What is Zinsser 123 used for?

Author: Stephen Rohan  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Zinsser® Bulls-Eye 1-2-3® is a high hide water-based styrenated acrylic water-based primer-sealer stain blocker and bond coat designed for priming all surfaces. Apply to interior and exterior walls, ceilings, doors, trim, fascia, soffits, foundations, railings, and related paintable surfaces.

What is Zinsser 123 primer used for?

Bulls Eye 1-2-3® is great for all interior and exterior surfaces, so yes this product can be used on metal. It is also suitable for new and previously painted drywall, plaster, wood, vinyl, PVC, fibreglass and even masonry.

Is Zinsser 123 a good primer?

Bullseye 123 is pretty decent primer and bonds well to a lot of surfaces including tile... But if you want the best adhesion you should wait about 7 days before painting it. It takes longer to cure on surfaces like tile or oil paint because it can only dry to one side... Outward.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

Do you need to sand before using Zinsser 123?

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.

An expert guide to Zinsser Bulls-Eye 123®

Can you paint straight over Zinsser?

can i paint over zinsser primer/stain remover emulsion paint? How can I clean the brush afterwards? Yes, The Zinsser BIN Primer can be painted over. you would have to use methylated spirits to clean the brushes.

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.

How long does it take Bullseye 123 to dry?

Dries to the touch in 30 minutes, can be recoated in 1 hour. Full adhesion and hardness develops in 7 days. Lower temperatures, higher humidity, and the addition of tint will prolong dry and cure time.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin and Zinsser 123?

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 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.

How many coats of Zinsser 123 primer should I use?

In most cases only one coat is necessary. Porous surfaces may require two coats to properly seal. Prime entire surface for best results. Thinning– If thinning is necessary add no more than 10 % clean water and stir thoroughly.

What paint can I use over Zinsser 123?

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. Adheres to slick materials - gloss paint, tiles, metal, hardboard, melamine, plastic, GRP, uPVC.

How soon can you paint after applying Zinsser 123 primer?

How long should Zinsser primer dry before painting? Products like the Zinsser 123 Primer are generally touch dry in 30 minutes, allowing a subsequent topcoat in just an hour.

Is Zinsser 123 a good bonding primer?

A 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces, it offers excellent adhesion without sanding. Bulls Eye® 1-2-3 also prevents rust formation when applied over clean ferrous metal such as iron and steel.

Does Zinsser 123 block water stains?

Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer is a water-based stain blocking primer that can be used for interior or exterior projects. This primer provides a high hiding and stain sealer, meaning you can enjoy surfaces free from stains like oil, water, fire and smoke damage.

Should I sand after Zinsser primer?

Pigmented Shellac like Bins is a great stain blocking primer. We use it for many purposes, bare wood, worn wood cabinets smoke and water damage etc. Bin's is very sandable and should be sanded between coats. When you apply it, work fast, get it on as even as you can, but do not try to over work it.

Does Zinsser 123 block odor?

Zinsser® Bulls-Eye 1-2-3® Primer is a high-hiding, all purpose, primer-sealer and stain blocker that provides up to 20% more coverage than competitive products. It blocks and seals stains caused by water, nicotine, smoke, tannin, pencil, ink, grease and felt marker, and seals smoke and pet odors.

What is the best primer for old wood?

Top Performers

We experimented with lots of primers for our tests to find the best primer for painting stained wood. The top performers we found were: Seal Grip from PPG, Stix from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer from Home Depot.

Will Zinsser 123 cover knots?

Spot prime knots and sap streaks with Zinsser paint B-I-N Primer-Sealer.

Do I have to paint over Zinsser primer?

While painting over Zinsser primer is not necessary, it can be done with careful consideration. By following the do's and don'ts and using high-quality paint, you can achieve a successful and long-lasting paint job.

How do you spray Zinsser 123?

Hold can upright 10-16” from surface and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Keep the can the same distance from the surface. Keep the can in motion while spraying.

Can you use Zinsser 123 on wood?

We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces as it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.

Can I paint straight over primer?

Technically, yes, you can do that. Some circumstances don't require sanding the existing paint and primer before repainting. If you choose this route, the car's surface might show minimal damage like puncture holes, body scratches, dents, and cracks.

What is a good bonding primer?

If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

Should I sand after every coat of primer?

Once you've completed your last coat of primer, you should go ahead and sand before applying your first coat of base color. However, there is no reason at all to sand between coats of primer. It will only add more work to your plate with no visible benefits.

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