It's Prime Time!

December 17th, 2025

Priming a substrate is a fundamental step in a wide range of decorating jobs, but which primer is best for your project? We offer a variety of primers, including shellac, water-based and solvent-based to meet your specific requirements. Here is a selection of great products available both in-store and online. 

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It's Prime Time!

1. Water

Water-based primers are better for the environment being quick-drying and low odour whilst being easy to clean, making them perfect for a range of stain blocking and sealing applications, ensuring a smooth surface for adhesion.

Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Plus

Coverage: Up to 10m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Exterior

Touch Dry: 30 minutes

Recoat Time: 1 hour 

Sizes in litres: 500ml, 1L, 2.5L & 5L

Johnstone’s Advanced Multi-Surface Primer

Coverage: Up to 13-15m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Exterior

Touch Dry: 1-2 hours

Recoat Time: 4 hours

Sizes in litres: 1L & 5L

Bedec All Prime

Coverage: Up to 10m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Exterior

Touch Dry: 2 hours

Recoat Time: 4 hours

Sizes in litres: 750ml, 2.5L & 5L

2. Shellac

Shellac primers are made from a natural resin that comes from the Lac insect, this provides excellent adhesion that is hardwearing ensuring a smooth surface, that seals and blocks stubborn stains as well as knots and odours, with a rapid drying time.

Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer

Coverage: Up to 12.5m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Spot Exterior

Touch Dry: 30 minutes

Recoat Time: 45 minutes

Sizes: 500ml, 1L, 2.5L, 5L & 10L

Coo-Var Shellac Prime-All

Coverage: Up to 10m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Spot Exterior

Touch Dry: 10 minutes

Recoat Time: 30 minutes

Sizes: 250ml, 500ml, 1L, 2.5L & 5L

Smith & Rodger Blockade 

Coverage: Up to 12.5m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Spot Exterior

Touch Dry: 15 minutes

Recoat Time: 45 minutes

Sizes: 1L & 2.5L

3. Solvent

Solvent-based primers are all purpose being ideal for blocking odours, with unmatched stain blocking results on water and nicotine stains providing a smooth surface for adhesion.

Zinsser Cover Stain

Coverage: Up to 9.8m2 per litre

Usage: Interior/Exterior

Touch Dry: 30 minutes

Recoat Time: 2 hours

Sizes in litres: 500ml, 1L, 2.5L, 5L & 10L

Shop now online or in your local Brewers Decorator Centre.