Best Wood Primers

When it comes to painting your wood surfaces, it’s important to use a primer before applying the topcoat. A good primer not only helps the paint adhere better, but it also helps to seal the wood and can even improve the overall finish of the paint.

With so many different wood primers available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a review of the 6 best wood primers on the market.

The Rust-Oleum Brush On Paint 224430T Painter’s Touch Latex in Quart, Flat White Primer is an exceptional choice for those in search of the best wood primers. Its versatile water-based acrylic formula makes it suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic.

Not only is this primer easy to use, but it also has a low odor, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to strong smells. The chip-resistant properties of this primer ensure long-lasting protection for your surfaces, making it a great investment for any project.

One of the biggest advantages of this primer is its coverage of up to 120 sq ft and its fast drying time of 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for those who are looking to complete their projects quickly and efficiently. The flat finish of this primer minimizes surface imperfections, providing an excellent base for any paint job. It goes on smoothly, making application easy and hassle-free.

For the best results, it is recommended to sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper before applying the primer. This will ensure that the surface is smooth and ready to accept the primer. Additionally, it is a good idea to wash the surface with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grime before applying the primer. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the paint.

In conclusion, the Rust-Oleum Brush On Paint 224430T Painter’s Touch Latex in Quart, Flat White Primer is an excellent choice for any project. Its versatility, low odor, chip-resistant properties, and fast drying time make it a great investment for any DIY or professional project. Its flat finish and smooth application make it one of the best wood primers on the market.


The Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart is a top-of-the-line choice for anyone looking for the best wood primer. The easy and simple use kit makes it an ideal option for both DIY and professional projects. The primer is designed for all types of projects and is the first water-based primer that is able to effectively block water stains. This makes it an ideal choice for wood surfaces that are prone to water damage.

The primer is incredibly easy to use. Simply clean the surface you want to paint and let it dry completely before applying the primer. The primer can be applied using a brush, roller or sprayer and it will stick to any surface, making it a versatile option for any project. The primer’s water-blocking properties make it an ideal choice for wood surfaces that are prone to water damage.

One of the greatest benefits of this primer is its fast drying time of only one hour. This means that you can get your project done quickly, without having to wait for the primer to dry. Additionally, this primer can stick to any surface, making it a versatile option for any project. The coverage of this primer is 350 to 400 square feet per gallon, depending on surface type, which is more than enough to cover most projects. means that you won’t have to worry about running out of primer in the middle of your project, and you can save time and money by only having to purchase one can of primer.

Another great feature of this primer is its ability to block water stains. This is particularly useful for wood surfaces that are exposed to a lot of moisture, such as decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. The primer will seal the wood and protect it from water damage, prolonging the life of the paint job.

Overall, the Zinsser Rust-OLEUM 249933 1-2-3 Plus Quart is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best wood primer. Its easy and simple use kit, ability to block water stains, fast drying time, and versatility make it a great investment for any DIY or professional project. Its coverage is also more than enough for most projects. Its ability to stick to any surface makes it versatile and easy to use. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high-quality wood primer.


The INSL-X AP100009A-04 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best wood primer. This 100% acrylic primer provides strong sealing properties for a variety of interior and exterior surfaces, including wood. It is easy to apply and has powerful adhesion and stain blocking properties, making it ideal for wood surfaces that are prone to staining.

One of the greatest benefits of this primer is its quick drying time. You can topcoat in as little as one hour, allowing you to complete your project in a timely manner. Additionally, this primer provides a mildew-resistant coating, which is an added bonus for wood surfaces that are exposed to moisture. This primer also can be applied to laminate furniture, but we recommend to thoroughly clean and lightly sand the surfaces before applying Prime All Primer.

This primer can be applied when the surface and ambient temperature is above 40 °F (4 °C) and below 90 °F (32 °C) and it provides coverage of 400-450 square foot per gallon. It’s important to note that this primer is not recommended for use on floor surfaces.

Overall, the INSL-X AP100009A-04 Prime All Multi-Surface Primer is a great choice for anyone looking for the best wood primer. Its strong sealing properties, easy application, powerful adhesion and stain blocking properties, and quick drying time make it a great investment for any DIY or professional project. Its mildew-resistant coating is an added bonus for wood surfaces that are exposed to moisture. I highly recommend it.


If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line wood primer that can handle even the toughest stains and surfaces, look no further than ZINSSER’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer. This versatile primer is perfect for both interior and exterior use, and can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal, and even glossy or difficult surfaces.

One of the standout features of this primer is its water-based formula, which seals uniformly and adheres to surfaces without the need for sanding. It dries to the touch in just 35 minutes and is ready to be topcoated in just 1 hour, making it an efficient choice for any project. And with excellent stain blocking resistance, it can be used with any oil or latex topcoat to improve hide and coverage in less coats.

But perhaps the best thing about this primer is its one coat hide feature, which saves time and money by improving the hide and coverage of topcoats. This makes it a perfect choice for both residential and commercial projects, as well as industrial applications. The primer creates a flat/matte bright white finish that is perfect for creating a flawless base for your paint.

