If you want to have an exquisite finish while painting a wall or metal object having stains, using stain blocking primer is a must. There are different types of stain-blocking primers for walls, wooden furniture, and metals. So, there is no fit-for-all primer to hide the stains on the surface that you are repainting.
This piece of writing highlights the trendiest and highly effective stain-blocking primers. Also, it ensures that you don’t spend months deciding the best stain-blocking primer to purchase. We also covered the highlighted factors that you can consider during the purchase. Keep reading, and you’ll find out everything that you need to know. Let’s kick off our discussion’s right way.
Table of Contents
Best Stain Blocking Primer
1. Rust-Oleum Corporation 3609 – best stain-blocking primer for walls
Highlighted Features
- Application temperatures are approximately 40 to 90 degrees F.
- 16 oz, white, Oil-based primer
- Dimensions is 2.6 x 2.6 x 9.5 inches
- Weight is around 1.3 pounds.
For professional ventures, Rust-Oleum spray primer is nothing but a delight. It can make even the ugliest surface look new in one hour. Sounds impressive, right?
But do you know what the best part is?
It’s the best wood sealer that you will ever across on the market. Not to mention, it can block redwood plus cedarwood efficiently on exterior surfaces.
Also, it works impressively on nicotine, water, and smoke stains. As if that’s not enough, it has the finest sticking ability that doesn’t need sanding.
How can you beat that?
Deep penetration is the most distinctive feature of this product. After hiding dark stains, it offers a thorough penetration, which ensures an incredible seal.
Speaking of smell, your family might yell at you if you’re using it indoors without proper ventilation. Joking aside, the smell is awful. So, use it in a well-ventilated area. Or wear a mask. Maybe, keep the door open. But no worries, the odor will dissipate soon.
Buying Tip: It has the vertical aerosol; hence it can hide all sorts of stains that are typically challenging to hide. So, if you’re struggling with an ugly surface, this is your go-to product.
- Keeps out the moisture.
- Adheres to the surface correctly.
- No sanding required.
- A must-have product for exterior surfaces.
- Might need overspray.
- Terrible odor.
2. Rust-Oleum Flat Gray Primer 1980502 – best stain-blocking primer for wood
Highlighted Features
- 32 ounces, latex-based.
- Has a quick-drying formula.
- Flat finish.
- No yellowing.
- Dimension is around 4.5 x 4.5 x 5 inches.
Another Rust-Oleum product? I know that’s what you’re thinking. But, let me tell you, mate, there’s a slight difference. The previous one was oil-based, and this one is latex based.
Want to know the show-stealer feature?
It blocks irregularities, discolorations, and stains. But that’s not the best part. This primer offers a durable, smooth finish; hence the surface looks like just new. Undoubtedly, it becomes a visual delight to your eyes.
Unlike the previous primer, it does need sanding. For sanding, use 180/200 grit sandpaper. After that, use a degreaser to wash. Now, wait until it dries. Here you go.
It’s versatile; hence can be used on a wide range of surfaces such as unglazed ceramic, masonry, plaster, metal, and wood.
Buying Tip – It dries too quickly. It only takes 30 minutes. So, if you want something that dries rapidly, blocks stains, and delivers a smooth finish, it could be a good option.
- It has a thick consistency hence goes on beautifully.
- It resists fading as well as chipping.
- Enhanced adhesion that contributes to an exceptional finish.
- Protects the surface.
- Delivers a glossy look.
- Doesn’t come in a lot of colors.
- Needs prep before applying.
3. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus – Best budget stain-blocking primer
Highlight features
- It covers approximately 12 sq. ft.
- Comfort tip spray included.
- Product dimension is 63 x 2.63 x 7.88 inches.
- Suitable for spot priming
Metal, masonry, wood, concrete, painted drywall, you name it, all sorts of surfaces are compatible with this primer. If I dare to say, the expertise equally includes glossy or challenging surfaces.
It’s an oil-based primer, so, undoubtedly, it can be used over an oil topcoat. Then what’s the catch? Well, it can be used on latex topcoat, also. Sounds exciting, right?
Speaking of application, it’s quite straightforward to use. It doesn’t even need sanding. Yet, it sticks to the surface correctly.
The drying time is super fast. It only takes 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you will get a finish that is white and smooth.
Buying Tip: It’s a spray paint that can hide any stain. Also, it can modify any color to light. Most of the time, one coat is enough. Mostly, it’s for small ventures.
- Offers a soft and velvety finish.
- Provides excellent coverage to your project.
- Seals uniformly.
- Holds up incredibly well.
- Doesn’t last for a while. Purchase a few as sometimes, one is not enough to finish everything.
- The coverage could be better.
4. KILZ Premium Stain Blocking Primer – a best stain-blocking primer for paneling
Highlighted features
- It covers around 300-400 square feet.
