When comparing the brand to a specific product, Zinsser is the overall manufacturer (known for premium primers and specialty paints), while Zinsser 123 (Bulls Eye 1-2-3) is one of their most popular, all-purpose water-based primer-sealers.
Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based paint; Bullseye 123 is water-based. They're both adhesion primers and stain blocks, but each one is better for different jobs. For example, Zinsser BIN is better for blocking water stains and gripping to varnished wood. Zinsser Bullseye 123 can be used outside and works better on plastic.
Apply to interior and exterior walls, ceilings, doors, trim, fascia, soffits, foundations, railings, and related paintable surfaces. Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 bonds to wood, plaster, concrete, gloss enamels, hardboard, glass and tile. It provides a rust inhibitive coating on iron railings, steel frames, piping, etc.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a highly-rated, water-based, multi-purpose primer and sealer. Both professionals and DIYers praise it for its excellent adhesion without the need for sanding, quick drying time, and mildew resistance. A 1-quart can is typically priced around $16, while a 1-gallon can runs about $30.
Kilz and Zinsser are the two heavyweight titans of the primer world, but they excel in slightly different applications.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Primer is a fast-drying white-pigmented acrylic latex (water-thinnable) primer and undercoat. 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.
One coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is usually sufficient for most projects to ensure adhesion, but a second coat is recommended for high-porosity surfaces, heavy stain blocking, or when painting over dark colors. It dries fast, allowing for a second coat in about one hour.
As you might guess, a primer that bonds peeling paint is not suited for use on substrates such as glass, glazed brick or Kynar.
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.
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.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 White Water-Based Styrenated Acrylic Primer and Sealer 1 gal.
However, professional painters looking for a high-grade finish will always use a dedicated primer as the first coat on fresh drywall or raw wood. (If the drywall or wood has been painted in the past, dedicated primer is not necessary.)
It adheres to almost all surfaces without prior sanding. Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus can be applied on many interior and exterior surfaces, such like walls, ceilings, doors, trims and other paintable surfaces. Seals porous surfaces.
The best professional-grade paints for kitchen cabinets are hybrid alkyd enamels and waterborne polyurethanes. They deliver a tough, self-leveling, and chip-resistant finish. Top industry choices include Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance, and INSL-X Cabinet Coat.
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.
Using Too Little Or Too Much Product
Using too little primer may not deliver the long lasting power you desire, while using too much primer may cause foundation to slide instead of staying put on your skin.
In the context of nails, you should apply primer first, followed by a bond/bonder.
In rare cases, patients may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in bonding. If you have a history of allergies, it's essential to discuss this with your dentist before the procedure. Your dentist can recommend materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
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.
Yes, you can wait too long to paint after priming. While primer doesn't usually "go bad," leaving it unpainted for too long (weeks or months) leaves it unprotected against dust, dirt, and UV degradation, which can ruin adhesion. Always check your specific product label, as recoat windows typically range from 24 hours to 7 days.
The thin, milky liquid can be applied using a brush, medium pile roller or sprayer. Apply the primer liberally, but avoid spilling or dripping. One coat is sufficient. Clean up spills and drips with a wet, soapy cloth or rag and warm.
Leaving primer unpainted for a short time is generally fine, but leaving it unpainted long-term makes the surface hard to clean, susceptible to stains, and prone to absorbing moisture. Primer is porous and brittle, designed to bond to surfaces, not to protect them, so it may eventually peel or degrade without a topcoat.
Yes, you can use water-based paint over oil-based primer, but only if the surface is sanded, cleaned, and fully cured. Skipping prep leads to peeling, bubbling, or adhesion failure. With the right steps, you can combine both for a durable, long-lasting finish.