Which Zinsser stain block is best?

Author: Dulce Mosciski  |  Last update: Friday, September 19, 2025

Our Best Stain Blocking Primers
  • Zinsser B-I-N. Zinsser B-I-N Primer is a shellac-based primer that offers great stain blocking properties and adhesion for your chosen topcoat. ...
  • Zinsser Cover Stain. Zinsser Cover Stain is a great stain blocking primer if you are looking for an oil-based solution. ...
  • Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.

What is the difference between Zinsser 123 and Cover Stain?

What is the difference between Zinsser 123 and Cover Stain? While both stand as top-tier products, the 123 is known for its stain-blocking properties across all surfaces. On the other hand, Cover Stain, being oil-based, stands out with its high hiding formula, adept at concealing difficult stains and imperfections.

Which Zinsser stain block to use?

The Best Stain Blocking Primer

Our personal recommendation would be to use Zinsser Coverstain, which is a low odour oil-based primer & stain blocker. Zinsser Coverstain can be used both on interior & exterior walls and is especially effective on nicotine and water stains.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin Aqua 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 difference between Zinsser BIN and bullseye?

Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based paint, Bullseye 123 is water-based. They're both adhesion primers and stain blocks, but each one is better for different jobs. For example, Zinsser BIN is better for blocking water stains and gripping to varnished wood. Zinsser Bullseye 123 can be used outside and works better on plastic.

Zinsser Cover Stain

Which Zinsser is best for wood?

When priming MDF wood for painting, we recommend Zinsser BIN Primer. BIN primer is a shellac-based primer that creates great adhesion for your chosen topcoat. A fast drying primer, it can be applied directly without any sanding and is ready for a topcoat after just 45 minutes.

Do I need to sand before using Zinsser bin?

B-I-N® is the ultimate primer, sealer and stain killer. It offers unparalleled adhesion on any surface without sanding and has the hiding power to conceal the toughest of stains.

What is the best primer for stained wood?

In the category for best primer for painting stained wood, our results found two top performers. They are Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer. These top two primers were the very best at bonding in both the 24 hour test and the 38 day test. A close 3rd was Stix from Benjamin Moore.

Can you paint straight over Zinsser B-I-N?

Yes, The Zinsser BIN Primer can be painted over.

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.

What is the best stain blocking primer?

The best primers for covering stains on a ceiling are an oil-based or shellac based primer. The two primer brands most recommended to me were Kilz Interior oil-based primer and Zinsser BIN shellac-based primer.

How many coats of Zinsser stain block?

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.

How to get rid of brown water stains on a ceiling?

Here's how:
  1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the solution directly onto the stained area of the ceiling without overly saturating it.
  3. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the stain.
  4. Use a sponge or cloth to gently wipe away the stain, working from the edges inward.

Can you use water-based paint over Zinsser 123?

Yes you can, Look at using Bedec MSP (Multi Surface Paint) another time.

How many coats of stain blocker primer?

Two coats are required. The first coat will absorb bleed-through which can cause a slight color change to gray, and the second coat will seal the bleed-through. Stir paint to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.

Can you paint over Zinsser stain block?

Yes, you can apply a water-based paint over Zinsser Coverstain.

Can I use water based paint over Zinsser cover stain primer?

An all-purpose solvent-based, stain-killing, primer-sealer. Ideal for interior and exterior applications. Recoat in only two hours. May be used under any solvent-based or water-based topcoat.

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.

Does Zinsser 123 need two coats?

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. Note that thinning the primer may affect its stain blocking properties.

What is a good alternative to Zinsser bins?

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.

Do you use a roller or brush for Zinsser cover stains?

The thin, milky liquid can be applied using a brush, medium pile roller or sprayer. Apply the primer liberally, but avoid spilling or dripping. Clean up spills and drips with a wet, soapy cloth or rag and warm as quickly as possible.

Can I prime over stained wood without sanding?

You generally don't need to sand new wood that has been stained before painting, but it depends on the results you're after. If you want a super-smooth painted finish, scuff-sand, which is lightly sanding (scuffing), the surface by hand (not with a machine), to smooth out bumps using 150- or 220-grit sandpaper.

Is one coat of Zinsser bin enough?

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.

What type of roller for zinsser bin?

A: the primer is quite runny, so I found that a short-nap roller on smooth surfaces worked best.

What is the difference between Zinsser bin and Zinsser cover stain?

Zinsser Cover Stain provides durability and adhesion on smooth and glossy surfaces. It's especially good fro using on outside jobs. Zinsser BIN is the toughest with the highest adhesion although it does have the highest price tag.

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