text=The%20prepared%20chalk%20paint%20can,paint%20is%20an%20effective%20primer.&text=Instead%2C%20a%20single%20can%20of,for%20priming%20and%20painting%20separately.

I would not, I don't think it will be a good base.

Hi Delilah, it can be used for a primer, but true chalk paint (Annie Sloan) makes a very expensive primer. You are better off to use a spray and paint on primer and then use chalk paint for your finish painted look. With Annie Sloan though you rarely need to prime unless you are painting over something that might bleed through.

I'd save your $$ and use a spray primer

Because chalk paint is a flat paint it is a great primer.

Primer is cheaper than chalk paint. It has more paint solids to block any bleeding

Hello. More information for your question might be necessary it depends upon your project.

A primer is absolutely necessary when you’re trying to seal a stain or use wood that may bleed through or has knots. It would not be an adequate substitution for a stain blocking primer.

Hi Delilah, it depends on the surface you'll be painting. Chalk paint will work on wood that doesn't bleed, but smooth surfaces like plastic, glass etc. will need a primer.

Hello there,

Undercoat maybe, but not Primer!

primer is cheap...chalk paint isn't unless you are making your own. I would just use a primer that does the job well.

I always use Kilz primer before painting.

Hi Delilah, you sure can, https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Use-Chalk-Paint-as-a-Primer#:~:text=The%20prepared%20chalk%20paint%20can,paint%20is%20an%20effective%20primer.&text=Instead%2C%20a%20single%20can%20of,for%20priming%20and%20painting%20separately.

Hi! To layer colors, sure. However, before I chalk paint, I use Kilz to seal the surface. Good luck!

You can do a couple layers of chalk paint, but if you really need to cover over something I would recommend Kilz.