Zinsser was founded in 1849 and had been dominating the primer and related materials market for more than 150 + years!
Zinsser is based on 3 principles which are Innovation, Quality, and Problem Solving.
One of the unique aspects of this brand is that it listens to real-world problems and brings cutting-edge features like low VOC and patented BIN primer ranges.
When Can I Paint Over Zinsser Primer?
Like most of the other latex primers, Zinsser takes around 35 to 50 minutes to reach the level of touch dry.
- Wait until the primer dries properly.
- Good to wait up to 3 hours for this
- Some of the factors which can increase these drying times are High Humidity and colder temperatures.
Total time requirements for Zinsser Primer
- BIN Patent Primer by Zinsser can feel dry to touch within 20 minutes, and one can recoat it easily within the next 45 minutes.
- In the next 1 to 3 days, dry primer develops completely and is liable to cure after developing full adhesion.
Zinsser Primer and Requirements of coats
- As with any other primer, one to two coats of primers are more than enough when it comes to interior walls.
- However, do keep in mind that the quality of paint, wall material, etc., will also suffice the number of coats and change them accordingly.
- Read the magic number for any new interior painting projects on the Zinsser website for guessing the no. of coats.
The period between paint and priming
- As we know that latex primers do their job pretty quickly and require less than an hour to dry out.
- As per the experts, waiting for three to four hours before any next painting coat is ideal.
- While the oil-based primers need a longer time to dry out.
- Give 24 hours at least before giving another coat.
Coats of primer for covering dark paint
Two coats of primer are enough to cover or use light paint to cover the dark paint.
However, doing this via primer is the best method.
Primer helps achieve the same tendency and exact shade one desires.
Thinning the Zinsser 123 primes
Some people might not like the thick consistency of Zinsser 123 and prefer to thin it but may not know the proper method to do so.
- Firstly, the recommendation is to use the primer without any thinning whatsoever.
- However, if you still want to thin it, never add more than 10% clean water.
- Stir the above mixture thoroughly.
Note that thinning primers reduce their stain blocking properties.
PS – For cleaning the primer application tools, simply put them in warm water and some liquid detergent/ cleaner.
Using water-based paint over an oil-based primer
As per recommendations from an expert, oil-based paint must go only with an oil-based primer.
Not only this, your paint can peel off later as well.
So, use only an oil-based primer over an oil-based top coating.
However, one can easily use water-based paint as a topcoat in this scenario.
Shelf life of Zinsser’s Bull’s eye 1-2-3- primer
Zinsser’s bulls eyes have 3 years to 5 years shelf life which is industry-leading, and It dries quickly for a long-lasting finish.
It ages better than its competitors.
Some other questions,
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1.) Do one needs 2 coats of paint if they use a primer?
Answer: One of the different thinking mechanisms is there.
Use one coat of primer with one coat of paint.
Q2.) What is likely the difference between Zinsser 123 & Zinsser 123+?
Answer: Zinsser 123 plus is quicker and covers better than the Zinsser 123, and dries out more transparently than the former.
Q3.) What are the applications for Zinsser 123?
Answer: It is a primer-sealer and stain killer.
It is a fast-drying and whitish acrylic-based latex.
The Zinnser Bulls Eye 123 has multi-utility like the exterior, interior, and old or new paint jobs.
Q4.) Should we sand the walls with priming before painting?
Answer: Yes, sanding the primer is a nice option.
It makes it ultra-smooth and evens the texture.
Use fine #220-grit sandpaper to prevent any extra primer lay-off.
Q5.) How many coats of primer for painting the cabinets?
Answer: Give 2 coats to each door and about 1 sanding session between each of the coats.
The first coat of primer may not cover the cabinets entirely.
Q6.) Is Zinsser a good primer or not? Why?
Answer: Yes, get stunning glossy surfaces and subtle adhesion that too without sanding.
With features like low VOC and low odor formula and to resist pests like mildews, it is a one-stop solution.
Q7.) Do we regard Zinsser 123 as a bonding primer?
Answer: The whole house primer and sealer Zinsser 123 is an excellent product for any kind of adhesion.
One more good thing about Zinsser 123 is that it works fine with any oil/ latex paint.
Q8.) Can we call Zinsser 123 as oil based primer?
Answer: Yes
Due to this unique formulation, the use of 123 primer increases manifolds on surfaces like latex topcoats.
The oil-based formula seals any water, smoke, nicotine, and tannin leaks.
Q9.) Do we need a perfect primer?
Answer: While the priming should not be an over-hype process, it should still cover all naked spots.
There should be no visible unevenness.
The main idea here is to get a uniform surface of the wall, which absorbs minimal paint and gives off a better finish.
Q10.) Should we do any kind of sand after priming?
Answer: Yes
- It keeps the surface smooth
- Eliminates any odd brush marks
- Even eliminates the small little globs
- Sandpaper also helps eliminates any little fibers coming out from the wall
Q11.) What is likely to happen if one recoats the latex paint way too soon?
Answer: The most common happenings in such a scenario is paint pulling up as one rolls.
Or worst, some streaks and uneven peeling can be there.
So, wait properly.
Q12.) How long should one wait for the drying of the primer before final sanding?
Answer: Wait for 7 to 12 minutes to let the coat dry and apply 2 to 4 coats.
As per the expert’s recommendation, Let the primer dry for 60 minutes before any kind of dry sanding.
Test in some side areas to make sure you can proceed.
Q13.) How many coats of paint is the upper limit?
Answer: 2
Q14.) Should one cut it with each coat of paint?
Answer: Yes
While one layer of painting is more than enough in most cases, one does not want to see that the finish is poor after the first coat of paint.
Q15.) Does Zinsser primer need to be stirred properly before application?
Answer: A good stir to your primer is necessary before its applications, so go and grab a stick.
This helps in maintaining a uniform texture.
Q16.) How much is the thickness of Zinsser Bull’s eye primer?
Answer: The Zinsser Bull’s eye primer 1-2-3 is quite thick in its consistency.
A few people may not appreciate the thickness, but the recent versions are of more uniform textures.
Q17.) Should one roll or brush a primer?
Answer: Primer makes up for a smooth foundation, so as a pro tip, it is a good idea to first apply the brush and then cut it in on the edges.
As the last step, use the roller to fill the surface.
Q18.) Which are some of the most recommended brushes for priming?
Answer: It is plain simple; use synthetic brushes like poly-nylon or polyester blends.
While the brushes suggested above are perfect for any kind of paintings, but they go best with Acrylic or Latex.
Final verdict
Zinsser’s has been a legacy for over 150 years in primer and related products.
Founded by William Zinsser, the company stands true on the principle of problem-solving till today.
The brand regularly takes input from the leading contractors around the state and brings innovation.
Primer is the most significant part of the painting process. One should take a good-quality primer.
Priming has many benefits; it uniformly fills all the gaps in walls and helps paint to look out with more finish.
Zinsser’s priming capabilities have been known for many years as it sells one of the industry-leading shelf life holder primers.
Priming needs double coats at the most and can reduce paint wastages and hold paint better.
One can do priming via DIY methods, as you just need a basic brush and a roller, to begin with.
Proper timing is key to everything. Usually, primer from the Zinsser’s can dry as early as 20 minutes.
However, waiting for 24 hours to apply the paint layer is ideal as it dries completely by then reducing any wastage.
Remember that more humidity and colder temperatures mean more time needed for drying primer and paint.
Use your conditions and adjust the timings for yourself or, if unsure, apply the coat to an inconspicuous area.
Thanks for reading!