10 Best Wood Primers for a Flawless Finish
Are you ready to give your woodwork projects a flawless finish? If so, you should ensure you have the best wood primer.
Primers are an important step in any woodworking project. They are essential for ensuring a smooth and even finish. But if you don’t use them first, the paint might not stick, and the finish might not last. Thus, many people make the mistake of skipping the primer step when painting their wood furniture. As a result, they must repaint their furniture much more often than they should.
Finding a suitable wood primer is another profound-level job. A wrong selection can damage the wood surface and its appearance. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about it. I have compiled a list of the ten best wood primers for a flawless finish.
From oil-based to water-based primers, this list has something for everyone. Keep reading to find out which wood primer is suitable for you.
1. Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye All Surface Primer
Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye All Surface Primer is an all-in-one primer and sealer. It comes from Rust-Oleum, a leading paint maker. Also, this primer is designed to provide superior adhesion and durability on almost any surface. You can use this primer on different interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, drywall, masonry, and metal.
It’s water-based, so that it won’t cause any problems with previously painted surfaces. It seals uniformly to prevent you from worrying about sanding. Also, it has excellent stain-blocking resistance. So, you can use any oil or latex topcoat without worrying about the finished product.
One coat of this primer will cover up to 87-112 sq. ft., making your job easier and faster. You can touch the primed surface within 35 minutes and start painting topcoats within 1 hour. Hopefully, you won’t find another primer that offers these kinds of benefits – let alone one that comes at such an affordable price.
- Benefits
- Highly durable, long-lasting, and excellent adhesion
- Low odor, non-toxic, and water-based formula
- High quality, fast-drying primer perfect for use on wood, metal, plaster, brick, and masonry
- Acts as a primer, sealer, and bonder in one, saving time and effort
- You can use it as a spot primer for minor repairs
- Prevents paint from peeling, cracking, and fading over time
- Provides an extra layer of protection against mold, mildew, and other damage
- Drawback
- Relatively expensive compared to other primers
- Does not offer a lot of coverage for large areas
2. KILZ 3 Premium Primer
KILZ 3 Premium Primer is a powerful and versatile water-based formula to seal surfaces, hides stains, and helps to achieve a consistent finish. Also, it offers excellent adhesion to both interior and exterior surfaces. It is an ideal choice for use in high-humidity areas, like bathrooms and laundry rooms, and
This primer can be used on properly prepared surfaces, including wood, ferrous metals, cast iron, wrought iron, steel, cured plaster, wallpaper, masonry, and CMU. It provides an excellent base for either latex or oil-based paint. You can be use it under or over existing paint.
This 1-gallon can of primer features mildew-resistant protection and zero VOCs for safe use in occupied homes and workspaces. This product covers approximately 300-400 square feet per gallon. With its easy clean-up with soap and water, KILZ 3 Premium Primer is a fantastic preference for any painting project.
- Benefits
- The water-based formula creates a fine base for oil-based paints
- Seals surface and blocks odors
- Blocks most stains including water, smoke, tannin, and ink
- You can apply it on both interior and exterior surfaces
- Dries quickly while showing excellent adhesion
- Creates a mildew resistant coating
- Zero VOCs for safe use in occupied homes and workspaces
- Drawback
- Not compatible with some types of paint and coatings
- Has a strong odor when applied
3. Rust-Oleum Brush On Painters Primer
You don’t necessarily need to be a professional painter to get a professional-looking finish on your projects. Rust-Oleum Brush-On Painters Primer is the perfect way to get started. It goes on smoothly and provides an excellent base for any paint job, indoors or outdoors.
This 32 fl. oz. primer for furniture dries to the touch in 30 minutes. One quart primer can cover up to 120 sq ft in just one coat. So, it doesn’t matter whether you apply it on wood, metal, masonry, plaster, or any unglazed ceramic. It has a water-based formula, so it will create a low odor after applying it.
Applying this primer, you surface will appear perfect and even without any imperfections and chipping. Also, you can clean the painted surface easily with soap and water solution without compromising quality. So, this primer has got you covered whether you’re painting a new fence or refreshing the trim on your house.
