What is the difference between Zinsser bin and Bullseye 123?

Author: scraper  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Zinsser B-I-N is a shellac-based primer that excels at heavy stain blocking (smoke, water, nicotine, tannins) and odor sealing, but has a strong alcohol smell and requires denatured alcohol for cleanup. Bulls Eye 123 is a water-based acrylic primer ideal for general-purpose use, offering low odor, easy soap-and-water cleanup, and strong adhesion to various surfaces.

Which is better, Zinsser 123 or Bin?

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.

Why is Zinsser BIN so good?

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.

What is Bullseye 123 primer used for?

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a versatile, water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker used to prep interior and exterior surfaces. It is highly prized by painters for adhering to slick or glossy surfaces without heavy sanding and acts as an ideal universal base coat before painting.

Is Bullseye 123 primer any good?

The primer effectively blocks stains and often requires only 1-2 coats to cover dark or stained areas. While a few customers noted limitations in covering extremely dark colors or stubborn stains, the majority praised the primer's performance and value, considering it a reliable, high-quality product.

An expert guide to Zinsser Bulls-Eye 123®

Do I need two coats of Zinsser 123?

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.

What primer is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Kilz and Zinsser are the two heavyweight titans of the primer world, but they excel in slightly different applications.

Can I paint over Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 primer?

Yes you can paint over that - just make sure it is properly dry. Also if you are doing two coats over it make sure you also leave a good amount of drying time between. BE123 seems to slow the drying process a little and you will find the paint dragging if you try and second coat to soon.

Do you need to sand before using 123 primer?

SURFACE PREPARATION

Remove any peeling and/or unsound coatings. Scuff sand bare aluminum. Sand any remaining paint film edges smooth. Spot prime knots and sap streaks with Zinsser B-I-N Primer Stain Blocker.

When should you use Zinsser BIN?

Use B-I-N® as a full surface primer on drywall, cured plaster, filled areas, ceiling tiles, wood or metal doors, windows, cabinets, plywood, panelling, trim, glossy paints, clear finishes and other paintable interior surfaces. B-I-N® is also great for exterior spot priming over knots, sap streaks and rust stains.

Can mold grow over mold killing primer?

Zinsser Mold Killing Primer is used to paint over and kill all existing mold, mildew, moss, fungi, odor causing bacteria and any other fungal organisms, it does not prevent mold from growing on the top coat. As a primer, Mold Killing Primer must be top coated.

What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?

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.

Does Zinsser bin primer need two coats?

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.

Is Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 a bonding primer?

Yes, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a water-based bonding primer (also known as a "bond coat" primer). It is specifically designed to adhere to hard-to-stick, glossy, or slick surfaces, including metal, glass, and tile, without requiring sanding.

When should you not use bonding primer?

As you might guess, a primer that bonds peeling paint is not suited for use on substrates such as glass, glazed brick or Kynar.

What is the difference between bin and bullseye 123?

Zinsser B-I-N is a shellac-based primer that excels at heavy stain blocking (smoke, water, nicotine, tannins) and odor sealing, but has a strong alcohol smell and requires denatured alcohol for cleanup. Bulls Eye 123 is a water-based acrylic primer ideal for general-purpose use, offering low odor, easy soap-and-water cleanup, and strong adhesion to various surfaces.

What is the number 1 primer?

Depending on your beauty goals, the "#1" primer varies. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is the ultimate best-seller for gripping makeup. For premium smoothing, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer or Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer are top-rated.

What is the hardest color to paint over?

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.

How many coats of Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 primer?

You typically only need one coat of Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 primer for most standard applications. However, a second coat is recommended if you are dealing with highly porous surfaces, covering drastic color changes, or blocking severe stains.

What are the disadvantages of using an oil-based primer?

On the other hand, oil based primer is better for high-traffic areas, as they are able to form an extremely strong barrier between the primer and the paint. However, as time passes, these oil-based primers gather dust and dirt quite quickly. They are also not easy to apply consistently to your surface.

Is Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 primer good?

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.

Is Zinsser bin a good primer?

Zinsser B-I-N is a highly rated, shellac-based primer-sealer celebrated by professionals and DIYers as the ultimate stain and odor blocker. It is widely considered the best product for locking in severe stains (like smoke, water, and tannins) and permanently neutralizing stubborn odors such as pet urine.

Why do painters use KILZ?

Our most technologically advanced paint and primer in one, KILZ® Tribute® is 100% acrylic, low VOC, and offers both excellent stain-blocking performance and exceptional durability.

What is Zinsser Bull's Eye 1/2/3 primer used for?

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a versatile, water-based primer-sealer. It is used to prepare interior and exterior surfaces by providing a strong "bond coat" that sticks to hard-to-paint materials without sanding. It also blocks common stains, prevents rust, and resists mildew.

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