Best Primer Paint of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Primer paint is a type of paint that is used as a preparatory coat before applying the final layer of paint. It is designed to create a smooth and even surface for the final coat to adhere to, while also providing additional durability and protection for the underlying surface. Primer paint is available in a range of colors and formulations, including water-based and oil-based options, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and masonry. Whether you're painting a room in your home or refinishing a piece of furniture, primer paint is an essential tool for achieving a professional-looking finish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer Cover#TOP 1
ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
ftb score rating icon9.8
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart Cover#TOP 2
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart
ftb score rating icon9.7
INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer Cover#TOP 3
INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 Primer Paint

ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer

2004
White
ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer Cover
Rust-Oleum ZINSSER 1 qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer is an all-purpose, high-performance primer that can be used on new or previously painted drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal and glossy or difficult surfaces. Its water-based formula seals uniformly and will stick to the surface without sanding. It dries to the touch in 35 minutes, ready to topcoat in 1 hour, and covers up to 112 sq. ft. per quart. The primer has excellent stain blocking resistance and can be used with any oil or latex topcoat. Its one-coat hide saves time and money by improving the hide and coverage of topcoats.

What We Like
Easy application
Quick drying
Minimal odor
Great coverage
Good value
What We Don't Like
Occasional dented cans
#TOP 2

Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart

249933
White
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart Cover
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1), White, 11 Fl Oz
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart is a water-based primer that blocks water stains and is suitable for all projects, both interior, and exterior. It is easy to use and dries in one hour, sticking to any surface. This primer covers approximately 350-400 square feet per gallon depending on surface type, providing a matte finish. Its low-VOC and low odor formula make it an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to strong smells. It penetrates and seals porous surfaces, making it ideal for surfaces such as wood, drywall, and masonry.

What We Like
Effective stain coverage
Fast drying time
Smooth application
No strong odor
Great for various surfaces
What We Don't Like
Similar labels may confuse
Occasional shipping issues
#TOP 3

INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer

AP100009A-01
White
INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer Cover
INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer, 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), White
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

INSL-X Multi-Surface Primer is a 100% acrylic primer that provides powerful adhesion and stain blocking properties to various interior and exterior surfaces. It is easy to apply, quick-drying, and offers mildew-resistant coating. With its strong sealing properties, this primer is perfect for preparing surfaces for a topcoat in as little as one hour. The 400-450 square foot coverage per gallon makes it a cost-effective solution for large projects. It is not recommended for use on floor surfaces. Overall, INSL-X Multi-Surface Primer is a versatile and reliable primer for any painting project.

What We Like
Easy to apply
Dries quickly
Good coverage
Forms strong bond
Cost-effective alternative
What We Don't Like
Strong odor
Some stickiness after drying
#TOP 4

FolkArt Clear Paint Primer

7232
Clear
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
FolkArt Clear Paint Primer Cover
FolkArt, Clear Primer, 8 oz, 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The FolkArt Clear Paint Primer is a water-based, non-toxic, and flexible primer suitable for interior surfaces such as metal, paper, plastic, and wood. Its 8 oz bottle can cover up to 20 sq ft area. With a clear finish, this lightweight primer can be mixed with your favorite FolkArt Acrylic Paint to achieve a colored base. Using this clear primer will give all your projects a smooth base for painting and make it an essential part of your painting routine.

What We Like
Large quantity
Cost-effective
Easy application
Quick drying
Versatile use
What We Don't Like
Invisible finish
May require multiple coats
#TOP 5

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Flat White Primer

334019-6PK
Flat White Primer
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Flat White Primer Cover
Rust-Oleum 334019-6PK Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Primer, 12 oz, Flat White, 6 Pack
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

Rust-Oleum Primer is an ideal choice for both interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry, and unglazed ceramic. Its oil-based formula provides long-lasting protection with low odor and chip-resistant features. With a quick-drying feature, it can dry to touch in 20 minutes and cover up to 12 sq. ft. per can. The durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly, which makes it a perfect surface for painting. Rust-Oleum Primer offers a flat finish, which makes it an excellent surface for painting.

