Best Paint Primers In 2023 [Tested & Approved By Experts]

If you’re confused about selecting between the best paint primers in 2022 then you’ve landed on the right page where we have made everything easy for you.

Everyone has a different opinion on whether or not to apply a paint primer before applying the color coat. In order to get a better color coat, most paint manufacturers recommend that you apply one or two coats of paint primer.

A paint primer may be recommended by painting contractors who charge by the hour. Contractors who charge per job may prefer to skip the primer when they include the components in their price that is where our list of best paint primers will help you with the top quality and budget-friendly products.

Do-it-yourself priming is something that most painters prefer to avoid at all costs. Often, the response is less centered on objective attributes such as price, time, and patience with painting than on subjective ones.

On the other hand, priming can feel like a waste of time. Priming is just as time-consuming as painting. Brush and roller strokes are identical to those you would use in the final color coat, but they all get covered up.

When painting a surface, primers are a type of paint that is used to prepare the surface for the final coat of paint. Their primary responsibilities are adhering to the substrate and preparing the surface for paint application.

Additionally, primers seal the pores of the wood and other porous materials and prevent staining and tannin bleed-through, which is why they’re so important. When applied correctly, primers can extend the life of your paint job and improve its appearance.

Our team has come up with the 10 best paint primers in 2022 that are extremely popular in the market. Most of the customers are utmostly satisfied with these primers.

Let us delve deeper into the beneficial aspects of the product so that your purchase process becomes easier and you can make an informed decision.

Best Paint Primers In 2022 — Expert Reviews

1. Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye All Surface Paint Primer

Preparing a surface for painting isn’t just an additional step; it ensures that the time and money invested in painting isn’t wasted. Use a primer as a buffer between the paint you’ll be using and the final coat you want to use.

No matter if you’re looking for a high-quality primer for everyday use around the house or industrial-strength perseverance for commercial properties, Zinsser has the right formula for you.

A high-quality base coat can extend the life and improve the strength of painting jobs by providing a proven adherence to a wide range of coatings, even on challenging surfaces and substrates.

Primers that are among the most popular can either be applied by rolling and brushing or by spraying with a quick-drying aerosol spray. The stain-covering primers made by Zinsser are the best on the market.

To get rid of a stain, they’re your best bet for a business partnership. This is a primer based on synthetic shellac. Shellac dries quickly, preventing the stain from soaking into the primer, which is a huge benefit.

Zinsser’s stain-blocking products have served us well for many years. Despite the fact that many people only use it for spot stain blocking, it is an excellent overview for everything else.

It’s almost impossible to remove, and it has good sticking power to just about any surface. It may even be used to block scents. This means that it will last a long time. Isopropyl alcohol is used to clean up (rubbing alcohol).

Priming is one of the main ways to keep your walls and home protected. Choosing Zinsser’s is one of the best decisions that you can make. Our team has found that the primer gas has the ability to cover all the dark areas quickly, and you do not have to think about whether your home looks shabby or whether you will be embarrassed when sudden guests arrive.

Regular paint can be applied to otherwise impossible surfaces thanks to a seal or bond. Mold, water damage, odors, and other surface problems can be covered and eliminated so that they’re being painted over without the need for repairs.

Choose this primer paint over anything, and we assure you that you will not be disappointed. Along with this, you can also check some of the amazing budget concrete paints that we have recently reviewed.

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2. Rust-Oleum 7780502 Primer

Most of the customers often complain that walls get rusted over time as they have missed applying primer before the paint. That is why our team suggests going for such a product that can prevent your walls, both interior and exterior, free from corrosion and rust.

This product is regarded as the top-notch in the market because of its ability to resist the paint from harsh weather conditions, moisture, mold, and mildew for an extended period.

Choosing Rust-Oleum is one of such decisions that will help you to keep your walls protected and free from any kind of damages for an extended period.

Denatured alcohol, paint de-glosser, or non-acetone fingertip polish remover can be used to determine whether the established paint is oil-based or latex. Because oil-based paint is unaffected, this is the best option.

There will be some paint on the rag, or the texture will be tacky with latex paint. However, this one is an oil-based product that will provide added protection to your wall, just like a creamy texture.

It will be hard for you to resist touching the walls all the time. An oil-based formula contains a long-lasting, rust-resistant coating that takes 2-4 hours to dry and covers up to 90 sq. ft. of the surface.

An excellent adhesion base is provided by a primer, which can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty environments. A distressed look can be achieved with this soft matte latex formula.

It’s the best chalk paint on Amazon, and for a good reason—it goes on quickly and cleans up with soap and water. Many reviewers claim that a small amount can go a long way.

