Have you been wondering what would be the best primer for cabinets when it’s time for a new coat of paint? I’ve got you covered!
When it comes to refurbishing your kitchen cabinets, finding the right primer is important so you’ll get a long-lasting, professional finish. With so many primers available on the market it can be hard to identify the best one for your cabinets.
To make it easier for you, I have compiled a list of the top primers for cabinets, ensuring your painting project is successful and your cabinets look stunning for years to come.
What Is the Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets?
The best primer for kitchen cabinets depends largely on the existing finish and the type of paint you plan to use.
If your cabinets have previously been painted and are in good condition, a high-quality acrylic or urethane-enhanced acrylic primer should be sufficient.
If they’re stained or if it’s tannin-rich woods like oak, cedar, or mahogany, you should consider using a shellac-based primer, such as Zinsser’s B-I-N, which effectively blocks the tannins and prevent them from bleeding through your paint.
If you’re dealing with laminate or melamine cabinets, a bonding primer is recommended, as it sticks well to hard-to-paint surfaces.
Ultimately, the best primer will be the one that is suited to your specific project, providing both durability and an excellent base for your topcoat.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Primers for Cabinets
Not only are these primers popular amongst DIYers and professionals but they’re also very durable and easy to work with.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser B-I-N Primer
B-I-N Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer
The Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer is a versatile primer-sealer and stain blocker suitable for a broad range of interior surfaces such as drywall, plaster, wood, metal, vinyl, PVC, fiberglass, and masonry.
Key Features:
- Stain Blocking: Effectively blocks water, nicotine, ink, crayon, rust, and smoke stains
- Quick Drying: Fast drying time allows for quicker project completion
- Excellent Adhesion: No scuff sanding required before application
- Odor Blocking: Seals in unwanted odors
Considerations:
- More expensive than alternative primers
- Only suitable for spot priming on exteriors
Price: Around $53.89
Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer
Zinsser Cover Stain
The Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer is a versatile, all-purpose primer designed for both interior and exterior applications where an oil-based primer is desired.
Key Features:
- Versatility: Suitable for both interior and exterior applications
- Stain Blocking: Effectively blocks fire, smoke, and water damage stains
- Quick Drying: Ready for recoat in less than an hour
- Excellent Adhesion: Superior coverage over glossy surfaces without sanding
- Tannin Blocker: Excellent choice for sealing bare cedar and redwood
Considerations:
-
High VOC content (450 g/l)
-
Temperature requirements: 40-90°F (4-32°C) for application
Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer
Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer
The Extreme Bond Interior-Exterior Bonding Primer is a high-quality, waterborne, urethane modified acrylic primer known for its exceptional adhesion.
Key Features:
- Exceptional Adhesion: Bonds to hard, slick, glossy surfaces
- Minimal Prep: Eliminates need for sanding in most cases
- Fast Drying: Can be recoated in 1 hour
- Versatility: Works on PVC, plastics, glass, laminates, aluminum, varnished wood
- One-Coat Application: Designed for efficiency
Considerations:
-
Not suitable for large exterior wood surfaces
-
Not recommended for polypropylene, polyethylene, or thermoplastic polyolefins
Recommended Primers for Cabinets
Here is a list of other primers that will work well for your cabinets.
Stix Bonding Primer
Photo: Benjaminmoore.com
Stix Bonding Primer is a water-based premium quality primer/sealer that offers excellent adhesion to a wide range of surfaces such as PVC, vinyl, plastics, glass, tile, and various metals.
Formulated with a urethane-modified acrylic and titanium dioxide, it delivers a hard, smooth surface when cured, making it an ideal undercoat for almost any type of coating.
It’s resilient in low temperatures (curing at as low as 35 °F), and the cleanup is simple with soap and water.
Pros:
Exceptional Adhesion: The primer adheres well to a wide variety of surfaces, even those that are traditionally difficult to paint over, such as PVC, vinyl, plastics, glass, and certain types of metal.
Versatility: It can be used both indoors and outdoors and can be top-coated with a wide variety of paint types, including alkyd, acrylic latex, urethane, epoxy, and lacquer finishes.
Low Temperature Curing: It can cure at temperatures as low as 35 °F (1.7 °C), making it useful in colder climates or seasons.
Ease of Cleanup: The primer cleans up easily with soap and water, saving time during the post-painting process.
Environmental Compliance: The product is VOC compliant, qualifying for LEED® v4 Credit and CDPH v1 Emission Certified, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
Cons:
Limitations on Surface Application: The primer is not recommended for use on polyethylene or polypropylene surfaces. It's also not intended for immersion service, continuous water contact, or below-grade applications.
Limited Compatibility: While it can bond to most surfaces, it's not recommended as a whole-house exterior primer over wood, nor is it recommended over Kynar® (and similar finishes) unless tested and approved by the buyer.
PPG SEAL GRIP Interior/Exterior Universal Primer/Sealer
Photo: ppgpaints.com
The SEAL GRIP Acrylic Primer is a versatile, premium-grade primer formulated to cater to the needs of both residential and commercial markets.
