The Only 3 Primers You Will Ever Need

There is an endless supply of specialty primers that can be found for any specific application that you may need.  If you start buying specific primers for each project that you are working on you will not only spend a lot of money but also have a ton of leftover primer that will be laying around and often won't get used again.  You can streamline these primers down into just a few that will work for almost all of your DIY projects.  This will make it easier on your wallet and free up space on that already too crowded paint shelf in the basement or garage.  This post will show you which primers are the most versatile and will fit your need for almost any job.

1.  Zinsser BULLS-EYE 1-2-3 Water Based Primer
Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 is a great all purpose primer that does a lot of things really well.  It is economical and readily available at both big box stores and paint retailers.  If you could only keep one primer on your paint shelf waiting for the next project this would be the one.  Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 will be your workhorse primer for most DIY painting projects for the reasons noted below.

• Water based product that easily cleans up with soap and water
• Works on interior and exterior surfaces
• Can be used as a bonding primer on glossy surfaces
• Excellent primer for walls, ceilings, doors, trim, foundations, railings, and more
• Bonds to drywall, wood, plaster, concrete, glass, and tile
• Has rust inhibitive properties for metal railings, frames, and piping
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Will hold out graffiti, grease, rust, and creosote stains
• Dries fast enough to be recoated in an hour
• Seals out tannin bleed on cedar and redwood

As you can see this primer can be used for most things including sealing up new drywall, bonding to tile, or priming exterior railings before painting.  This is one of the most versatile primers available and has a seemingly unlimited number of uses.  As always consult the technical data sheet and follow manufacturer instructions for surface prep and application.

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 2.  Zinsser COVER STAIN Oil Based Primer
Cover Stain Oil Based Primer is also a good multi purpose primer that does many of the same things well as Bulls-Eye 1-2-3.  Even in this age of improved water based primers sometimes you just need to use oil based primers.  If you have smoke or fire damage that needs to be sealed this is the product for you.  Water stains that are extensive and heavy will be sealed out better with this primer than a water based version.  Metal that has more than just minor surface rust will benefit from using an oil primer to help hold out the rust.  The draw back to Cover Stain Oil Based Primer is you will need thinner to clean up and the smell associated with it.  Below are some of the benefits this primer can provide.

• Seals out smoke, fire, and water stains
• Bonds well to slick glossy surfaces
• Can be used on drywall, wood, masonry, pvc, and metal surfaces
• Works on interior or exterior surfaces
• Dries fast - recoat in 1 hour

Cover Stain is ready to go the extra mile when a water based primer just won't cut it.  Whenever possible I would use the water based option due to the easy clean up and less smell.  Sometimes for the reasons listed above this is the better option.

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3.  Zinsser Gardz Problem Surface Sealer
Gardz Primer is mainly used for problem surfaces that include damaged drywall or plaster.  So if you remove wallcovering or somehow damage your walls to the point that you see a brown surface under the drywall paper you need to seal this up before patching or painting.  If you use a typical primer and patch over this it will bubble in the future.  The correct procedure is to apply Gardz on the bare drywall surface, patch, prime the entire surface and then paint.  Gardz Primer has other benefits you will see below.

• Penetrates into porous surfaces
• Prevents damaged drywall from blistering and/or bubbling
• Binds chalky surfaces
• Seals in any residual wallpaper paste that is left on surface after removal
• Water based formula for easy cleanup
• Can be used as a primer before installing wallpaper to help with easy future removal

This primer won't be needed by everyone.  If you are painting furniture or doing small projects this probably won't benefit you.  This is mainly for DIY painting projects that involve drywall painting or wallpaper installation.  

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