The 9 Best Primer for Bare Wood

In the world of DIY and woodworking, there’s a thrilling moment when you stand before a blank canvas of bare wood. It holds the promise of endless possibilities.

To unleash the magic within that raw timber, you need the perfect primer. Join me on a journey of wood primers, where I uncover the secret of preparing bare wood for its starring role.

If you’re interested in transforming your bare wood while saving time and money, then you’re going to love these primers.

I have spent hours researching genuine exterior primer paint reviews and among the top contenders, Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Primer stands out as the best overall primer for bare wood. So, read on to find out more primers for bare wood.

Our Top Picks

Primer Selections for Bare Wood Projects

1. Best Overall Primer for Bare Wood – Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Primer
2. Best Bang for the Buck – KILZ L211101 Interior Latex Primer/Sealer
3. Best Low Odor Primer – KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking
4. Best Stain Blocker – Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
5. Recommended Primers for Bare Wood Trim – Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Plus Spray Primer
6. Best Primer for Interior Surfaces – Kilz 10902 Original Multi-Surface Interior Primer
7. Fastest Drying Primer – Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Oil Primer Sealer
8. Best for Darker Paint – Diamond Brite Paint Oil Base Industrial Primer paint
9. Best Water-Based Primer for Bare Wood – INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer

The Prime Choices for Unfinished Wood – Updated List

I spent hours comparing the features, drying time, odor, and coverage to compile this list. I’ve also analyzed all the customer reviews and added my personal insights to narrow down the primer options for bare wood surfaces.

1. Best Overall Primer for Bare Wood–Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented

When it comes to preparing bare wood into a masterpiece, the Zinsser 00904 B-I-N Pigmented Shellac Killer shines as the ultimate choice. This primer stands out for several compelling reasons that set it apart in its category.

First, this primer excels in sealing knots, sap streaks, and troublesome pet, smoke, and musty odors that can linger in bare wood.

This is where it outshines the competition. It doesn’t merely cover these imperfections. It seals them, ensuring they never resurface to haunt your finished project.

One of the most remarkable aspects I noticed is its remarkable adhesion. It sticks to all surfaces without the need for laborious sanding. It’s a true time-saver, allowing you to dive into the fun part of your project sooner.

Speaking from personal experience, the Zinsser 00904 demonstrates lightning-fast drying. In 45 minutes, it’s ready for recoating, further speeding up your project timeline.

This rapid dry time is a game-changer, especially when you’re eager to see your finished creation.

Now, let’s address the price and value proposition. While it may be on the pricier side, it is worth every buck. The superior performance, quick drying, and odor-sealing capabilities make it worth every penny.

So, if you need the finest primer for unfinished wood to elevate your woodworking projects to the next level, choose this primer.

Its outstanding features make it an indispensable tool for any woodworking enthusiast. And because your creation deserves the best, this primer is sure to deliver.

PROS

Amazing and uniform coverage even over surfaces with sap streaks or knots
Dries relatively fast
Versatile product
Covers stains and odors
Adheres amazingly to any surface

CONS

Has an unpleasant smell
High price
Difficult to apply

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2. Best Bang for the Buck –KILZ L211101 Interior Latex

When it comes to finding the best value without compromising on quality, the KILZ Adhesion Primer takes the spotlight as my budget-friendly pick. This primer excels in treating bare wood and creating a strong and reliable bond.

It is also versatile and performs well on both interior and exterior surfaces. Whether you’re tackling indoor renovations or outdoor projects, trust this primer to be long-lasting.

If you are working on larger projects, this primer will come in handy. One-gallon container covers an expansive areas of up to 300 square feet with ease.

This size factor alone makes it a fantastic budget-savvy choice. Additionally, this primer impresses me with its rapid drying time.

What makes this primer a standout choice is its compatibility with challenging-to-paint surfaces. Its versatility ensures that you’re well-equipped for a wide range of projects.

Moreover, the KILZ brand is renowned for its quality primers. It continues this tradition, providing solutions to a variety of painting challenges. For this reason it is one of the most reliable brands in the architectural coatings market.

With its cost-effective price point and high-performance capabilities, this primer is the ultimate choice if you are on a budget and do not intend to sacrifice quality.