Its distinctive composition allows it to block most stains such as water, smoke, ink, markers, and tannin.
Additionally, it exhibits excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces. This primer is suitable for use on a variety of substrates like wood, masonry, plaster, wallboard, cement, brick, stucco, cement composition board, and wall coverings.
Pros:
Versatility: It’s suitable for both interior and exterior applications on various substrates.
Stain Blocking: It’s effective in blocking a wide range of stains.
Excellent Adhesion: It adheres well to glossy surfaces.
Tintable: It can be customized to match a variety of color schemes.
Fast Drying: It allows top coating in as little as one hour.
Cons:
–
Behr Bonding Primer
Photo: BEHR.com
The BEHR Bonding Primer is a versatile, high-adhesion primer suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including Kynar, PVC, vinyl, Formica, glass, tile, glazed brick, fiberglass, chalky paints, glossy finishes, architectural plastics, and metals.
Its exceptional bonding properties reduce the need for sanding dense, glossy surfaces, thus saving time and effort. This primer’s compatibility with alkyd, oil, and water-based topcoats makes it an excellent choice for various painting projects.
It dries to the touch in approximately 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to wait for 1 hour before applying a topcoat.
Pros:
Versatile: Works with a variety of surfaces, increasing its usability across projects.
High-adhesion: Reduces the need for sanding, saving both time and effort.
Quick Recoat Time: Enhances project turnover rate.
Easy Clean-up: Soap and water cleanup simplifies the post-project process.
Cons:
Availability: Can only be purchased from the Home Depot
Zinsser Odorless
Photo: Rustoleum.com
Zinsser Odorless is an alkyd primer engineered with high solids and low VOCs intended for interior usage. It’s specifically formulated for scenarios where oil-based performance is desirable but odor minimization is crucial.
The primer has excellent adhesion to various surfaces such as wood, steel, plaster, drywall, stucco, and more without the necessity for sanding or de-glossing.
It’s notably effective at sealing porous surfaces and blocking a wide range of stains, such as water damage, smoke, graffiti, crayon, and pencil marks. The odorless primer tolerates pH levels up to 12.5, making it suitable for sealing freshly cured plaster, concrete, and masonry surfaces.
Pros:
High Performance: This primer provides excellent performance with high solids, low VOC content, and is designed for interior applications requiring oil-base performance.
Odorless: As the name suggests, it is an odorless primer. This means it can be used in closed environments without worrying about unpleasant or strong smells.
Versatility: It can be used on a wide range of interior surfaces like wood, steel, drywall, plaster, concrete, stucco, and masonry.
Adhesion: This primer provides excellent adhesion to glossy surfaces like enamel paints and varnishes, laminates, and ceramic tiles without the need for sanding or de-glossing.
Stain Blocking: It effectively blocks stains from water, nicotine, smoke, fire damage, graffiti, and crayon. It also seals porous and moderately chalky surfaces to provide a smooth finish.
High pH resistance: It can tolerate pH levels up to 12.5, making it ideal for sealing porous, freshly cured plaster, cement, concrete, and masonry surfaces.
Cons:
Limited Application: This primer is not recommended for exterior applications, or use under wallcoverings, floors, decks, roof surfaces or any surface subject to immersion or prolonged contact with water.
Clean-Up: Clean-up after use requires mineral spirits or paint thinner, which might not be as convenient as water clean-up for some users.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Primer
When choosing the best primer for your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to consider the type of primer you need. Here are three common types of primers and some key points about each.
Oil-Based Primers
Oil-based primers are known for their excellent adhesion and stain-blocking abilities. By using an oil-based primer, you can ensure a proper, long-lasting bond between your cabinets and paint.
Keep in mind that oil-based primers typically have a higher VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-,What%20are%20volatile%20organic%20compounds%20(VOCs)%3F,paints%2C%20pharmaceuticals%2C%20and%20refrigerants.)content so you’ll need proper PPE when using it, such as a respirator with the appropriate filters, goggles to protect your eyes, and gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with the primer.
Additionally, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to help disperse the fumes and reduce the risk of inhaling harmful VOCs for others who might be present in the area.
Despite the need for precautions, oil-based primers offer several advantages over water-based counterparts. They are known for their excellent adhesion, durability, and stain-blocking properties.
This makes them ideal for use on surfaces that may be exposed to moisture, heavy wear, or stubborn stains, such as wood, metal, and masonry.
Moreover, oil-based primers provide a smoother finish and are less likely to raise the grain of the wood, resulting in a more professional appearance.
Water-Based Primers
Water-based, or latex primers, are an alternative to their oil-based counterparts. They provide lower VOC levels, making them more environmentally friendly and less odor-intensive.
Water-based primers have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous advantages over oil-based primers. One of the significant benefits of latex primers is their quick drying time, which allows for faster project completion.
This is particularly helpful for professional painters and DIY enthusiasts who need to apply multiple coats in a short period.
