Yes, Zinsser makes both oil-based and water-based primers, so it depends on the exact product you are looking at. Zinsser's most famous oil-based primer is Cover Stain, while their most common water-based primer is Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
It's important to note that Zinsser Cover Stain is an oil-based primer, which means it has a strong odor and requires proper ventilation during application.
Zinsser B-I-N is a heavy-duty, shellac-based primer designed for severe stain blocking, odor sealing, and tough surfaces. In contrast, Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 is a water-based, multi-purpose primer great for everyday use, general adhesion, and easy cleanup.
Neither brand is universally "better"; both excel at different things. Kilz is generally the go-to for blocking common stains, sealing drywall, and budget-friendly coverage. Zinsser is the preferred choice for heavy-duty stain blocking (like smoke damage or water stains), slick surfaces, and severe odors.
If you need to paint over existing oil-based paint, you must use a bonding primer to prevent the new paint from peeling. For oil-based surfaces, use Zinsser Cover Stain, an oil-based primer, or Zinsser B-I-N, a shellac-based primer, as they provide the best adhesion without extensive sanding.
The primary downsides of oil-based primers are their strong chemical odors, high levels of VOCs, and long dry times. They also require harsh solvents for cleanup and can be prone to yellowing over time if used in dark or low-light areas.
Bob Ross used three primary substances to prepare his canvases: Acrylic Gesso (for the initial base layer), and his signature Liquid White, Liquid Black, or Liquid Clear (for the wet-on-wet technique).
Bonding primer is designed to stick to non-porous, "hard-to-stick" surfaces like glass, tile, or glossy laminates. However, you should not use it on bare wood, raw drywall, or surfaces with existing peeling paint. It also will not block tough stains or moisture.
The "best" Zinsser primer depends entirely on your project. For tackling severe stains and odors, Zinsser B-I-N is the undisputed champion. For everyday DIY projects and general use, the versatile Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is the top choice.
Yes, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is an excellent, versatile, and budget-friendly primer widely used by both DIYers and professionals. It is highly rated for its ability to adhere to slick, glossy surfaces without scuff sanding and its mildew-resistant properties, making it a reliable go-to for most projects.
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.
Most professional painters will tell you—two coats of primer is often the safe choice. Here's why: surfaces like new drywall, bare wood, or even older plaster have different levels of porosity. That means the primer gets soaked up unevenly, leaving the surface patchy.
Apply one coat of Zinsser Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 for most projects, such as basic adhesion or shifting between similar colors. However, apply a second coat if you are painting over a dark color, covering tough stains, or working with highly porous surfaces like raw wood or new drywall.
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.
You can safely apply water-based (latex or acrylic) paint over a fully cured oil-based primer. Because primers are designed as the bonding bridge between the surface and the topcoat, the oil-based primer provides excellent adhesion, stain-blocking, and a strong foundation for your water-based finish.
Oil-based (alkyd) primers are primarily used for blocking severe stains (like water or smoke) and providing maximum adhesion on slick surfaces like metal, bare wood, or glossy finishes.
Neither brand is universally "better"; rather, the right choice depends on your project. Zinsser generally excels in extreme adhesion, heavy stain-blocking, and durability, while Kilz is often preferred for general-purpose coverage, strong odor-sealing, and budget-friendly pricing.
Because makeup is highly subjective, there isn’t a single, universal “number one” primer. However, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is consistently voted the #1 overall pick by beauty editors and makeup artists for its ability to hydrate and lock makeup in place all day.
Yes, professional painters absolutely use primer, but they are highly strategic about it. While they often skip it on standard maintenance repaints, they rely on dedicated primers to seal raw surfaces, block stubborn stains, and ensure proper adhesion.
Common primer mistakes depend on the context—whether you are prepping walls for paint, applying makeup, or working with ammunition. Here are the most frequent errors in each category:
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Primer is not strictly necessary for every project, especially if you are repainting a wall in good condition with a similar color. However, it is absolutely essential for bare, slick, or stained surfaces. Skipping it in those cases can lead to peeling, chipping, or bleed-through.
Bob Ross never faced criminal charges or misconduct accusations, but he was at the center of intense behind-the-scenes controversies. The primary accusations and disputes surrounding him involve business betrayal and aggressive intellectual property exploitation by his partners, as well as a popular false internet rumor.
Because art is subjective, there is no single "saddest" painting, but a few universally recognized masterpieces frequently evoke profound sorrow.