Even after painting several pieces of furniture with two coats, they say that they still have half the can left! Inconsistencies in the surface can be smoothed out with a high-quality undercoat primer.

However, you must ensure that the walls have been appropriately plastered before beginning. Otherwise, it may not have a significant impact. You need to make sure that the primer has the ability to cover the entire surface and cover all the patches of the old wall.

To get a unique finish on the walls, make sure you use a clean wall to put the primer; otherwise, it will create unpleasant patches on it. If you are tired of molds and mildews then we have got you back with some of the incredible mold/mildew proof paints tested and reviewed by our expert team.

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3. KILZ Restoration Stain & Odor Blocking Paint Primer

KILZ is one of the known names in the market for home improvement paint and priming. In addition to adhesion and sealing, KILZ Primer (formerly KILZ 2 Latex) has a very mild odor and a fast drying time of just a few minutes.

Primer KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE blocks medium-sized ink stains, as well as minor water and rust stains. It’s perfect for tinting and reducing the number of coats of paint required.

Restoration (formerly KILZ MAX) is a water-based primer, sealer, and stain barrier that mimics the function of an oil-based product. It removes stubborn stains such as rust, water damage, nicotine, smoke, tannin, grease, ink, pencil, felt marker, and pet stains.

Latex or oil-based paint can be used as a topcoat. If the surface has been adequately prepared for use (e.g., brick or ceramic tile), then it can be used on interior surfaces such as drywall or glass or painted metal or plaster, or stucco.

Use on clean, dust-free surfaces that are free of grease, chalk, mold, rust, and peeling paint. Preparation is key. Brush, roller, or airless sprayer can be used to apply.

This kit contains roughly 300-400 square feet of coverage per gallon with one gallon of KILZ Restoration Latex Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker for inside surfaces in white.

When it comes to stain and odor-blocking performance, KILZ Restoration is one of the most popular and adequate water and oil-based primers on the market.

It covers everything from plaster and drywall to painted metal and ceramic tile to glossy surfaces like glass and glazed ceramic. Latex or oil-based paint can be used as a topcoat.

Grease, Heavy water, smoke, rust, ink, and pet stains are all blocked by KILZ Restoration. Smoke, Fire, food, cigarette smoke, and pet odors can also be kept out by using this product.

Crayon, permanent marker, graffiti, felt pen could all be prevented by KILZ Restoration. Before re-painting, apply KILZ Restoration Primer/Sealer/Stainblocker for better coverage and to hide stains.

It’s best to use KILZ Restoration to remove more severe water stains. Before applying, make sure the area is completely dry. In order to use this product, it must be clean of any mold or mildew. It’s not meant to leak constantly. Confused about which paint stripper should you buy to remove paint? Check out our massive list of paint strippers.

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Other Resources You May Like:

• Quick & Easy Guide On Removing Paint From Concrete

4. Zinsser Triple Thick Ponding Primer

Are you looking for an oil-based formula that gives a glamorous look on your walls? This one is the best product that you can choose from the list. Mineral spirits are needed to thin and clean up the volatile organic compounds released into the air by these long-drying primers.

They’re great for filling in gaps because they create a very smooth finish that fills pores in bare wood without raising the grain. On the other hand, oil primers act as an excellent barrier to block tannins from leaking through the surface of certain woods.

Wood, metal, concrete, and more can all benefit from this product. In order to achieve a flawless finish, a triple-thick formula penetrates and adheres to damaged or peeling surfaces.

It dries in 30 minutes, can be reapplied in 2 hours, and can cover anywhere from 12 to 50 square feet per quart, depending on the surface porosity. The primary benefit behind applying a primer is the enhancing ability of the existing durability of the paint.

Once you apply this primer on the wall, this can boost the looks of your walls and increase their life by almost 2X. You can also apply this primer on concrete, wood, tile, glass metal, and more.

So, do not worry about the usage, and 1 gallon can cover a large area which is also beneficial in itself. Vibrant color is what you need to make your home to look brand new. However, you need to follow simple steps to get the desired result.

The best way is to avoid the hassles of repeatedly painting over darker colors with expensive light-colored paint. If the existing color is extremely dark, you should first apply two layers of white primer to the surface.

Remember that most paint stores can tint your primer if you’re painting over a lighter color with a darker one. As a result, you need to apply fewer primer and color coats because the primer’s color is more closely matched to the wall finishes.

With a Rust-Oleum Triple Thick primer formula, you can do it easily without much trouble. If you wish to get a smooth finish on your walls, this one is the ideal one.

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5. INSL-X AQ040009A-01 Aqua Lock Plus Paint Primer

Sometimes, it can be tough to understand how much primer you need to make your wall look incredible and attractive. This calculator is essential to make the most of the product you choose.