This primer is also extremely versatile and it can be used on a variety of surfaces throughout the whole house. It adheres well to glossy surfaces, including tile and enameled trim. The primer also inhibits rust on new metal and is ideal for application on alkaline surfaces. The finish seals tannin bleed and resists mold and mildew growth. Its breathable, flexible finish resists blistering and peeling.

Overall, if you’re in need of a high-performance primer that can handle any surface or stain, ZINSSER’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer is the best wood primer for the job. With its easy application, quick drying time, and excellent stain blocking properties, it’s sure to give you the perfect base for any paint job. It’s the best choice for any professional painter or DIY enthusiast.


If you’re looking for the best wood primer on the market, look no further than KILZ 3 Premium Primer. This powerful stain-blocking water-base formula is perfect for sealing surfaces, achieving a uniform finish, hiding stains and previous colors, and offering excellent adhesion to most interior and exterior surfaces. This primer is perfect for use on wood surfaces, but it also adheres well to drywall, plaster, masonry, and brick, making it a versatile option for all of your priming needs.

One of the standout features of KILZ 3 Premium Primer is its mildewcide protection, which helps to prevent the growth of mildew. This makes it an ideal choice for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Additionally, the primer offers excellent coverage – it covers approximately 300-400 square feet per gallon.

One of the best things about KILZ 3 Premium Primer is that it is a zero VOC and low odor product, making it safe to use in occupied homes and workspaces. Clean up is easy too, with just soap and water.

KILZ has been in the business of making premium primers and paints for 40 years and it’s been voted as the Paint Brand of the Year in 2015 by Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings. KILZ is a trusted and reliable brand that has proven to be a go-to choice for professionals and DIYers alike.

Overall, KILZ 3 Premium Primer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and easy-to-use primer for their wood surfaces. It’s a top choice for professionals and DIYers alike, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re working on a large commercial project or simply repainting a room in your home, KILZ 3 Premium Primer is sure to get the job done right.


The KILZ Adhesion Primer is the best wood primer on the market for its ability to bond securely to tough-to-paint surfaces. Its high adhesion formula allows for increased painting possibilities by bonding to a wide range of surfaces, including wood. The primer’s unique latex formula is specially developed to bond on slick surfaces where traditional water or oil-base primers will not adhere.

This problem-solving primer can be used on most interior and exterior surfaces where a secure bond is critical. It’s great for use on Kynar, PVC, Formica, vinyl, glass, tile, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass, and metals. It can also be topcoated with either latex or oil-based paint.

The primer is easy to use, apply it with a brush, roller, or spray. Mix well before using and use on properly prepared surfaces free of dust, grease, chalk, rust and peeling paint. With a viscosity of 93-100 KU, it’s easy to achieve a smooth and level finish. It dries to touch within 30 minutes and ready to recoat in an hour, it covers approximately 300 square feet per gallon.

KILZ has been making premium primers and paints for 40 years, and was named Paint Brand of the Year in 2015 in the Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings. The primer is also water-based, has Zero VOCs and easy clean up with soap and water, making it safe to use in occupied homes and work spaces.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a wood primer that provides superior adhesion and a secure bond to tough-to-paint surfaces, the KILZ Adhesion Primer is the way to go. It’s a problem-solving primer that can be used on a wide range of surfaces and topcoated with either latex or oil-based paint. It’s also water-based, has zero VOCs, and easy to clean up.


What Factors To Consider While Buying The Best Wood Primers In 2023


When it comes to preparing wood surfaces for painting or staining, using a quality primer is essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish. But with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know which primer is the best for your specific project. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a wood primer:

Surface Type: The type of wood surface you will be priming will play a big role in determining which primer is best for your project. For example, if you are working with new wood, a sealer primer may be more appropriate, while a stain-blocking primer may be better for surfaces that have already been painted or stained.

Surface Condition: Consider the condition of the surface you will be priming. If the surface is rough or porous, you’ll want a primer that can fill in and smooth out these imperfections. On the other hand, if the surface is glossy or has a hard finish, you’ll want a primer that can bond well to these surfaces.

Paint Type: Not all primers are compatible with every type of paint, so it’s important to choose a primer that is specifically designed to work with the type of paint you will be using. For example, if you plan to use an oil-based paint, choose a primer that is also oil-based.

Drying Time: Depending on your project, the drying time of the primer may be an important factor to consider. Some primers dry quickly, making them ideal for use in areas where the surface needs to be painted or stained quickly. Other primers take longer to dry, but they may offer better coverage or better adhesion.

VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in some paints and primers that can be harmful to your health. If you’re concerned about the potential health risks associated with VOCs, choose a low-VOC or VOC-free primer.

Mildew resistance: If you are planning to use the primer in an area that is prone to mildew, look for a primer that has mildewcide protection to prevent mildew growth.

Brand reputation: It’s always a good idea to go with a brand that has a good reputation in the market. Brands that have been around for a while and have good customer feedback are usually a safe bet.

Price: You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality primer. Look for a primer that offers good value for money and meets all your other requirements.

By considering these factors, you can be sure to choose the best wood primer for your specific project and achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and safety precautions.

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