Additionally, water-based primers are easy to clean up; all that is required is soap and water, unlike oil-based primers, which require harsh chemicals for cleanup.
Furthermore, they provide excellent adhesion, making them suitable for a variety of surfaces, such as drywall, wood, and masonry.
In summary, water-based primers are an eco-friendly, efficient, and user-friendly option for both professional and amateur painters alike.
Shellac Primers
Shellac primers are a third option that boasts an advanced synthetic formulation. One downside to shellac primers is that they are generally more costly than water-based or oil-based primers.
However, shellac primers offer several benefits that may justify the higher price tag. They are known for their exceptional adhesion and stain-blocking capabilities, making them an excellent choice for use on a variety of surfaces, including glossy surfaces, wood, metal, and even plastic.
Shellac primers are particularly effective at sealing knots, sap streaks, and tannin bleed in wood, preventing these issues from affecting the final paint job.
Additionally, shellac primers have a fast drying time, allowing for a quicker turnaround on projects. They also have excellent sanding properties, which can help create a smoother surface for the final paint application.
Due to their alcohol base, they are less likely to raise the grain of the wood, resulting in a better finish. Shellac primers can also be used in areas with high humidity and moisture since they are resistant to mildew and mold.
In summary, while shellac primers may be more expensive than other options, their advanced formulation offers unique advantages such as superior adhesion and stain-blocking capabilities.
How Do You Prepare Cabinets for Primer?
Before priming your cabinets follow these steps to prepare them:
- Empty and Clean the Cabinets: Empty all items from the cabinets. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, grease, or dust that may interfere with the adhesion of the primer. You can use a mild detergent or a dedicated degreaser for this task. Then, rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
- Remove Hardware and Doors: Remove all cabinet hardware such as handles, knobs, and hinges. It’s also recommended to remove the doors and drawers from the cabinet frame for easier painting but this isn’t always needed.
- Label Doors and Hardware: Label the doors, drawers, and hardware as you remove them. This makes it much easier to reassemble everything correctly later. You can write a number on a piece of painter’s tape and stick it to the inside of each door or drawer.
- Repair Damage: Inspect the cabinets for any signs of damage or wear such as scratches, dents, or holes. Fill any imperfections with wood filler and let it dry. Sand smooth any areas where the filler was applied.
- Sanding: Sand the surface of the cabinets lightly. This will provide a better surface for the primer to adhere to. Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 150-220 grit) for this. Be sure to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth or vacuum it up before proceeding.
- Mask Off Areas: Use painter’s tape,floor protection paper and masking paper to protect walls, floor, countertops, and any other areas where you don’t want paint to be applied.
- Apply Primer: Now your cabinets are ready for primer. Use a high-quality paintbrush and roller, and be sure to apply it evenly, following the grain of the wood. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before painting. You can also use a paint sprayer to paint your cabinets.
How We Figured Out Which Primers Are The Best
During my 25+ years as a professional painter, I’ve tried all kinds of primers. During my first years, solvent-based paint was still used a lot indoors and it was always planned to be used at the end of the workday because of the smell and VOCs.
Nowadays most paints and primers are water-based and I really recommend opting for these unless a solvent-based is absolutely necessary.
My own knowledge and experience have helped me when writing this guide. I’ve also researched by reading manufacturer’s technical, product and safety sheets, professional forums and I’ve watched Youtube videos where extensive testing of primers has been done.
FAQs About Primers for Cabinets
Here are some commonly asked questions about the topic.
Can cabinets be primed without sanding?
Sanding cabinets before priming is highly recommended for better adhesion of the primer to the surface. However, if you are using a high-quality bonding primer like SW Extreme Bond Primer, it can be applied directly to unsanded surfaces. Bear in mind that the resulting finish may not be as smooth as desired.
Is one coat of primer enough on cabinets?
One coat of primer on cabinets is usually enough if the cabinets are in good condition.
If the cabinets are made from a wood with high tannin levels (like cedar or redwood) that can bleed through the paint, you may want two coats of a stain-blocking primer.
Do you really need to prime cabinets before painting?
Using a primer before painting cabinets is highly recommended due to several reasons. Primer enhances paint adhesion, improves the durability of the paint job, helps in blocking old stains or darker colors, smoothens out minor imperfections in the cabinet surface, and can reduce the quantity of the topcoat paint required.
Although it might be possible to skip the primer in some instances, it’s generally advisable to use it for cabinet painting to achieve a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
Related Videos
A comparative experiment conducted with water-based primers from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Behr.
A practical demonstration and comparison of four different primers. The primers tested include STIX Bonding Primer, Zinsser Bulls Eye 123, Benjamin Moore Oil Enamel Underbody, and Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer.
Conclusion
There you have it! With the proper preparation and by painting with these recommended primers your top coat is guaranteed to stick and will keep your cabinets looking great for years to come.
If you would like to know more about top coat paints for your cabinets then check out my article Best paint for cabinets.