- Benefits
- Provides excellent adhesion to many hard-to-coat surfaces
- Ideal for use on wood, plaster, masonry, metal, and hardboard
- Available in various colors and finishes
- Provides excellent coverage of 120 sq. ft. per 32 fl. oz. primer
- Dries to touch within just 30 minutes
- Resistant to chipping, fading, and cracking while leaving a uniform finish
- Easy to apply with a brush
- Easy clean up with soapy water solution
- An affordable option to give your projects a professional-looking finish
- Drawback
- Can be difficult to apply it evenly
- Not suitable for use on floors or areas that will be exposed to water
4. KILZ Adhesion Primer
Welcome to KILZ Adhesion Primer, the unique latex primer that provides a secure bond on slick surfaces where other primers just won’t cut it. Whether painting a room or furniture, this primer is ideal for any project where a strong bond is essential. You can start priming with brush, roller, or spray.
KILZ Adhesion Primer bonds to challenging surfaces, including PVC, Formica, vinyl, glass, tile, and metals – pretty much any surface you can think of! With this primer, the possibilities are endless. You can use it on most interior and exterior surfaces where traditional primers don’t stick well.
What sets this primer apart from others is its high adhesion properties, which allow it to bond securely to a wide range of surfaces. However, it works as a sturdy base for latex or oil-based topcoat. This primer is also good to go with epoxies, lacquers, and Xylene products. Whatever item you use as a topcoat will dry to touch within 30 minutes and cover 300 sq. ft. per gallon.
- Benefits
- Adheres to any surface for preparing them for further painting
- Its fast-drying formula provides a smooth, even finish
- Strong resistance against mold, mildew, and other stains
- Seals porous surfaces and blocks stains to maintain the paint job quality
- Designed to bond to surfaces like glossy surfaces, ceramic tile, vinyl, and aluminum
- Ideal for older or previously painted surfaces as it blocks out stains
- Dries to touch within 30 minutes and coverage of 300 sq. feet per gallon
- Applicable on both interior and exterior surfaces
- Drawback
- Not recommended to use on galvanized metals
- Can be challenging to apply in small or tight spaces
5. Rust-Oleum Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer
You’re looking for a primer that will block all stains and odors, right? I have the perfect primer for you – The Rust-Oleum Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer. It goes on thick and seals in knots, sap, and tannin.
This best primer for old wood and new surfaces bonds easily to most materials. So you don’t have to worry about sanding first. One coat is all you need for complete coverage.
This primer dries rapidly. So you can start painting sooner rather than later. As it provides excellent coverage, you won’t have to spend hours painting over old stains and patches.
- Benefits
- Non-toxic and low-VOC
- Easy to use and fast drying
- Low odor and non-flammable
- High quality and durable finish
- Proven protection against mold, mildew, and stains
- Provides a strong bond for better protection against damage
- Drawback
- Creates poor bond on varnish as one user complained
- Not as durable as other primers
6. KILZ Original Primer
You’ve just moved into your new home, and it needs some serious TLC. The walls are stained, the ceilings are smoke-damaged, and there’s pet odor everywhere. Then, you must spend hours scrubbing and painting just to cover up the evidence of the past life. KILZ Original Primer is here to help.
This oil-based item is the best primer for stained wood and other surfaces like drywall, plaster, wallpaper, masonry, and brick. Wherever you apply it, it covers existing and blocks new stains and odors like smoke, pet, and food. You can apply it using a brush, spray, or roller easily.
This primer blocks most stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, and grease. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes to start painting sooner rather than later. Moreover, this primer offers great coverage of 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon.
- Benefits
- Provides excellent adhesion and stain-blocking properties
- Applicable on a wide variety of surfaces
- Applicable to prime walls, ceilings, and woodwork
- Low VOCs and low odor for a healthy environment
- It also seals porous surfaces and blocks stains
- Dries to touch within 30 minutes and coverage of 300-400 sq. feet per gallon
- Drawback
- Some users did not like the odor at all
7. Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Primer Sealer
You’re looking to give your home a fresh coat of paint. But you worry about how to get started. Then, my suggestion for you is to have the Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Primer Sealer. It works as 2-in-1 product, primer, and sealer for multiple surfaces.