PROS

Good adhesion, making sure the primer sticks for a very long time
Wide coverage
It dries very fast
Works on multiple surfaces

CONS

Despite stating you don’t need to sand the surface, it may still need sanding to stick better
It’s quite expensive
The fumes are terrible

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3. Best Low Odor Primer–KILZ Premium High-Hide Primer

We all want a primer that not only performs well but also keeps the environment comfortable. That’s where KILZ Premium High-Hide Primer steps in as the best low-odor primer.

This product is an advanced formula that combines stain blocking while keeping unpleasant solvent odors at bay. No more worrying about those lingering fumes when you choose this primer.

With proper ventilation, my space remained comfortable and free from unpleasant odors. But, it’s not only about the low odor.

KILZ Premium offers a bright white finish that stays non-yellowing. The project I worked on has since remained fresh as the day I completed it.

Feel free to use this product for spaces that are sensitive to solvent odors or high odor levels. It works with oil, alkyd, and water-based paints, offering versatility that suits a wide range of painting needs.

In addition to its exceptional performance, it offers superior coverage. A 1-quart can cover approximately 75-100 square feet per gallon, making it a cost-effective choice for your projects.

It dries to the touch in 30 minutes, and you can recoat or topcoat after one hour, saving you valuable time during your painting endeavors.

I have complete confidence in the quality and performance of KILZ Premium High-Hide Primer. Make it your primer in your next painting project and you will definitely like it.

PROS

No VOCs, meaning it has a low odor
Great adhesion to most surfaces
Mold and mildew resistance
Powerful stain blocker

CONS

Difficult to remove from the brushes
May bleed on glossy surfaces

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4. Best Stain Blocker Primer–Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye

When you paint a piece of bare wood, especially an older one, you may be worried about the stains on your surface and how to cover them. 

Luckily, with this primer, you can say goodbye to annoying stains. It does magic at hiding stains underneath, helping you to paint uniformly.

The formula is water-based, and it’s easy to stick to wood surfaces. Thanks to this, it doesn’t take too long to dry, so you can apply the paint immediately afterward and finish your work sooner.

Besides, you can easily clean it with soap and water, making its maintenance easy and resistant to mildew growth. 

It works on both interior and exterior surfaces, giving you more options. The primer is ideal for any type of wood; at the same time, it works great on metal surfaces. This is because it has a rust inhibitor which increases the durability of the surface and the paint. 

PROS

It adheres amazingly on different surfaces
You don’t need to spend time sanding it
The formula is resistant to blistering, peeling, and mildew growth
It slows down the rusting process when applied to metals
It’s flexible

CONS

It may leave a textured finish
It’s pricey
It’s thin

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5. Ideal Primers for Unfinished Wood Surfaces Trim–Rust-Oleum Bulls Eye Spray Primer

Small projects like priming wood trim are very easy to tackle with the Rust-Oleum 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 spray primer. It may not have the coverage of the Diamond Brite or the Kilz High Hide, but its 13 ounces of primer can easily go over 12 square feet.

This product dries quickly, making it a great choice for projects with a short deadline. That being said, the primed surface may feel rough to the touch, so you should sand it before you apply paint. The good news is that it sands easily, leaving any porous surfaces nice and smooth.

Despite the fact that it’s in a spray can primer, the product has very high coverage. This means it can easily hide stains, whether they are knots, smoke, or water stains.

It is also perfect for color changes, even if you want to paint the wood surface from old paint darker color to a new lighter one.

PROS

Very easy to apply on small projects
High coverage and excellent adhesion
Dries quickly
Sands very well

CONS

The nozzle tends to drip and is very messy
May not adhere to plastic or slippery surfaces

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6. Best Primer for Interior Surfaces–Kilz 10902 Original Multi-Surface

If you’re like me, always on the lookout for top-notch products that won’t break the bank, then let me introduce you to a real gem I recently discovered – Kilz. This product is a budget-friendly powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on quality

What I love about Kilz is its exceptional adhesion. It hugs most surfaces, enhancing the intensity of your chosen paint color.

Plus, you won’t find yourself drowning your project in layers of paint over the primed surface because Kilz ensures that a little goes a long way.

But here’s the real magic: stain and odor-blocking. Kilz oil-based primers are like stain ninjas. They conceal everything from watermarks to grease spots and even stubborn ink stains.

However, a word of advice from someone who’s been there: Kilz requires a bit of surface prep. Make sure your bare wood is squeaky clean, free from rust, mold, chalk, grease, dust, or peeling paint before you dive into priming.

