The main difference between Zinsser B-I-N and Zinsser Bull's Eye 123 is their base formulation. B-I-N is shellac-based, making it the ultimate stain-killer and odor-blocker, while Bull's Eye 123 is water-based, making it an eco-friendly, universal adhesion primer.
Neither is universally "better"; they are simply designed for different jobs. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is the best choice for general-purpose use, exterior projects, and bare wood. Zinsser B-I-N is the ultimate choice for tough stain-blocking, severe odors, and covering glossy surfaces.
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.
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.
Neither brand is universally "better"; both excel at different things. Kilz is generally the go-to for blocking common stains, sealing drywall, and budget-friendly coverage. Zinsser is the preferred choice for heavy-duty stain blocking (like smoke damage or water stains), slick surfaces, and severe odors.
Because makeup is highly subjective, there isn’t a single, universal “number one” primer. However, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is consistently voted the #1 overall pick by beauty editors and makeup artists for its ability to hydrate and lock makeup in place all day.
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.
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.
Also consider fossa Block & Bond as a direct alternative to Zinsser BIN, it's a bit nicer to use, and quite a bit cheaper: Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer and Stain Blocker seals surface pores so you use less finish paint. Finish coat has rich uniform appearance, with no "high" and "low" spots.
Any oil or latex finish paint can be applied over Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
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.
123 isn't intended to be a bonding primer.
Professional painters prioritize specialized enamels over standard wall paint to ensure a durable, chip-resistant finish on kitchen cabinets. They rely on high-quality sprayers for factory-like results, and foam rollers or angled brushes for detailed work and tight spaces.
Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer
BullsEye 123 effectively primes and seals a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces, including walls, ceilings, doors, wood, plaster, concrete, glass, tiles, metal & UPVC.
Bonding primer is designed to stick to non-porous, "hard-to-stick" surfaces like glass, tile, or glossy laminates. However, you should not use it on bare wood, raw drywall, or surfaces with existing peeling paint. It also will not block tough stains or moisture.
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.
You can paint over Zinsser Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 primer after just 1 hour of dry time. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes, but waiting the full hour ensures it is properly ready for a topcoat.
Rolling is generally better for primer because it physically pushes the product into the surface fibers, ensuring stronger adhesion. However, spraying is significantly faster for large, empty spaces. Professionals often combine both by spraying and immediately "back-rolling" to get the best of both worlds.
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 is Zinsser Peel Stop? Zinsser Peel Stop is a water-based, flexible bonding primer formulated to address peeling, flaking, and chalking paint on both interior and exterior surfaces.
For use in homes, schools or commercial buildings, AllClean® Matt is great for ceilings and walls in any interior area. Zinsser PermaWhite® mould resistant paint is suitable for interior walls and ceilings, with a biocide to protect against fungal degradation* once dry.
Silicone-based primer
TheL'Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer is silicone-based and minimizes the look of pores while locking makeup in place for up to 24 hours.
Choosing a multitasking formula can enhance your skincare routine.
The "best" primer depends on your specific skin type and the makeup finish you want. There is no single universal primer, but these top-tier options are globally celebrated by makeup artists and beauty editors for dominating their specific categories: