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