The beauty of Kilz lies in its versatility; it’s not just for wood. This oil-based wood primer is a multitasker.

It works wonders on smooth and glossy surfaces, wallpapers, drywall, paneling, plaster, brick, painted metal, and even masonry. So whether you’re tackling an indoor or outdoor project, Kilz has got you covered without putting a dent in your budget.

PROS

Dries to touch very quickly
Affordable
Sticks efficiently to surfaces and lets you apply less paint on top
Covers even heavy stains and odors with it

CONS

Foul smell
Can be very sticky and difficult to clean off
Quite watery

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7. Fastest Drying Primer–Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain

Another game-changing primer that I have tried is the Zinsser primer. Trust me when I say that this product is a true project-saver, allowing me to overcome obstacles with ease.

First and foremost, it functions as a stellar oil-based stain blocker. Despite the stains my bare wood had, this primer had me covered. It effortlessly concealed stains, including the pesky ones.

With this primer in play, you can apply your paint without a trace of underlying stains.

This multi-purpose primer plays well with both interior and exterior surfaces, adhering to most materials.

But here’s the real time-saver – it dries quickly to the touch. This means that in no time after applying it, you can swiftly move on to that eagerly anticipated first coat of paint.

It’s as if this primer was designed to make your projects smoother, faster, and more efficient.

PROS

It works even in harsh environments and on difficult surfaces
It acts like a stain-killer
It makes the paint you apply afterward stand out
Very versatile, and you can use it on a variety of surfaces
Very easy to use

CONS

It might be a bit messy
Not mold and mildew-resistant
May peel off after a while

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8. Best Wood Primer for Darker Paint–Diamond Brite Primer Paint

Darker paint is more difficult to handle, which is why you need a darker color to ensure the white does not peak through. Having a grey tint, these Diamond Brite paint primers can serve as a good base for any other paint that you wish to use.

Since this product is a primer-and-paint in one, you may also forego applying the topcoat if you are satisfied with the paint color. You will require two coats of this paint primer at least, but once you are finished, the oil-based paint primer will look like a beautiful glossy grey.

This oil-based primer ensures its durability. With that in mind, it has higher VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels as compared to the Kilz Premium High-Hide primer. This means that the smell can become very strong in small areas. Make sure that when you are painting your surface, you do so in a properly ventilated area.

What next? Can latex paint go over oil primer? It’s crucial to delve deeper into this matter, especially if you consider transitioning between these paint types.

PROS

High adhesion capacity
High coverage and efficient stain blocker
A smooth formula that makes it compatible with sprayer guns

CONS

It may take a longer time to dry
Fairly strong odor

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9. Best Water-Based Primer for Bare Wood–INSL-X Stix Waterborne Acrylic

If you’re looking for a water-based product, then INSL-X is yet another good choice. It can properly bond to high ph surfaces that seem hard to coat, such as old wood with stains. 

The product adheres very well to wood and other difficult-to-paint surfaces that are tricky to coat, like PVC, glossy tile, glass, plastic, and vinyl. All you have to do is prepare the surface, and once you apply wood primer, it will help make the fresh paint on top stand out. 

The product is fit for covering large surfaces. One gallon is enough for 300-400 square feet. If you have a big bare wood surface you need to cover, it will save you time and a lot of work. Furthermore, it cures even at 35 °F temperatures. 

It has low volatile organic compound levels making it less toxic with an unpleasant smell to be around. Furthermore, you can easily clean it up with nothing but soap and water solution. 

PROS

It barely has any VOC, making it less toxic
Adheres well to a variety of surfaces
One gallon covers a very large surface (300-400 square feet)
It’s easy to clean up 
It makes the paint stand out

CONS

It may scrape off easily
A bit expensive
Very thin

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Advantages of Using a Primer for Bare Wood

You should always prime bare wood before painting to protect the surface. 

The primer allows you to create a shield between the paint coat and the sensitive wood surface. This way, the wood does not get damaged, and the paint looks better and sticks longer.  

Everything you apply on its surface will have an impeccable aspect by priming bare wood.

Priming the wood will seal and keep it in ideal condition for a very long time. It’s important to think of the way wood works. Over time, things such as mildew, mold, rot, and decay can affect it, ruining its surface and quality.

