The most adhesive primer on earth!
BIN primer sticks to all surfaces. Widely used by contractors on cabinets and old wood millwork. Roll it on and sand it smooth.
Pros: Adhesion 10/10. Blocks all stains guaranteed. Sands easy to a smooth finish. Dries super fast and can be coated by any other paint/primer
Cons: Highly flammable. Foul smell. Like all other fast-drying paints/primers, it does not do well outside - does not like extreme cold/heat.
Read more about this amazing product or buy a gallon here
Best Exterior Wood Primer
As of 2020, the longest lasting exterior primer is the Sherwin Williams® slow-dry oil-based primer. The slow-dry action of this primer increases adhesion through extended bonding time. This primer can be either rolled or sprayed and back-rolled.
Pros: Highly adhesive. Block stains and tanning.
Cons: Slow drying. Requires pressure from a roller or brush to penetrate. Not homeowner grade. Difficult to apply. Not water clean-up
Best interior primer: millwork
Millwork that is stained/varnished requires oil-based primer. While it still requires the varnished to be etched using very fine sand paper, Cover Stain Classic Oil 100 is our #1 choice. This product adheres extremely well to sanded doors, baseboards, cabinets, and other previously unpainted interior surfaces.
Pros: Highly adhesive. Block stains and tanning. Fast drying. Once dry, it sands smooth.
Cons: Toxic formula. Very thick and difficult to apply. Requires high-pressure paint sprayers Not water clean-up
Sealing New texture or new sheetrock
We lean away from the standard sheetrock sealer, also known as PVA. PVA is basically the cheapest form of sealant - absolute minimum required. As standard interior water-based primer does a much better job of sealing new texture/sheetrock. Our favorite right now is the Zinsser® SmartPrime®.
Pros: Excellent hide (it blocks and seals virtually anything). Water-based. Low odor.
Cons: Best suitable for walls and ceilings. May not adhere to surfaces previously painted with semigloss or gloss sheen.
When painting over walls & ceilings previously painted with high-sheen paints
If your walls and ceilings are currently painted with semi-gloss, gloss, or high-gloss sheen, you must prime before changing color. For this application, we like any fast drying oil based primer. KILZ Premium 3 is an excellent choice for most situations. .
Pros: Adhesion 10/10. Blocks all stains guaranteed. Sticks to high-sheen previous coats perfectly.
Cons: Toxic fumes. Paint-thinner smell.
