Since 1849, Zinsser has dominated the primer and related materials business. Innovation, Quality, and Problem Solving are Zinsser’s 3 ideals. This brand listens to real-world concerns and offers cutting-edge features like low VOC and proprietary BIN primers.
Like many, you may be swayed to think you only need a single coat of an oil-based primer when painting with an oil-based paint. Using the right primer coats for spot priming or large-scale projects is vital, so you could be surprised to see the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a water-based acrylic polymer primer.
Now, you can see why Zinsser innovates so much. You may discover that over time oil-based primers are brittle and can crack. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer coat is flexible throughout its life. With a water-based solution, the question is, can you get away with only one coat before adding your top coat, or is it weak, and you’ll end up needing two primer coats? (Learn Can You Drill Into Spackle)
By the end, you’ll find the answer to this and the answer to, can you spray Zinsser 123?
How Many Coats Of Zinsser Primer Should I Use?
- The high opacity of this paint allows it to cover up old paint colors.
- Without sanding, it adheres to a wide range of surfaces.
- Seals stains
- Mold and mildew resistant.
- It prevents rust, which is ideal for new metal.
- Outstanding Adhesion
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 sticks to many surfaces with minimal prep, but not contaminated ones. You must prep the surface prior to painting as directed, and while surface prep is essential, you could get away without sanding an unfinished surface and still get good adhesion.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 will adhere to glossy surfaces, but it’s best to roughen the surface first.
NOTE: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 isn’t advisable to be used on varnished or polyurethane surfaces.
Seals Substrate.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 penetrates porous substrates like plywood for excellent anchoring.
Stain Blocking.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 prevents tannins and stains when painting wood.
Excellent Anchorage.
Primers anchor finish coats to substrates. For example, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 has good substrate adhesion and anchors the finish coat.
Delivers a Uniform Surface.
Zinsser 1-2-3 is thick, and while some don’t like this, it means priming a tough surface, like high-density urethane or plywood; Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 fills in the texture delivering a smooth, uniform surface for the finish coat.
Latex and Oil-Based Paint Compatibility.
Whether painting using sign enamels or oil-based or latex paints, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 makes an excellent base coat for good coverage. (Read Por-15 Metal Prep Alternative)
Versatility.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a top recommendation for painting unfinished drywall, some metal surfaces, concrete, plywood, redwood, pine, and cedar.
Easy Clean-Up.
After painting, cleanup is straightforward, and the water-based primer just needs soap and warm water rather than soaking brushes in mineral spirits.
Easy spraying with Zinsser 123 is easy and can cover old wall color, and offer a great surface to work on.
What happens if one re-coats latex paint on primer too soon?
The primer pulling up as you use a roller is the most common thing to happen when adding one coat of primer and paint too quickly with new paint.
Does Zinsser 123 Stick To Oil-based Paint?
This product can be used with latex and oil-based paints. The Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 base coat is the best primer for use with sign enamels, oil-based paints, latex paints, or other paint.
What Paint Can I Use Over Zinsser 123?
Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 primer is your first coat and can seal porous surfaces on wood, sheetrock, and masonry.
Gloss paint, tile, metals, hardboards, plastic, and uPVC are slippery surfaces to which the substance adheres.
Can You Paint Over Zinsser 123?
You should be able to paint over it if it has dried completely. However, if you are applying two coats, you need to ensure that you give yourself ample time between each one.
BE123 has a slight retarding effect on the drying process, and if you attempt to apply a second coat of paint too soon, you find that the paint is dragging.
Can I Paint Water-Based Paint Over Zinsser Oil-based Primer?
Always prime the surface with a water-based primer before applying oil-based paint.
One to two coats of a bonding primer should be applied and allowed to dry, following the product instructions.
If the old paint color, stains, and any other surface imperfections can no longer be seen after adding coats of primer, you can be confident that the surface has been adequately prepared.
Can You Paint Zinsser Over Gloss?
Glossy, impermeable surfaces need a primer with a high concentration of adhesion-promoting ingredients. That is precisely what happens when you use Zinsser’s B-I-N Primer Sealer for adhesion while offering fantastic stain blocking.
Can Zinsser 123 Primer Go Over Oil-based Paint?
Bullseye 123 primer is versatile and can be used to paint various surfaces, including tile.
If you want the paint to adhere properly, you should paint it around seven days before applying it. Unfortunately, it takes longer to cure because it can only dry to one side on surfaces like tile or oil paint. This makes the curing process more time-consuming.
Using oil-based paint rather than water-based paint on such surfaces could be better. The paint may be scratched off, but the primer remains underneath.
How Long Before You Can Paint Over Zinsser Primer?
Like most of the other latex primers, Zinsser takes less than an hour at around 35 to 50 minutes to reach the level of touch dry. It is advisable to try and wait around 3 hours until the primer dries properly.
As with these coats of primer, factors increasing drying times are high Humidity or cold temperatures.
One to two coats of primer are sufficient for interior painting projects on interior walls, depending on the color and wall material.
You may find the thick consistency challenging and want to thin it, yet you can save time by just requiring one coat. (Learn How To Dispose Acetone)
Do You Need To Sand Between Coats of Zinsser Primer?
A good primer is a key step in the painting process, and a good-quality primer makes the difference.
- You can use Zinsser without sanding when installing new drywall, masonry, or wood. However, when applying to glossy surfaces, it is best to lightly sand, even if you can apply without sanding.
- The primer film can adhere enough to offer a long-lasting paint job; even a white primer can block stains and old paint.
- If you have stains, the recommendation is to follow these few steps to be safe.
- Remove as much stain as you can.
- If your bare wood has faced extended exposure, it should be lightly sanded to remove fibers.
Countersink exposed nails and screws. Spot prime and fill screw and nail holes.