What We Like
Easy to use
Good coverage
Works on multiple surfaces
Reasonably priced
Durable packaging
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
Spitting spray occasionally
#TOP 6

Rust-Oleum Synthetic Shellac Watercolor Primer

271009
White
Rust-Oleum Synthetic Shellac Watercolor Primer Cover
Rust-Oleum Corporation 271009 Advanced Synthetic Shellac Watercolor Primer, 1-Quart, White
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

If you're looking for a high-quality primer that can block stains and smells, Rust-Oleum Corporation 271009 Synthetic Shellac Watercolor Primer is an excellent choice. This water-based, fast-drying primer sealer is perfect for use on both interior and exterior surfaces. With its high hiding bright white finish, it can cover up water stains, rust stains, graffiti, crayon, and even grease. It's also great at blocking odors caused by smoke, cigar, cigarette, pets, and food. Moreover, this primer sealer can seal knots, sap, and tannin.

What We Like
Excellent adhesion
Fast drying
Smooth application
Effective stain blocking
Good for MDF and laminate
What We Don't Like
May require sanding
Long drying time compared to others
#TOP 7

Zinsser Mold Killing Primer, Quart

276087
White
Zinsser Mold Killing Primer, Quart Cover
qt Zinsser 276087 White Zinsser, Mold Killing Primer Water-Based Mold Killing Primer
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

Zinsser 276087 Mold Killing Primer is a water-based protective primer that kills existing mold, mildew, moss, fungi and odor-causing bacteria on non-porous interior and exterior surfaces. It dries quickly, covers up to 160 sq. ft., and can be recoated within one hour. This primer is formulated to kill existing mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria, and to prevent future growth of these organisms. It works with any topcoat and is ideal for use with Zinsser perma-white. It binds chalky siding, masonry, and metal.

What We Like
Effective mold prevention
Easy application
Quick drying time
Long-lasting odor elimination
Good coverage
What We Don't Like
Strong odor initially
Limited size options
#TOP 8

Zinsser 2244 Bulls Eye WB Primer Sealer

2244
White
Zinsser 2244 Bulls Eye WB Primer Sealer Cover
Zinsser 2244 Bulls Eye WB Primer Sealer, Quart, White, 32 Fl Oz
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

Zinsser WB Primer is a water-based low-odor formula that is perfect for priming interior surfaces such as walls, doors, trim, plaster, and concrete. Its exceptional stain-hiding ability makes it ideal for use on dark or porous surfaces. The primer dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and covers up to 100 sq. ft. per quart, creating a uniform flat-finish surface that is perfect for top coating. Additionally, this primer adheres to slick surfaces without the need for deglossing or sanding, saving you time and effort. With Zinsser WB Primer, you can easily prime and prepare your surfaces for a professional-looking finish.

What We Like
Good cost
Excellent adhesion
Minimal sanding required
Quick drying time
Great coverage
What We Don't Like
Difficult clean-up
Dries quickly
#TOP 9

ZINSSER Peel Stop Triple Thick Ponding Primer

260925
White
ZINSSER Peel Stop Triple Thick Ponding Primer Cover
Zinsser Peel Stop Triple Thick High Build Binding Primer
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

ZINSSER Peel Stop Triple Thick Ponding Primer is a water-based primer-sealer that can be used on peeling, worn interior or exterior surfaces including wood, metal, concrete, and more. Its triple-thick formula penetrates and bonds with cracked or peeling surfaces to glue down edges and fill in gaps for a smooth finish. It creates a smooth, flexible, sealed finish and can be top-coated with any alkyd or latex paint. The primer-sealer dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in 2 hours, sealing worn surfaces for a smooth finish.

What We Like
Effective for peeling paint
Good hiding power
Quick drying
Strong adhesive ability
Fills small imperfections
What We Don't Like
Not very thick
Limited deep coverage
#TOP 10

Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Primer and Sealer

373693
White
Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Primer and Sealer Cover
Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Multi-Purpose Primer and Sealer, Quart, Flat White
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The Zinsser Primer and Sealer is a versatile solution for both interior and exterior projects. This water-based primer effectively conceals previous colors and seals porous surfaces, making it ideal for a variety of applications. You will appreciate its fast-drying formula, which allows it to dry to the touch in just 30 minutes and be ready for a topcoat in only one hour. It covers up to 100 square feet per quart, ensuring efficient use. Additionally, its excellent flow and leveling properties make application smooth and easy, even on challenging surfaces like glossy paint and metal.

What We Like
Easy application
Quick drying time
Effective coverage
No strong smell
Great for touch-ups
What We Don't Like
May require multiple coats
Thick consistency
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is primer paint used for?