It is an oil-based sealer designed to cover any stains and seal water, smoke, and nicotine stains. The primed surface gets extra shine and a beautiful look. Also, it provides enamel undercoating performance on interior surfaces.
This primer delivers full penetration and flexibility on exterior surfaces. Once you apply Zinsser primer, it will dry quickly to touch and give the topcoat. Also, it creates a strong bond to any interior and exterior surfaces allowing full penetration.
- Benefits
- Excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces
- High hiding power for a great coverage
- Dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion
- Product made in the United States
- Resistant to mildew, an ideal choice for damp, humid environments
- Easy to use with a brush, roller, or sprayer
- Drawback
- May leave brush stains sometimes
- May require multiple coats for even coverage
8. KILZ General Purpose Latex Primer
Are you looking to paint your house and want the best results? KILZ General Purpose Exterior Latex Primer Sealer is a great choice for priming exterior surfaces. It can cure the damage to surface texture and porosity differences.
It’s specifically formulated to work well on many different surfaces, including wood, stucco, masonry, and brick. After applying it with brush, spray, and roller, it dries within 30 minutes to touch and start painting sooner.
It offers excellent adhesion for most exterior surfaces. So you can get the perfect finish every time. Interesting part is that one gallon of this primer can cover up to 400 sq. ft. area.
- Benefits
- High-quality, general-purpose primer that provides excellent adhesion to surfaces
- Dries quickly and can be applied over damp surfaces
- Long-lasting and durable, providing excellent protection against weathering
- Applicable on a variety of exterior surfaces, including wood, masonry, and brick
- Best primer for wood doors and other furniture
- Easy to use with a brush, roller, or sprayer
- Dries to touch within 30 minutes and coverage of 300-400 sq. feet per gallon
- Drawback
- May require multiple coats for maximum stain blocking
9. Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer
You want to do a DIY project but don’t have sufficient time to go to the store. Then, you wait for the paint to dry, and worry about how well it will hold up. I know we have all been there. In fact, you have an idea for a project but don’t want to spend all day painting it. But if you have Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer, something new will be discovered.
This primer dries in 10 minutes or less to touch. It comes with durable Covermax technology for exceptional coverage and brilliant color. So, you can consider it for any indoor or outdoor jobs.
You can remain confident to apply it on surfaces like plastic, metal, and wood. So, whether you’re working on a new piece of furniture or giving your porch a fresh coat of paint, Krylon has you covered.
- Benefits
- Quickest primer to dry within just 10 minutes to touch
- Designed to stand up to wear and tear, ideal for any indoor or outdoor projects
- Applicable on wood, metal, plastic, glass, and others
- Covermax technology for superior coverage and vivid color
- Leaves smooth finish that is resistant to chipping and fading
- Provides long-lasting protection against corrosion and rust
- Drawback
- Limited color selection
- May not provide enough coverage for heavily stained surfaces
10. Rust-Oleum American Accents Spray Paint Primer
You’re looking for a paint primer to help you get the job done quickly and easily, right? I have got just what you need –Rust-Oleum American Accents Spray Paint Primer. You can apply it on any surface from wood, plastic, metal, and many others.
It provides lifelong protection on the primed surface. It comes with an any-angle spray comfort tip that reduces finger fatigue. Also, you can reach the tricky spots with this spray primer. One aerosol can provide up to 12 sq. ft. area primer and get it dry to the touch within 20 minutes.
This primer is exactly what you need if you’re looking for superior durability with smooth, full coverage and vivid color. In fact, it creates a smooth, ready-to-paint surface. So your projects can be completed quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for?
