Can you use water based paint on shellac primer?

Author: Ford Mills  |  Last update: Sunday, June 21, 2026

For those who do know what type of shellac was used, you can move forward with painting the piece appropriately. The shellac does not have to be dewaxed if you plan to use oil-based paint. It does have to be dewaxed if you plan to use waterborne paint.

What kind of paint do you use on shellac primer?

Shellac Primer

They also are excellent at preventing normal water, rust and smoke stains, as well as wood tannins from bleeding through new paint. They work well on wood, metal, plaster, and even plastic, and are fast drying and highly adhesive. They also can be used with both oil-based and latex paints.

Can I paint water-based paint over shellac primer?

Nope you need to prime oil with oil primer or shellac before using waterbased.

Can I use water-based paint over Zinsser bin primer?

Zinsser's primers (BIN, 123 and Cover Stain) all say in their technical docs that they can be painted over with any water-based or solvent-based topcoat...

Can you use water-based paint over primer?

You can use a water based top coat over a oil based primer. However you MUST let the primer dry all the way and sand it down. There still may be fish eyes due to surface tension but this should not cause failure. A small test spot and adhesion test is strongly advised. Hendricks Decorating.

Painting Old Kitchen Cabinets / DIY Project

Can you put water based paint over kilz primer?

It also dries quickly and provides a mildew resistant coating. It can be used under water-based or oil-based paint.

What primer is best for water based paint?

Bestsellers
  • Bestseller. ...
  • Johnstone's Trade Aqua Water Based Undercoat Brilliant White. ...
  • Zinsser BIN Primer. ...
  • Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard Primer Undercoat Brilliant White. ...
  • Zinsser Cover Stain Primer. ...
  • Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Water Based Satin White. ...
  • Farrow and Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat.

How long to let shellac primer dry before painting?

DRY & RECOAT TIMES

Dries to the touch in 25 minutes and can be recoated in 45 minutes. It is fully cured in 7 days. For knots and stain blocking, allow 2 hours to dry.

What paint can I use over Zinsser 123?

It is formulated for use on most types of exterior and interior surfaces - previously painted or new work. Any oil or latex finish paint can be applied over Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Adheres to slick materials - gloss paint, tiles, metal, hardboard, melamine, plastic, GRP, uPVC.

What is the best brush for shellac primer?

Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains and oil-based polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there's nothing like the finish that a China bristle can provide for oil-based coatings.

What is the benefit of shellac primer?

Shellac based primers provide the best stain-blocking and adhesion properties. They adhere to tricky surfaces like glass, creating a surface that the topcoat can adhere to. Without the shellac primer, the topcoat wouldn't adhere to glass for example.

Is shellac primer better than water based?

Water-based primers even out patched or repaired surfaces very well. They can also cover and seal in previous minor stains from smoke, lipstick, crayon, etc., but are not as effective at covering stains as oil- and shellac-based primers.

Do I need to sand before using Zinsser bin?

B-I-N® is the ultimate primer, sealer and stain killer. It offers unparalleled adhesion on any surface without sanding and has the hiding power to conceal the toughest of stains.

What is the best way to apply shellac primer?

Apply with a natural or synthetic (nylon, polyester or blend) bristle brush, roller, or airless sprayer. Follow manufacturer's instructions when using spray equipment. For airless spraying use a 0.011"-0.013” tip at 800 to 1200 psi. If a conventional sprayer is used, spray at 45-55 psi.

Can you paint over shellac with oil based paint?

Shellac is most often used in artwork as a sealing finish on wood or other porous substrates that will later be painted over. It can also be used as an isolating film between layers of paint, both oil and water-based. Dissolved in alkali and water, shellac can be used in watercolor painting as a fixative.

How many coats of bin shellac primer?

In most cases, only one coat is necessary to prime most surfaces. If excessive absorption occurs over very porous substrates, a second coat may be necessary. Spot priming is recommended only under high-hiding topcoat finishes. For best results, prime entire surface before painting.

Can you use water based paint over Zinsser primer?

Zinsser Cover Stain Primer can be used on water-stained drywall ceilings. If the source of the water has been resolved, this will effectively cover the staining. Can Zinsser Cover Stain Primer be overcoated with a water based interior emulsion? Yes, you can apply a water-based paint over Zinsser Coverstain.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin and bullseye 123?

What is the difference between Zinsser BIN and Zinsser Bullseye? Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based paint, Bullseye 123 is water-based.

What paint can I use on top of Zinsser bin?

Zinsser BIN Primer is a basecoat that can be overcoated with any paint finish including matt.

Can I paint over shellac primer?

Yes! In fact, it's easier to apply this paint with a roller than it is with a brush. However, you do need to ensure you're using a good quality paint roller that doesn't shed. Otherwise, you'll het bits in your paint because shellac is very sticky.

Should I sand after shellac primer?

You only need to sand if there are brush strokes or other blemishes. Also you don't need to sand between coats. I only sand if I have brush strokes or drips (I'm finally getting to the experience level where this rarely happens).

Is Kilz a shellac primer?

KILZ RESTORATION® Primer (Formerly KILZ MAX) is a new generation water-based primer, sealer and stainblocker offering performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers. It tackles tough stains including heavy water damage, rust, smoke, nicotine, grease, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, pet stains and more.

Will water based paint stick to primer?

can you use water-based paint over oil-based primer? You can use water-based paint on oil-based primer. But, with its environmentally friendly solvents, we'd always think of the penguins and recommend water-based primers instead of oil.

What is a good alternative to Zinsser bins?

Also consider fossa Block & Bond as a direct alternative to Zinsser BIN, it's a bit nicer to use, and quite a bit cheaper: Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer and Stain Blocker seals surface pores so you use less finish paint.

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