Is Zinsser BIN a good primer?

Author: Fredrick Kautzer  |  Last update: Monday, March 10, 2025

Customers say that Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer is an exceptional product for sealing stains and odors, particularly effective against pet urine and smoke damage.

Can you use Zinsser BIN as a primer?

Zinsser BIN Primer is perfect for use on interior surfaces and spot priming of exterior surfaces. Recommended for application to interior ceilings, walls, doors, trim, cabinets, furniture, and related paintable surfaces. Exterior uses are limited to spot priming only.

What are the cons of shellac primer?

The drawback to using shellac-based primers is that they are not as versatile as latex or oil and they give off more fumes. They require that you use denatured alcohol to thin them and clean applicators.

Which is better, Zinsser 123 or Bin?

Zinsser BIN is shellac-based, whereas 123 is water-based. This makes Zinsser Bullseye 123 a lot quicker and easier to apply. It's also better suited for use on bare wood, or to prime plastic and composite before painting. BIN may be harder to apply, but it is by far the better stain block.

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.

An expert guide to Zinsser B-I-N®

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.

Which brand of primer is best?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer, $42.
  • Best Firming: Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer, $29.
  • Best Glowy: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46.
  • Best Moisturizer: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38.

Is Zinsser BIN worth it?

All Professional Decorators know and love Zinsser BIN. It is the ultimate problem-solving paint product, and the OG of shellac-based primers. However, it does have a couple of minor drawbacks: it is too brittle to use outside and shellac can be a difficult product to apply.

Why not to use shellac?

Shellac has a soft finish compared to modern alternatives like polyurethane. It's prone to scratches and wear, making it unsuitable for high-traffic surfaces like tabletops.

Is one coat of Zinsser BIN enough?

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.

What roller to use with Zinsser BIN?

A: the primer is quite runny, so I found that a short-nap roller on smooth surfaces worked best.

How long does Zinsser BIN take to cure?

Dry Time– In most cases B-I-N® will dry to the touch in 20 minutes and can be recoated in 45 minutes. The dry primer film develops full adhesion after it cures in 1 to 3 days. Lower temperatures, higher humidity and the addition of tint will prolong dry and cure time.

Is Zinsser BIN a bonding primer?

Zinsser Bin Shellac based primer is the best stain blocking primer available. BIN is great for blocking stains, odors and wood knots. While it is not a bonding primer, it does have strong adhesion.

What Zinsser primer is best?

Our Best Stain Blocking Primers
  • Zinsser B-I-N. Zinsser B-I-N Primer is a shellac-based primer that offers great stain blocking properties and adhesion for your chosen topcoat. ...
  • Zinsser Cover Stain. Zinsser Cover Stain is a great stain blocking primer if you are looking for an oil-based solution. ...
  • Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.

Does Zinsser bin primer smell?

Harder to use/apply than the white Original B-I-N shellac. Also, still has a strong odor of its own 2 and a half weeks after application.

What is the best primer for old walls?

Oil-based primers are the best option for old walls. They have superior stain blocking abilities, and will keep any old stains from bleeding through to new paint. Oil-based primers are also great at sealing out moisture, which can be a major problem for old plaster walls.

What primer lasts the longest?

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

If you're looking for a primer that will stick around longer than your last situationship, then Power Grip takes the number one spot. The gel-like formula creates a tacky base that is ideal for applying foundation to – and once it's on, it's not budging.

What is the best primer to use before painting?

White Pigmented Shellac Primer is the highest performing primer for sealing out the toughest stains and odors in one coat. LOXON® Concrete & Masonry Primer seals and adheres to concrete, brick, stucco and plaster.

Which company has best primer?

Best Primer Brands
  • Benefit Cosmetics.
  • Wet n Wild.
  • Sugar Cosmetics.
  • Faces Canada.
  • Fenty Beauty.
  • Oriflame.
  • Nykaa.
  • Huda Beauty.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin and Zinsser 123?

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

Will Zinsser bin seal knots?

The shellac-based B-I-N® effectively blocks odours, seals knots and sap streaks. The fast drying formula (15 minutes) adheres to any surface without sanding. For a water-based alternative, try B-I-N® AQUA. Find out more via zinsseruk.com.

What happens if you don't sand primer?

Sanding the primer before painting is not just a recommendation; it's a critical step in the preparation process for painting a car. Skipping this step can lead to a less than satisfactory finish and potentially compromise the paint's durability and appearance over time.

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