Dear Dreading: I totally understand how you feel! I've hesitated in the past to purchase a "special" primer -- but know that using paint primers can: reduce surface preparation improve coverage block stains prevent peeling and make topcoating faster! Surfaces that are properly primed will attain the truest paint color in fewer coats. Hmmm -- but is it REALLY worth the $$? (I hate wasting time, but really hate wasting (12 comments)