However, if you are a bit doubtful about mixing the primer, you can go for this INSL Aqua Lock Primer now. Acrylic water-based primer is one of the popular ways to apply it without even mixing with water or any other solvent.

You have to use a clean roller, and your work is done. INSL’s one-coat guarantee makes it an excellent choice for covering old paint. You can save money on home remodeling projects by using less paint with this method, even though it isn’t the cheapest option.

It’s also stain-resistant, which is an added bonus. A primer is needed to adjust the base color so that your new color can be seen clearly and brilliantly.

The need for primer is reduced but not eliminated if the previous and new colors are the same or very similar. Once you go for INSL, you do not have to think about the priming process.

In recent years, primers that dry quickly and are water-soluble are now available with low or no VOC content. In comparison to their oil or shellac-based cousins, latex primers are less brittle and have a more flexible finish that is less susceptible to cracking.

Priming bare softwoods with them is possible, but you should first check to see if they raise the grain or let resin bleed through.
When it comes to unfinished drywall, latex primers are the best option because they help to smooth out the sheen and texture between both the wallboard and the joint compound.

Additionally, they allow water vapor through, which can help prevent peeling. You can follow some helpful tips to apply the coat like the way we ask you to.

A 3/4-inch nap roller is recommended on porous surfaces, while a brush should be used for areas that are difficult to roll. Before priming, lightly sand the tile. Foam or fine nap rollers should be used for best results.

Use a scrubbing pad or brush to remove stubborn stains from metal surfaces. Then use a fine-nap roller, brush, or sprayer to apply primer. Before you begin, remove any light switches or outlet covers.

Hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned with a 2-inch angle brush. Before priming, make sure there are no loose wood fibers. Nylon or Poly/Nylon brushes should be used when applying.

Repair any lost or broken mortar before priming. To get everything completely clean, use a wire brush. After that, apply the primer with a 12-inch nap roller. You are good to go, once you follow these tips.

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6. KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Paint Primer

You need an excellent bonding primer if you’re painting on a surface that is difficult to paint. Because it adheres to so many different surfaces, primers with high adhesion give you more options when it comes to painting.

When traditional water or oil-based primers fail to stick to slick surfaces, KILZ Adhesion is the answer. PVC, Kynar, vinyl, Formica, tile, glass, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass, and metals can all be painted with this product.

Latex or oil-based paint can be used as a topcoat on both the inside and outside of places where a strong connection is required. This primer can be used in conjunction with epoxies, lacquers, and other solvent-based products.

Cans of KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer are available in white. Per gallon, it covers an area of about 300 square feet.

On clean and free of grease, dust, mold, chalk, rust, and peeling paint surfaces can be applied. Before using, mix thoroughly. Use a brush, a roller, or a spray to apply it.

It takes only 30 minutes for KILZ Adhesion to dry to the touch, and it’s ready to be recoated in just an hour. KILZ has been selling high-quality primers and paints for the past four decades.

In 2015, KILZ Paint Brand of the Year was named by The Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings. Cans of KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer are available in white.

Per gallon, it covers an area of about 300 square feet. It’s critical to approximate how much paint you’ll need before you begin priming. In the standard case, a liter of paint covers approximately 6.5 square meters of surface area.

On the other hand, high-quality primers produce better results and cover more surface area while requiring less paint. Other than a smooth application, they obviously require more minor editing, saving you money.

This Rust-Oleum primer will allow you to get the exact result that you feel is the best in the market.

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7. KILZ 2 Multi-Surface Interior/Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer

A good primer improves the adhesion of paint to the surface, enhances the color of the paint, and reduces the amount of paint needed. The mildew-resistant film of KILZ 2 protects against mild to moderate stains and hides previous colors.

KILZ 2 Latex is ideal for concealing previous colors and preventing mild to moderate stains from ink, pencil, water, grease, and felt marker. Seals porous surfaces and provides a strong bond for the new paint to adhere.

Interior/exterior surfaces such as painted metal, brick, finely prepared glossy surfaces, drywall, paneling, and stucco, as well as wood and plaster, can all benefit from this versatile primer-sealer-stain blocker combination.

This product can be used on interior/exterior walls and ceilings with mild to moderate stains. Use an oil- or latex-based paint for the final coat. KILZ Premium primer is ideal for more challenging interior and exterior projects.

Can of KILZ 2 Latex Water-Based Primer, Sealer & StainBlocker for Interior & Exterior Surfaces – White 1-Quart roughly 300-400 square feet per gallon of product.

On clean and free of dust, grease, chalk, mold, rust, and peeling paint surfaces can be applied. Before using, mix thoroughly. Use a brush, a roller, or a spray to apply it.