Primer paint is a base coat used to treat surfaces before applying a topcoat. It helps ensure maximum adhesion and acts as a sealer for porous surfaces. Primer also helps to prevent stains from bleeding through the paint and promotes the longevity of the paint job.

2. Do I need to prime before painting?

Priming is important when repainting surfaces with stains, discoloration, or damage from smoke, water, or mildew. Regular paint alone will not effectively seal the surface. Priming helps to prevent stains from bleeding through the fresh paint and provides a better base for adhesion.

3. How many coats of primer do I need before paint?

Typically, 2-3 coats of primer are recommended before applying paint. This ensures a good bond between the new paint and the surface, covers up previous colors, especially strong or outdated ones like red or orange, and provides a smooth and even base for the paint.

4. Can you paint directly on primer?

Yes, you can paint directly on primer as long as it has been freshly applied within a month or so. However, painting over old primer may not work well as the old primer may start to break down, affecting the overall finish and adhesion of the paint.

5. What happens if you don't prime before painting?

Without priming, surfaces like fresh drywall may absorb paint unevenly, resulting in an uneven and patchy finish, especially along drywall seams. This means you may need to apply more paint to achieve a smooth and even coat, which can be time-consuming and costly.

6. How long do you wait to paint after primer?

Most latex primers dry to the touch in 30 minutes to one hour. However, for best results, it's recommended to wait until the primer completely dries, which can take up to 3 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Once the primer is fully dry, you can proceed with painting.

Editor's Notes

During our primer paint research, we found 24 primer paint products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,740 customer reviews through our big data system to write the primer paint list. We found that most customers choose primer paint with an average price of $16.06.

The primer paint are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of primer paint, including Zinsser, INSL-X, FolkArt, Rust-Oleum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Primer Paint Comparison Table

#TOP1
ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer Cover
#TOP2
Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart Cover
#TOP3
INSL-X AP100009A-01 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer Cover
#TOP4
FolkArt Clear Paint Primer Cover
#TOP5
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Flat White Primer Cover
#TOP6
Rust-Oleum Synthetic Shellac Watercolor Primer Cover
#TOP7
Zinsser Mold Killing Primer, Quart Cover
#TOP8
Zinsser 2244 Bulls Eye WB Primer Sealer Cover
#TOP9
ZINSSER Peel Stop Triple Thick Ponding Primer Cover
#TOP10
Zinsser 373693 HIDZ Primer and Sealer Cover
BrandZinsserZinsserINSL-XFolkArtRust-OleumRust-OleumZinsserZinsserZinsserZinsser
ColorWhiteWhiteWhiteClearFlat White PrimerWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhite
Finish TypeFlatt / MatteMatteFlatGlossMatteMatteMatteFlatt / MatteMatteFlat
Size32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)12 Ounce (Pack of 6)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Item Volume1 Quarts946.35 Milliliters128 Fluid Ounces8 Fluid Ounces12 Fluid Ounces946.35 Milliliters946.35 Milliliters32 Fluid Ounces1 Quarts32 Fluid Ounces
Unit Count32.0 Fluid Ounces32.0 Fluid Ounces128.0 Fluid Ounces8.0 Fluid Ounces72.0 Ounce32.0 Fluid Ounces32.0 Fluid Ounces32.0 Fluid Ounces32.0 Fluid Ounces32.0 Fluid Ounces
Paint TypeWater BasedWatercolorAcrylicAcrylicOilWatercolorWater BasedWatercolorWater-basedAcrylic
Specific Uses For ProductInterior/ExteriorInterior/ExteriorFloorInteriorInterior/ExteriorInterior/ExteriorInterior/ExteriorInteriorInteriorInterior/Exterior
Surface RecommendationDrywall, Concrete, Wood, Masonry, MetalCeramicFloorCanvas,Ceramics,Metal,Paper,Plastic,WoodCeramic,Masonry,Metal,WoodMetal,WoodMasonry,MetalPlasterWood, Stucco, Masonry, Metal, Vinyl SidingMulti-Surface
Special Feature-Low OdorStain ResistantNon ToxicLow odor, Chip ResistantLow Odormold-killingfast-dryingWashableTintable, Fast-Drying
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon9.8
ftb score rating icon9.7
ftb score rating icon9.5
ftb score rating icon9.5
ftb score rating icon9.3
ftb score rating icon9.3
ftb score rating icon9.1
ftb score rating icon9.1
ftb score rating icon9.0
ftb score rating icon9.0
Where to Buy