- Benefits
- A fast-drying paint and primer that provides a durable finish
- Formulated to resist rust and corrosion
- Applicable on metal, wood, and plastic
- Resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading
- An excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor projects
- Dries to touch within 20 minutes and coverage of 12 sq. feet per aerosol
- Creates a smooth, ready-to-paint surface quickly
- Drawback
- Better results on outdoor surfaces than indoor ones
- Doesn't work on foam tiles
There are two different types of primers, water-based and oil-based.
Water-based primers are best suited for combination and oily skin. These primers have a very lightweight formula and provide intense moisture. This primer is ideal for makeup that won’t budge throughout the day.
Oil-based primers combine the best of both worlds by combining a lightweight, non-greasy formula with powerful hydration properties. It allows them to be easily applied to both dry and combination skin.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wood primer can be challenging. There are a lot of great options out there! But with this guide, you’ll be able to choose the perfect one for your needs.
Ensure reminding these things in mind when deciding what type of project you’re working on. Also, think about the time you have and the finish you want. With these considerations in mind, you can find the best wood primer for your next project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they can be. Primers are designed to be applied before your foundation or concealer. They are typically colorless and provide a smooth base for applying makeup. They also help to brighten and even out the skin tone, making your makeup application more accurate and accessible. If you want more color, apply it on top of the primer.
It depends on the condition of your wood. Kilz is a premium quality paint formulated to make any surface look beautiful while offering long-lasting protection and durability.
If your wood is in good condition and has no significant imperfections, Kilz can be applied directly to the surface without priming. However, if your wood has deep grain, dings, or scratches, you may need to prime the wood first using a quality primer before applying Kilz.
A primer for wood furniture is a type of paint that gives the surface of wooden furniture a smooth, even finish. It seals the wood, preventing moisture from entering and causing discoloration. A good primer for wood furniture will also provide excellent adhesion for the topcoat paint, minimizing bumps and bubbles and creating a smooth surface.
The best primer for wood furniture will be one that provides all of these qualities and more. It should dry quickly to apply the topcoat paint without waiting too long. It should also be water-resistant to protect against moisture damage. Additionally, it should be easy to apply with excellent coverage. It will resist you from using it too much.
A few things to remember when priming wood crafts are:
- First, wood is a porous material. So, choosing a primer to seal these pores and prevent color bleeding is essential.
- Second, it’s crucial to select a primer that is exclusively designed for use on wood.
- Third, choosing a primer that is equally high quality and appropriate for the project you are working on is necessary.
A few different types of primers can be used on wood crafts. One type of primer is an aerosol primer, which can be applied quickly and easily with minimal effort and mess. Another type of primer is a liquid or cream-based primer that must be applied with a brush or foam applicator. Finally, you can also apply regular paint directly over a primed surface to save time on your project. When choosing a primer for your wood crafts, look for one specifically designed for use with wood and one that is sufficiently water-resistant and stain-resistant.
Primer can help bond paint to wood surfaces, making them more durable and easier to apply. You may need to apply multiple coats of primer before applying paint, depending on the condition of the wood.
For interior projects, a thin coat of primer is typically sufficient. Before applying paint, one or two coats of primer may be needed for exterior projects. It is best to check the instructions on the primer before application.
Wood primers prevent the wood from absorbing the stain, paint, or other liquid coatings. Primers protect the wood by filling in the wood grain and sealing it off.
If you don’t use a wood primer, your stain will likely not adhere to the wood properly. Your piece will also be more prone to water damage.
Wood primers are an inexpensive way to protect your projects from damage. Using a primer on all your projects is well worth the additional cost.
The best way to apply paint primer on wood depends on your wood type and the primer you use. Primers are specially formulated products that lay the groundwork for other coatings by chemically bonding to the wood and creating a smooth surface. They also prevent water absorption, leading to dark spots on your finished project.
For best results, you should use an oil-based primer on hardwoods. After all, these primers will create a chemical bond with the wood fibers and give you better adhesion for your topcoat. On softwoods, water-based primers are generally better for sealing in moisture and preventing cracking later on.
Both types of primers need to be applied before painting. It ensures that the entire surface is completely covered. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and allow adequate drying time before applying your topcoat.
