Which Zinsser Primer to Use
Choosing the right Zinsser primer can make all the difference when painting tricky surfaces like varnished wood, kitchen cabinets or MDF. Whether you need strong adhesion, stain blocking or protection against moisture and mould, Zinsser offers a range of high-performance primers to suit every job. Below, we answer some of the most common questions to help you find the best Zinsser primer for your project.
Painting over varnished wood can be a daunting task. You might not have time to strip the varnish back by sanding it off completely, which is where a Zinsser primer can do the work for you.
We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Both are ‘bond coat’ primers that are great for hard-to-stick surfaces, offering excellent adhesion without sanding. They dry to a smooth, tight, water-resistant film that is perfect for painting over with your chosen topcoat, while the Plus version also provides enhanced stain blocking and odour sealing.
When painting kitchen cabinets, you need to use a primer that will stand up to high levels of moisture.
We recommend Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus for kitchen cabinets. These can be applied to wood, laminate and even high-gloss cabinetry. They are also rich in a biocide that protects against fungal degradation, making them perfect for high-humidity areas like kitchens. For added durability and stain resistance, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus is a great upgrade option.
When priming MDF wood for painting, we recommend Zinsser BIN Primer or Zinsser BIN Aqua.
Traditional BIN is a shellac-based primer that creates excellent adhesion and is ideal for sealing porous MDF. It’s fast drying and ready for a topcoat in just 45 minutes. BIN Aqua is a water-based alternative, offering similar adhesion and stain-blocking benefits with lower odour and easier clean-up, making it ideal for indoor projects.
Zinsser primers won’t kill mould, but they will inhibit mould growth.
We recommend washing the mouldy surface with a fungicidal wash before allowing it to fully dry. Once prepared, you can cover mould and mildew stains with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus, both of which contain a biocide that fights fungal degradation and are designed to withstand moisture.
Alternatively, you can explore using an anti-mould paint in combination with a Zinsser primer for long-lasting protection.
Zinsser Cover Stain is a brilliant stain-blocking primer. It permanently seals and blocks even the most stubborn stains, including water damage, nicotine and more.
For a water-based alternative, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus and Zinsser BIN Aqua also offer excellent stain-blocking performance, making them ideal for interior projects where low odour is preferred.
Both Zinsser BIN and Zinsser BIN Aqua are designed for excellent adhesion and stain blocking, but they suit slightly different needs.
Zinsser BIN is shellac-based, making it the go-to choice for heavy-duty stain blocking, odour sealing and knot sealing.
Zinsser BIN Aqua is water-based, offering a lower odour alternative with easy clean-up, while still delivering strong adhesion and reliable stain blocking.
If you're working in a confined indoor space or want a more user-friendly option, BIN Aqua is a great choice.
Not sure if you need a primer or an undercoat? Check out our guide to knowing when to use primer and when to use an undercoat to make sure you get the best results for your project.