- Latex-based primer.
- Dimension is 2 x 7.2 x 7.8 inches.
- Zero VOC’s
This is one of the best stain-blocking primers that present on the market right now. Unlike the previous one, it’s suitable to use both exterior and interior ventures.
Further, it protects against mold and mildew. If your surface has any small perfection, it will also hide that.
I know what you are wondering. Is this one will be equally good for high humidity areas such as laundry rooms and bathrooms. Well, then you are in luck. It’s specifically designed for high humidity areas.
Buying tip: It’s mildew resistant; hence you can use it on the interior like Styrofoam. Then again, it’s compatible with high humidity areas. Overall, this one is good light to standard projects.
- Provides a uniform, smooth finish.
- Minimizes surface imperfections.
- Suitable for small to medium projects.
- It can be used on brick, masonry, paneling, woodwork, plaster, and exterior drywall.
- Has a low odor.
- Sometimes, one coat is not sufficient.
5. KILZ Original Multi-Surface – a best stain-blocking primer for ceilings
Highlighted features
- It covers around 300-400 square feet.
- Oil-based primer.
- Tintable
- It can be covered with oil-based or latex topcoats.
Though it has a reasonable price, it doesn’t stop this primer from working like a champ. It works on various stains; for instance, grease felt marker, pencil, ink, tannin, smoke, and water.
But wait, there’s more – it also seals smoke and pet odors. You can also use it on interior surfaces such as painted metal, brick, masonry, wallpaper, paneling, plaster, drywall, and wood.
Another thing – you need to prepare the surface before using it. Make sure it’s free of rust, mold, chalk, grease, and dust. Then, mix well and use it. It will dry in 30 minutes. If you want to do recoat, do it after 1 hour.
Buying Tips – It blocks not only old stains or odor but also covers new stains or odors. But, you have to prep the surface if you’re using it. Otherwise, you will not get proper results. Remember that.
- Has a thicker consistency.
- It also covers water imperfections.
- Provides excellent coverage.
- One coat is enough to cover the stain.
- Has a bad odor. So, wear a mask.
- Do not use it for flooring.
6. KILZ L211101 Primer/Sealer – best stain-blocking latex primer
Highlighted features
- It covers around 300 square feet.
- Viscosity – 93 – 100 KU.
- Spray Pressure – 2,500 – 3,200.
- Tintable
Stain blocking is not the only thing on which this primer is skilled. It bonds securely on slick and hard-to paint surfaces, for instance, tiles, glass, vinyl, Formica, PVC, Kynar, fiberglass, and metals.
Amazingly enough, it can hold up pretty well after rough use. So, you do not need to worry. Besides that, the smell is pretty bearable.
You need to clean the surface before using it. It dries pretty quickly. It just takes around 40 minutes only.
Buying tip: It’s creamy thus goes on smoothly. Hence, you will find this primer very easy to work with. Also, it’s a fantastic foundation for oil and latex-based topcoats.
- Has excellent adhesion.
- Blocks and covers the stain moderately.
- No strong odor makes the application process tolerable.
- It sticks to everything.
- Doesn’t adhere correctly to a few spots.
7. Giani Granite IronCore – a best stain-blocking primer for kitchen cabinets
Highlighted features
- 12 oz, water-based, black color primer.
- It included acrylic urethane.
- Low VOC’s.
- Covers approximately 35 square feet.
Versatility is the hallmark of Giani Granite primer. It can be used on an array of surfaces, from wood to ceramic tiles.
But wait, the best part is yet to come.
The application process is fun to work with. You can just simply use a paint roller to roll it or try a brush.
What’s more, it comes in a portable 12 ounces tin box that claimed to cover 35 square feet. If it’s kitchen countertops, it covers up to 24 inches wide and 16 feet in length. Looks like an exciting deal. Isn’t it?
Anyway, the drying time is quite long. So, you have to be patient. But it will be worth it. After drying, the surface will look lovely, shiny, in a word, brand-new.
Buying tip: If you want to replace your kitchen or tile countertops, I will suggest using them first. It really can transform your kitchen countertop forever. It adheres well. Overall, it’s an affordable alternative rather than replacing your countertops.
- Suitable for all sorts of surfaces like Formica, Corian, and cultured marble.
- Offers textured, sleek countertops.
- After drying, it appears like real granite.
- Low odor.
- We might need recoating, in some cases.
8. Tamiya America Primer White – Best spray based stain blocking primer
Highlighted features
- Spray form.
- Volume – 180ml.
- Possess a light gray color.
- Product dimension is 8 x 2.08 x 2.08 inches
Spray primer is, indeed, more comfortable to use as you don’t need a dense brush or roller. So, here is the thing – Tamiya primer comes in a spray can. So, you will find it divine to use.
