My Go-To Primers for Painting Furniture
When it comes to painting furniture, choosing the right primer is crucial for achieving a professional and durable finish. Over the years, I’ve found three go-to primers that have consistently delivered excellent results: KILZ 2 All Purpose, Shellac BIN, and Insl-X Stix. Each of these primers has its own strengths and ideal applications, making them suitable for different types of projects. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each and when to use them.
KILZ 2 All Purpose:
KILZ 2 All Purpose is a versatile, water-based primer that works exceptionally well on solid wood furniture that has been properly prepared with scuff sanding. One of its greatest advantages is its ease of use; it’s compatible with paint sprayers, which can save a lot of time and effort on larger pieces. Cleanup is a breeze as it only requires water and soap. Additionally, it’s a great choice for pieces where bleed-through from tannins or stains is not a concern. However, KILZ 2 is not the best option for surfaces that are prone to bleed-through or for materials like particle board and laminate.
Pros:
Versatile and water-based
Easy to clean up with water and soap
Compatible with paint sprayers
Decent price in comparison
Cons:
Not ideal for blocking tannin bleed-through
Not ideal on materials like particle board and mdf
When to Use: Opt for KILZ 2 All Purpose when working on solid wood furniture that has been scuff sanded and where bleed-through is not a concern.
Shellac BIN
Shellac BIN is a shellac-based primer that excels at sealing exposed material, making it an excellent choice for particle board and laminate surfaces. It also blocks tannin bleed through on solid wood pieces. Its strong adhesion properties ensure that the paint sticks well to a variety of surfaces. However, it does come with a few drawbacks. The strong fumes can be overwhelming, so proper ventilation is essential. It’s also not suitable for use in a paint sprayer, and cleanup requires mineral spirits or paint thinner, which can be a bit more cumbersome. Despite these cons, its ability to block stains and seal surfaces makes it indispensable for certain projects.
Pros:
Excellent for sealing particle board or mdf and blocking tannin bleed-through
Strong adhesion to various surfaces
Available in a convenient spray can
Cons:
Strong fumes require good ventilation
Not suitable for paint sprayers
Cleanup requires mineral spirits or paint thinner
High price point
When to Use: Choose Shellac BIN for particle board and laminate surfaces or on solid wood pieces, especially when tannin bleed-through is a concern and strong adhesion is needed.
Insl-X Stix
Insl-X Stix is another water-based primer that shines when it comes to adhesion on tricky surfaces. It’s particularly effective on laminate and wood where adhesion might be questionable. Like KILZ 2, it offers the convenience of soap and water cleanup, making it user-friendly. However, while it is good for adhesion, it may not be as effective in blocking tannin bleed-through as Shellac BIN. It’s a solid all-around primer that serves well in many situations but may require additional steps if the surface has heavy stains.
Pros:
Excellent adhesion on laminate and wood
Water-based with easy soap and water cleanup
Cons:
May not be as effective in blocking tannin bleed-through
Not always necessary for solid, non-problematic surfaces
High price point
When to Use: Utilize Insl-X Stix for projects involving laminate or wood surfaces where strong adhesion is crucial, but bleed-through is less of a concern.
In summary, each of these primers has its unique strengths and ideal applications. KILZ 2 All Purpose is great for solid wood pieces that don’t have bleed-through issues, Shellac BIN is perfect for all applications, and Insl-X Stix excels in providing superior adhesion on challenging surfaces. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can select the right primer for your specific furniture painting projects, ensuring a beautiful and lasting finish.
When in doubt, I choose Shellac BIN Primer. Despite the fumes and price point, I know it will prime the furniture piece well and create a strong foundation for my paint.
Suggested Primers:
BIN Shellac Turbo Spray Can (the turbo can has a better spray pattern)
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