Is there a better stain-blocking primer than Zinzer Bulls Eye?

Kari
by Kari

I used Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 primer, is there a better stain blocking primer?

  4 answers
  • Heather Olinde Heather Olinde on Nov 28, 2018

    Zinsser and Kilz are the best 2 paint primers. Using either of those as directed should work for your project.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 28, 2018

    Kilz Original, oil based, may work better. It's a pretty close tie.

  • Seth Seth on Nov 28, 2018

    Kari,

    It depends on the type of stain. Both the brands mentioned make different types of primer under the same names. If it is a wood knot from pine bleeding through the paint, then you need a primer with shellac. Water stains need to be sealed with an oil based primer.

    • Kari Kari on Nov 28, 2018

      Thank you for your response. It is soot- the fireplace was built in 1958 and was never really "cleaned". I tried all the home remedies such as dish soap, baking soda... then the sand sponge, Simple Green, Sunnyside TSP equivalent- even sand paper but the bricks are so textures that sanding wasn't an option. So I applied Zinsser Primer 123 then chalk paint. It looks better but should I try a Kilz oil-based primer then latex paint? Which Kilz- there seem to be 4 kinds: Premium, Complete, Odorless, Max. Which one?

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Nov 29, 2018

    Kari, the original Kilz, which I believe is the premium? Is actually a type of shellac. This is important because it then allows any type of paint to be applied over it. I really like using it in a spray can. The only bad thing is that sometimes you can't get the nozzle to work if you store and try to use it later. Try to use it all up the first time.