Yes, Zinsser B-I-N is widely considered the industry standard for sealing knots and preventing sap or resin from bleeding through your paint. Its shellac-based formula locks in tannins and resins permanently.
Knots
Spot prime knots with one full coat of Zinsser B-I-N in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and allow a minimum drying time of 45 minutes in normal drying conditions.
Prime the knots
Apply Zinsser B-I-N® or B-I-N® AQUA directly to the knots. This primer is effective in sealing the resinous areas and preventing stains from bleeding through the paint.
For hiding knots, Zinsser hasd two solutions - B-I-N and B-I-N Aqua. B-I-N will be touch dry in 15 minutes and recoatable in 45 minutes, whereas B-I-N Aqua will be touch dry in 25 minutes and recoatable in 45 minutes. However, it's crucial to allow the full 2 hour drying time before applying additional coats.
Zinsser Cover Stain is not recommended for sealing knots. However, you can use Zinsser BIN and Zinsser BIN Aqua.
Liberon Floor Sealer
Wood sealer is designed to plug up any knots or any other imperfections in the surface of wood before applying additional varnishes or waxes. This “seals” the surface of the wood to leave the top coats with a smooth finish and achieve a glossy finish.
Exceptional Stain-Blocking Power
Zinsser B-I-N Primer doesn't just stick to tricky surfaces; it also excels at covering and sealing stains. Whether you're dealing with water stains, smoke damage, or even knots and sap streaks in wood, this primer locks them in and prevents them from bleeding through your paint.
Choose Zinsser BIN for tough stain-blocking, odors, and raw wood/MDF. Choose Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for general interior/exterior adhesion, masonry, and painting over glossy surfaces.
Yes, you can seal knots after painting, but you cannot simply paint over them. If a knot is bleeding yellow sap through your finished paint job, you will need to spot-treat the area with a high-performance, stain-blocking primer.
HI, Zinsser 123 is a water-based sealant and will not stop the resin in the knots from bleeding through. Zinsser BIN primer is a coloured shellac-based sealant and IS suitable for using to seal knots.
An alcohol based shellac primer is the gold standard for sealing knots. This type of primer: Dries quickly. Locks in sap and tannins.
#ad Proper prep is the key to getting good results, and KILZ 3 PREMIUM Primer is the best way to keep those pesky knot stains from bleeding through to your topcoat. A lot of people (even pros) will skip this step, as these stains won't show up until days or even weeks after you've finished painting.
PROTECTS DELICATE KNOTS: Seals knot bases inside mesh systems to prevent loosening; helps maintain structure and reduces shedding for longer-lasting wear. EXTENDS SYSTEM LONGEVITY: Strengthens knot hold to keep hair tied securely; ideal for users wanting mesh systems, toupee bases, or lace front units to last longer.
Most satinwood, eggshell, and gloss paints sit better on an undercoat than they do on Zinsser BIN. So, primer (Zinsser BIN), undercoat, then topcoat.
Can You Use Zinsser BIN Without Sanding? Yes, you can use Zinsser BIN as an adhesion primer over surfaces like oil-based paint or varnish without sanding, but I wouldn't recommend it. As a Decorator, I can tell you it is good practice to create a 'key' on a difficult surface before painting.
Here's what we recommend:
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. B-I-N® effectively blocks odours, dries in minutes and is perfect for use on interior surfaces and spot priming of exterior surfaces.
Kilz and Zinsser are the two heavyweight titans of the primer world, but they excel in slightly different applications.
In high concentrations, vapours and spray mists are narcotic and may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Acts as a defatting agent on skin. May cause cracking of skin, and eczema. Make sure to remove any contact lenses from the eyes before rinsing.
I would recommend that you use some sort of pre-stain sealer, knots will drink any liquid very fast and in copious amounts. Shellac the knots that way your finish will build up on them better. Stain first. The knots will be quite darker as they soak up stain and are end grain.
Sealing wood knots prevents resin and tannins from bleeding through paint or finish. For bare wood, apply two coats of shellac-based primer or knotting solution to the knot and the surrounding area. If the knot is loose or has a deep hole, fill it with a wood-filling adhesive or epoxy first.
Choose Zinsser BIN for tough stain-blocking, odors, and raw wood/MDF. Choose Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for general interior/exterior adhesion, masonry, and painting over glossy surfaces.
As you might guess, a primer that bonds peeling paint is not suited for use on substrates such as glass, glazed brick or Kynar.
Cover stain is ideal if you have water marks on your ceiling. BIN is ideal if you are painting wardrobes or kitchen cabinets and likewise if you are turning varnished wood to painted wood but make sure you open a window. All three can be purchased from Screwfix at a competitive price.