What can save material and time when applying a primer-surfacer?

Choosing a colored undercoat that approximates the topcoat color can significantly save both material and time when applying a primer-surfacer. This approach minimizes the need for additional coats of primer or topcoat because the color of the undercoat is closer to the final desired finish. When the primer-surfacer is similar in hue to the topcoat, it can reduce the number of application layers required to achieve full coverage and conceal any imperfections, leading to a more efficient painting process.

Using a higher quality topcoat is often beneficial for durability and appearance, but it doesn’t necessarily expedite the priming process or reduce the amount of material used. Utilizing less primer-surfacer overall could compromise the quality of the finish and lead to inadequate coverage or adhesion issues. Applying multiple coats of the same color might enhance the uniformity of the finish, but it would usually increase the time and volume of materials needed, which contradicts the goal of saving resources. Therefore, opting for a colored undercoat that matches the final coat truly optimizes the priming workflow.