A primer is almost always required on a porous surface. The plain-facing paper on the drywall and the dried joint composite covering the seams are highly porous.

A primer is always needed when working with wood that has been stripped of its natural finish. Paint primer is required for masonry, such as retaining wall blocks and bricks, before the masonry can be painted.

With this KILZ primer, you can solve all the issues in a jiffy. KILZ 2 is dry enough for a second coat in an hour as soon as you touch it. For the past 40 years, KILZ has been creating superior quality primers and paints.

You can use this primer to keep your house looking beautiful for a long time. You can follow the instructions that come with the product and find out how to complete the DIY methods without calling a professional.

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8. Prestige Exterior Paint & Primer In One

Premium Acrylic Latex Interior Paint by PRESTIGE Interior surfaces that have previously been painted can be painted over with paint that self-primes if they are adequately prepared.

Suitable for use in family rooms, living rooms, media rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Use a stain-blocking primer-sealer on both stained and glossy surfaces.

When it comes to specific colors, more than one coat may be necessary for full coverage. Actual paint colors may differ from their representations on the computer screen and in print.

All loose paint should be removed from the surface. To remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants, detergent should be used to clean the surface. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Polish shiny surfaces and fix any imperfections.

Wet a cloth and wipe away any dust, then wait for it to air dry. The new plaster must be properly cured. This product can be used to fill in holes and cracks, then sanded smooth and primed.

An oil-based primer/sealer may be necessary for new woods. Use the proper Rust Primer on metal surfaces. To ensure consistent color, constantly stir or mix the paint thoroughly before applying it to a surface.

This paint is best applied with a high-quality applicator, such as a 3/8-inch nap roller cover, brush, or pad painter. If spraying, thin with a small amount of water, and the dry time is around one hour.

After four hours, if necessary, reapply a fresh coat. After 14 days, a non-abrasive cleaner can be used to clean the surface gently. Use soap and warm water to clean up.

It’s always a good idea to go with an Eggshell finish. A soft, washable look works well in the living room, family room, or hallway. The eggshell effect is what gives a painted surface the texture of an eggshell when it is viewed from an angle in the light.

Unlike flat sheens, eggshell finishes have a more reflective quality. In addition to being easier to clean and more long-lasting than a flat finish, eggshell is also more expensive.

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9. Rust-Oleum 207014 Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer

Because some fish oil had been spilled on his ship, Robert Fergusson was inspired to create Rust-Oleum. As a result of his determination and ingenuity in protecting his ship from harsh conditions, the company is still going strong today.

Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings are intended to endure the stresses of everyday usage and environmental challenges while nevertheless preserving their attractiveness.

A boat is a significant investment, and it deserves the best protection possible without sacrificing style. A wide range of marine coatings from Rust-Oleum helps keep ships trying to look and performing their best for longer lifespans with fewer repairs.

Paints, primers, and additives designed to work in both fresh and saltwater environments make preserving your vessel easier than ever. A thick but flexible paint formula provides brilliant colors that withstand harsh weather.

Retains a high gloss even when exposed to sunlight on a daily basis. Superior shine and resistance to common abrasive elements are provided by this product designed to expand and contract in response to temperature fluctuations.

Prevent marine growth on the bottom of your boat by using below the waterline in both fresh and saltwater. Designed to release copper in a slow, steady stream for maximum protection against fouling.

Latex or oil-based paint can be thickened by adding an ultra-fine ground pumice base. The coating’s appearance or durability will not be affected by its addition.

Rust-Oleum Marine Wood & Fiberglass Primer creates a smooth surface for Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint to adhere to. Fiberglass and wood that are above the water’s surface should be used.

A primer is needed to adjust the base color so that your new color can be seen clearly and brilliantly. The need for primer is reduced but not eliminated if the previous and new colors are the same or very similar.

Priming the surface first does not necessitate the presence of all of the conditions mentioned above. If you find yourself in any of the following situations while painting, you may want to use paint primer.

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Final Verdict

A dry, clean, and grease-free surface is required for the application of all primers. When using a primer, lightly sand the surface and wipe away any dust with a tack rag or damp cloth before proceeding.

Before applying the final coat, lightly sand and dust the surface to remove any imperfections. After priming, paint the surface within a week for the best results.

When painting, make sure there is enough ventilation. As a result, the air in the room should be no more polluted than if you were doing the same thing outside of the house.

If opening the windows and using fans isn’t sufficient, wearing a mask or respirator is an option. Painting indoors may require the use of low or non-VOC latex formulations, as well.

Once you can follow all these steps to complete the DIY priming process and improve your home just the way you want, do not forget to read reviews of the best paint primers in 2022 thoroughly to make an informed decision about the same.

Make sure to come back here and share your thoughts and experience with us!