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Which Primer Do I Use?

Don't know what primer to use for your job? Wood, Metal, or PVC? Down below we've hooked you up with Benjamin Moore's primer cheat sheet:

    STIX

    Info/Base: Water-Based: Interior & Exterior

    Main Use(s):

    • Wood, Brick, Aluminum, Drywall, Concrete, Cinderblock, Fiber Cement Board, siding, galvanised metals (zinc applied to the metal to prevent rust) & tiles
    • Best adhesion over all surfaces
    • DOES NOT WORK OVER OIL BASED PAINT
    • Go to when in doubt about surface/substrate

    Aqualock

    Info/Base: Water-Based: Interior & Exterior

    Main Use(s):

    • Essentially INSLX-X’s version of Bullseye 1-2-3
    • Comes in Black

    Fresh Start

    Info/Base: Water-Based: Interior & Exterior

    Main Use(s):

    • Wood, Brick, Aluminum, Drywall, Concrete, Cinderblock, Fiber Cement Board, siding & galvanised metals (zinc applied to the metal to prevent rust)
    • Most reliable water-based interior and exterior 
    • Often related to STIX
      • STIX is superior in adhesion, 
    • Seals and suppresses most bleeding type stains
    • Maximum hiding, fast drying & low voc
    • Provides a mildew-resistant coating

      Odorless

      Info/Base: Oil-Based: Interior & Exterior

      Main Use(s):

      • Low smell oil-based primer
      • Seals off popcorn ceilings (use as first coat)

      Step One

      Info/Base: Water-Based: Interior & Exterior

      Main Use(s):

      • Best for New Drywall
      • Good at hiding darker paint colours for the inexpensive cost Fresh Start offers better coverage over Reds & Yellows.

      Bullseye 1-2-3

      Info/Base: Water-Based: Interior & Exterior

      Main Use(s):

      • Wood, Aluminum, Drywall
      • Mould & Mildew Resistance
      • Hinders Rust (great for new metals)
      • Quick Dry Time

      Coverstain

      Info/Base: Oil-Based: Interior & Exterior

      Main Use(s):

      • Inexpensive oil-based primer 
      • Blocks cedar & redwood bleed
      • Blocks Wood Knots
      • Seals water & nicotine stains
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