Paint Primers and Choosing the right one for Your Project

 

With all the different types of Paint Primers in the marketplace choosing the right one can be confusing.   Although using a primer isn’t always necessary it is important to use the right one when you do need one.  The purpose of a primer is to work together with the paint to  give you the best end result.  For furniture painters like me that means preventing the bleed through of tannins, knots showing through or that smell from a piece of furniture that has been sitting in a basement for thirty years.  My objective today is to simply give you a run down on a few of the most common primers and what problems they can solve.  This list is not an exhaustive one so if your favorite isn’t here, let me know. I always like to try new products.

Zinsser Primers

• Lets start with Zinsser Shellac.  A favorite of furniture painters. It will seal knots, tannins, and drywall prior to painting.  Will also adhere to glass and ceramics.  Quick drying, comes in Amber and Clear, also comes in a spray.

 

• Zinsser B-I-N is a Shellac based Primer/Sealer.  It seals every stain including water, smoke, and pets odors.  It will stick to any surface without sanding.  Re-coat in 45 minutes.

 

• Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 is a water based Primer/Sealer does not require sanding, however scuffing up shiny surfaces will help with adhesion.  Any waxes will have to be removed before applying also. Not recommended for sealing knots.  Soap and water clean up. Mold and Mildew resistant. Comes in a spray also.

 

• Zinsser Cover Stain is an oil based bond coat.  It is a stain killer and will block Cedar and Redwood bleed.  It will also block water, smoke and nicotine stains.  Adheres without sanding. Great one to use on laminate.

  

  

  

  

 

Kilz Primers

• Next up are the Primers made by Kilz, we will start with Kilz Original.  This one is oil-based and blocks most stains, water, smoke, tannin, ink , pencil, marker, grease and pet stains.  Glossy surfaces will need sanding and it also comes in a spray.

 

• Kilz Max is water based and formulated to perform like oil or shellac based products.  Will cover tough stains. The surface must be prepared before using, for example washing it down with TSP or Dawn and sanding glossy surfaces. It can be used on brick, ceramic, tile, metal. glass, masonry, wood, plaster and drywall.

 

• Kilz Premium is water based and is a Sealer and Stain blocker with a high degree of adhesion.  Glossy surfaces will need to be scuffed up a bit.  Seals porous surfaces, hides colors and is mildew resistant.

 

• Kilz 2 is a water based multi-surface stain-blocker for use on properly prepared surfaces.  Hides colors and is mildew resistant.

Valspar Primers

• Valspar Bonding Primer is a newer interior/exterior primer on the market and is terrific at covering colors.  It also seals glossy surfaces, is a stain-blocker, has great adhesion and works on tile, glass, metal, trim and cabinets.  It seals knots and tannin bleed.  It is sandable and tintable.

 

• Valspar All purpose Primer is a general all purpose primer that will hide previous colors, works well with all topcoats and seals porous surfaces.

 

I have used several products in the list above for different projects and all of the manufacturers mentioned do have several other products in their arsenal. Hope this helps you find the right one and if you have any questions please comment below.