The "best" primer paint depends entirely on your project. The industry gold standard for general interior use and adhesion is Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, while KILZ Original Oil-Based is unmatched for sealing heavy stains and odors, and INSL-x Stix is best for slick surfaces like tile or laminate.
Stain-Blocking
Oil-based stain killers work the best on water stains and for spot-priming. Latex stain-blocking primers work better on large areas and hold up better on exterior surfaces. Pigmented shellac primer works well to block smoke and soot damage as well as to block animal urine smells.
The best primers for acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic and free of heavy silicones that can clog pores. Top recommendations include e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer (infused with salicylic acid to fight breakouts) and Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Primer (which blurs pores without congesting them).
Neither brand is universally "better"; rather, Zinsser generally excels in stain-blocking, adhesion, and problem-solving, while Kilz is a favorite for budget-friendly, general-purpose coverage and odor control. The right choice depends on your specific surface and the problem you are trying to solve.
Acrylic and latex primers are both water-based, but acrylic contains higher-quality synthetic resins that provide better adhesion, flexibility, and durability. Use acrylic primer for exterior surfaces, moisture-prone areas, or challenging materials. Use latex primer for standard interior walls and ceilings where quick drying and easy cleanup are preferred.
Use acrylic primer (or gesso) to ensure paint adhesion, enhance color vibrancy, and prevent peeling on porous or slick surfaces like canvas, wood, plastic, or metal. It is essential for smoothing textures, covering old paint, and preventing acrylic from soaking into raw materials.
Exterior latex paints should not be applied at surface and air temperatures below 50°F. Exterior paint should only be applied when the temperature will not drop below the recommended level of 50°F for at least 8 hours following application.
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.
Customers say that Kilz 2 All-Purpose Primer is a reliable and effective product for various painting projects, providing good coverage and easy application. Many users appreciate its quick drying time and low odor, making it suitable for indoor use.
Though the name itself is misleading, KILZ paint and primers do not actually 'kill' mold. But it will prevent mold. The brand does well to kill a stain's ability to show through the final coat of paint by sealing over the stained surface with an impermeable interior barrier.
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.
Skin care chemicals to avoid include:
The best primer for a beginner is e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. It is affordable (around $11), widely available, and its gel-like formula acts like double-sided tape for your makeup, ensuring everything stays in place all day.
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.
Types of Primers. There are three basic types of primers: oil-based, latex and pigmented shellac primer. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and works best on certain surfaces and in particular circumstances.
The best interior wall primer depends on your specific wall condition: Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is the best all-purpose water-based option, Kilz Original Oil-Based is ideal for heavy stains or odors, and Zinsser B-I-N Shellac is the top choice for blocking tough bleed-through like smoke damage.
When painters want something better than Kilz, they almost always turn to Rust-Oleum Zinsser products. While Kilz is a household name for basic stain-blocking, Zinsser provides heavy-duty, specialty primers that excel in severe odor removal, extreme adhesion, and tannin bleed-through.
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.
The best makeup primer depends on your specific skin type and desired finish. Top universally acclaimed options include e.l.f. Cosmetics for the best budget-friendly grip, Benefit Cosmetics for blurring pores, and Armani Beauty for a luxurious, smoothing base.
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.
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.
As you might guess, a primer that bonds peeling paint is not suited for use on substrates such as glass, glazed brick or Kynar.
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.
Compounds used in the formulation of some latex paint can cause it to be toxic to many aquatic organisms. Since most storm drains drain to streams, rivers, bays and the ocean, dumping excess latex paint into storm drains or rinsing painting equipment into the gutter or storm drain is prohibited.
So what is the best choice between latex paint vs. acrylic? While latex paint dominates interior residential work with its easy application and quick dry times, acrylic's superior adhesion and flexibility make it the ideal choice for exterior surfaces.