The coverage of this primer is a force to reckon with. The particle covers everything incredibly well. It might require two coats if you’re using it on dark plastic. But for other surfaces, one layer should be enough.
Speaking of odor, it has an awful smell. Better use it outside. And if you’re using it inside, wear a respirator. Also, keep your family away from it.
- It can be used on metal.
- So straightforward to use.
- You can control it.
- It doesn’t need any extra tools to use.
- Harsh VOCs.
9. Zinsser 00904 Primer-Sealer – a best stain-blocking primer for furniture
Highlighted features
- One quart, white, shellac-based.
- Sealer as well as stain killer.
- It can be tinted.
- Incredibly thin.
This primer just not only blocks stains but also kills the stain. Thus, if your wall happens to have any stain, it could be your savior.
Further, it will get rid of any stain that you have on your wall. But here’s the kicker – it will also cover up the odor.
Besides that. It doesn’t require any sanding. Not to mention, it sticks to anything. The drying duration is around 45 minutes, which is fast. I believe you can finish your painting job in one day.
As it’s shellac-based, you can use it in both interior and exterior ventures. Good for you. However, the clean-up could be messy. You need the mineral spirit to fix this up.
Buying tip: You can effortlessly remove all sorts of stains and odor with this primer. As you don’t have to spend extra time on sanding, the application process also becomes easy. Versatile hence can be used on all sorts of projects.
- It covers much better than a thick primer.
- Has a thin consistency.
- Seals stained furniture fantastically.
- The adhesion is incredible, like a bonding primer.
- Doesn’t leave an exceptional finish.
- Brief shelf life.
10. Tamiya Gray Fine Surface – A best stain-blocking primer for metal
Highlighted features
- Spray form.
- Volume – 180ml.
- Light gray color.
Tamiya surface primer is highly compatible with Cytherea and ABC plastic. You can also use it on metal.
Unlike some other primer, it’s pretty quick to dry. It is incredibly straightforward to use. You just merely spray it. And, most importantly, you can control it.
The color is light gray, not dark. It’s thin hence goes on effortlessly. Due to this reason, it takes care of the tiny details very well.
Buying tips – It’s effortless to use. Doesn’t need any roller or brush. Overall, it’s excellent for sensitive projects.
- Spray evenly and quickly.
- Makes an excellent foundation for metals.
- Thin thus preserve the details meticulously.
- Provides a smooth finish.
- The can is pretty small; hence it just lasts for a while.
Wrapping up
These are our top 10 best stain-blocking primers. They will help you to block stains that existed on your surface. But, all of them are not equally effective. KILZ and Rust-Oleum brands are proved their worth over time. Some of the brands are new in this game. But they, indeed, earned their spot on the list. So, first, check our buying guide before picking up a stain-blocking primer. Then, check on the features and price. Last, check on the compatibility with your style. If you don’t want much trouble, then a spray would be a better option. But, if you are traditional, then maybe, liquid one will be a better one. They also last better than spray one.
Anyway, the decision is yours. So, make an informed one.
Factors to consider while buying
To pick up a stain-blocking primer can be a tough job for some. In this buying guide, you will find the features you need to explore before purchasing.
Liquid and spray Primer
The primer comes in two forms – liquid or spray. There’s not much difference between both of these forms. They both do the same job.
Yet, the application process is different. You require a roller or brush to apply liquid paint. Then again, spray paint, typically, comes in a can. Thus, you can merely spray it.
Between you and me, spray form is more comfortable to use.
Odor and stain-resistant
As you’re purchasing this primer to clock stain, you must see if it’s stain-resistant. On top of it off, if it blocks odor, that would be Christmas, isn’t it?
Drying Time
We don’t have all the time in the world to work on a single project. So, pick up a primer that doesn’t waste much of your time.
Finishing color
Primers come in a wide variety of colors – gray, black, and white. But you might be surprised to know that it necessarily doesn’t disturb the paint color that you’re planning to use. So, make sure your primer leaves a beautiful finish.
Versatile
Versatility ensures that you can use the primer on different surfaces. Who doesn’t want to kill two birds in one stone? Pick up a primer that works on literally anything.
Now, you are ready to grab the best stain blocking primer with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stain-blocking primer?
Stain blocking primer covers stains, for instance, smoke, markers, nicotine, and watermarks. It prevents these things to bleed through paint. It also offers enhanced adhesion, superior film leveling, and better durability.
Is KILZ a stain-blocking primer?
Yes, KILZ is a stain-blocking primer. It typically blocks all types of stains such as grease, felt marker, pencil, ink, tannin, smoke, and water. Not to mention, it also blocks pet stains and odor.
Can you use latex paint over KILZ’s original primer?
Yes, you can work with some of the KILZ primers. So, check it on the product description, please.
