Ever found yourself deep in a DIY painting project, paintbrush in hand, only to have a sudden "wait... do I need primer?!" moment? You’re not alone! We’ve answered thousands of paint-related questions, so consider this your official cheat sheet to painting with confidence.  

Do I need to use primer with Clare paint? 

Good news! Our paint is self-priming, but there are times when a little extra prep can make a big difference. We recommend using a primer if: 

• You’re painting over a dark color or a high-gloss finish. 
• The surface has imperfections like repairs, patches, or stains. 
• The surface is unfinished, porous, or freshly sanded. 
• Your space has very little ventilation. 

Our fast-drying primer works on a variety of interior and exterior surfaces—from drywall and wood to masonry and even hard-to-stick surfaces like aged alkyd, aluminum, and galvanized metal. Need more details? Check out our primer guide here. 

Can I use Clare paint on furniture? 

Yes! And your old dresser just gasped in excitement. For wood furniture, our Trim Paint is the secret to a flawless, pro-level finish. Just sand, clean, and prime for the best results. Our Subtle Semi-Gloss finish is sleek, radiant, and ultra-durable, making it perfect for furniture, trim, doors, and cabinets. Need the full how-to? Check out our furniture painting guide here. 

Does Clare paint contain PFAs or APEs? 

Nope! Our interior-colored paints are free of PFAS, APEs (alkylphenol ethoxylates), and phthalates. They’re also GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning they meet some of the most rigorous standards for low chemical emissions. Plus, we disclose all of our ingredients because transparency matters! 

What’s the shelf life of Clare paint? 

Like a fine wine (but way less expensive), unopened Clare paint lasts around three years if stored properly. Once opened, it depends on air exposure and temperature. Keep your paint fresh by: 

• Sealing the lid tightly with a rubber mallet (not a hammer, which can dent the can!). 
• Storing it at room temperature (extreme heat or cold = bad news for paint).

Does Clare paint have an odor? 

Our paint has an ultra-low odor, so you can breathe easy while you paint! 

Does Clare have paint samples? 

Yes! Our Peel & Stick Color Swatches are the easiest way to sample colors. No messy paint pots, no tiny chips—just large, repositionable swatches delivered right to your door. Want to try multiple shades. Our curated Peel & Stick Swatch Kits make it easy to explore a range of colors and find your perfect match.

What size are Clare’s Swatches and how are they made? 

Our Perfect Color Swatches are 8x8” and made of coated vinyl with an adhesive backing. They give you a true representation of color, so no surprises when you paint. 

Have more paint questions? We’ve got answers! Reach out to us anytime or browse our blog for more tips and tricks to help you paint like a pro.