For the best results with Zinsser primers, use a short-nap (1/4 inch) microfiber, high-density foam, or mohair roller. These nap types prevent shedding and lay the primer down thin and smooth, minimizing texture.
Use a nylon, polyester or synthetic roller. Do not dilute. Spray opening: 0,017 inch..
Apply with a natural or synthetic (nylon, polyester or blend) bristle brush, roller, or airless sprayer. Follow manufacturer's instructions when using spray equipment. For airless spraying use a 0.011"-0.013” tip at 800 to 1200 psi.
The best roller for primer depends on your surface: for smooth to lightly textured drywall, use a 3/8-inch nap woven or microfiber roller. For rougher surfaces or thicker primers (like PVA), use a 1/2-inch nap. High-density, shed-resistant covers prevent clumps and ensure an even base coat.
Applying Zinsser primer is simple, but the technique depends on which product you are using. Zinsser’s two most popular formulas are B-I-N (shellac-based, dries fast, superior stain blocker) and Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 (water-based, all-purpose, easy clean-up).
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.
Most of the time you only need to apply one coat of Zinsser BIN Primer. This is particularly true when you're using it as an adhesion primer. The only time I'd ever consider applying two coats is when I'm blocking a particularly bad stain.
A 3/8″ microfiber roller is usually best because it holds primer well and spreads it evenly. Can I use a foam roller for primer on walls? You can, but it's not ideal for most walls. Foam works better on very smooth surfaces like doors and panels.
To achieve the absolute smoothest paint finish, your choice of roller depends on the surface you are painting. Use high-density foam rollers for cabinets, furniture, and trim. For large, flat walls, choose a short-nap woven or microfiber roller.
Red is widely considered the hardest color to paint over. Its strong, highly saturated pigments frequently bleed through subsequent layers of lighter paint.
The best approach is to use both: a high-quality angled brush for "cutting in" corners, edges, and tight spaces, and a roller for large, flat surfaces to ensure an even, texture-matched finish.
You don't need any brushes, sponges, or other beauty tools to apply primer—your own two hands will do the trick. Since this product is made to fill your pores, it's important to make sure that your hands are freshly washed to avoid clogging them with any extra dirt or oil from your fingertips.
If spills or drips have dried, use denatured alcohol or ammoniated detergent to soften and remove primer. Wash application tools in a solution of 1 part ammonia and 3 parts water immediately after use. If product has dried on application tools, soak tools overnight in a solution of equal parts ammonia and water.
Choose a 3/8-inch nap for smooth to lightly textured interior walls, as it holds plenty of paint and provides a sleek finish. Choose a 1/2-inch nap if your walls have slightly more texture or are slightly rough, as the longer fibers reach into dips and grooves for better coverage.
For most surfaces, one coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer is sufficient. However, two coats are recommended for high-porosity surfaces (like raw wood), severe water stains, or when covering, high-contrast colors to prevent bleed-through. The product dries in 1 hour and can be recoated after that time.
Roll on the Primer
After you have tended to any imperfections move on to the larger spaces of the wall. Use a 9-inch roller for a quick and seamless application. Start by pouring your primer in a paint tray then cover the entire roller with a primer before rolling off any excess on the ridged area of the paint tray.
Professional painters rely on a combination of high-quality woven or knitted covers—primarily using trusted brands like Purdy and Wooster—to ensure a smooth finish without shedding or lap marks. Pros match their equipment to the paint and surface rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Step-by-step guide
Dense foam rollers give the smoothest finishes. Their smooth, fibreless surfaces do a great job of distributing thin layers of paint - without leaving streaks or texture behind. However, as foam rollers aren't suitable for rough surfaces, we'd recommend a medium pile polyester roller for exterior walls.
Many painters “break in” a roller cover by priming it with water or thinner. In our lab we never prewet a cover before painting. If you choose to, you must spin it out with five or six strong pumps so it is only lightly damp. Then take even more moisture out by blotting the cover with a paper towel.
Using too much or too little paint will result in an uneven finish and can add unwanted texture to your paint job. If you load the roller or brush too much, it can cause drips and sags. It also extends dry time. Using too little affects the texture because you have to paint more coats than necessary.
A 14-inch paint roller offers the best middle ground for most projects, balancing the fast coverage of a large roller with the maneuverability of a standard 9-inch roller. An 18-inch roller is best for massive, empty spaces, but it is heavy, bulky, and requires specialized, large-capacity trays.
Hello, sure, you can paint over top, that is ok. Just make sure you left enough time for it to dry, as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is waterbased. I would recommend 2 coats painting. After first coat leave it to dry 30 mins.
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.
A short nap microfibre. Don't use foam. The BIN will cause it to decompose all over your freshly prepped piece. I put the roller - uncleaned - into a ziplock or vacuum seal bag.