The paint will also adhere better to your bare wooden surface, meaning there will be no peeling or bubbles. Everything will look smooth and flat. 

The primer helps make the surface smoother by combining every loose particle of the wood. As a result, the paint sticks to the surface in the long term while drying with such a beautiful look.

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based: Which Is Better for Bare Wood?

One problem you may encounter is the difficulty of choosing between oil-based and water-based wood primers. Well, after trying both, I can tell you what they do when applied to wood surfaces. 

• Oil-based primers are a traditional way to prime wood. Not only do they dry evenly and create a hard finish, but they can also give you a smooth surface. 

• But although they are excellent in offering an appealing finish on wood, oil-based ones take ages to dry, so they may not be the best wood primers if you’re in a rush. 

• They can also get quite messy. One oil-based primer is the aluminum exterior wood primer, which is okay to use when you need to prime the wood with high resin amounts. 

• Meanwhile, water-based wood primers are the best because they have outstanding coverage power, dry quickly, and don’t have a lot of VOC. 

• Unfortunately, water-based primers aren’t ideal in areas where there’s a lot of rain, not to mention that water-borne stains tend to bleed through acrylic paints very often. 

So, both primers can be good, but you have to consider where your painted surface is located and the primer’s drying time, among other considerations. 

Types of Primer

There are several types of primer for bare wood that you may choose from, including:

1. Shellac Primer

Shellac primer has always been a standard for sealing wood and other porous surfaces. It has excellent stain-blocking properties, and it also prevents bleeding from occurring within the paint (usually a result of wood tannins).

Shellac dry time is less than 30 minutes, making it a great choice for those who want a fast-finished paint job. Usually, it doesn’t take more than a couple of hours.

Once dried, you may use oil-based or latex-based paint over the surface. Remember that it gives off a lot of fumes, so you may want to apply it in a well-ventilated room.

2. Latex Primer

Latex-based primers are also very popular for their quick-drying process, which makes them perfect for projects where you lack time. The layer usually dries within an hour, and since this product does not have the brittleness of oil-based primers, it is less likely to peel or crack.

Since latex-based primers are water-soluble, they are very easy to clean. They also have low VOC levels, making them less toxic to the environment and yourself.

It’s a healthier alternative that does not force you to wear a respirator mask. But make sure that you still ventilate the place properly.

3. Masonry Primer

If you wish to apply primer on wood, then you may want to go for masonry primer. This product can maintain the pH levels of the wood while offering adhesion properties.

The primer is also effective in preventing the occurrence of white deposits on the surface.

4. Stain-Blocking Primer

Stain-blocking primers are capable of concealing smoke and water stains, preparing the wood for a new layer of paint. They are also efficient when you are painting a lighter color over something slightly dark.

5. Bonding Primer

A bonding primer is often used on plastic, ceramic tiles, and vinyl, having the ability to easily adhere to tough-to-paint surfaces. This is why, if you want the best exterior wood primer that will stick to wood, this one should do the trick.

6. Multipurpose Primer

These primers are popular due to their versatility. However, since this “universal nature” can be rather tricky to nail, you might want to go for more reputable brands.

How to Selecting the Best Primer for Bare Wood

Bare wood needs the best wood primer to seal it properly, but it’s often hard to find the right one. So, here are some things to consider when looking for a primer for bare wood:

Interior vs. Exterior

You can use all primers indoors, but you cannot use all primers outdoors. Not all of them are meant for exterior use, meaning you have to be very careful when picking the best exterior primer. 

Luckily, you can find many primers today that are suitable for both uses and besides, you don’t have to pick a complicated product. After all, you will cover it with paint. 

Odor-Locking

Some types of wood may get unpleasant odors, especially if the environment has smokers, pets, or anything that could give them bad smells. 

The foundation scent is important because working with a surface that has a bad smell can make it harder to apply the paint. Some primers can lock odors and help you get rid of them. 

Finish (matte vs. glossy)

Some primers will give the surface a glossy finish, whereas others offer it a matte one. Here, you should choose the wood primer based on how you want your bare wood to look at the end. 

Coverage

Have an estimate of the area you’re going to prime before buying wood primer to make sure you purchase one with good coverage. You don’t want to find out you’re left without a wood primer in the middle of the project. 

Ease of Applying

The last thing you want is to spend ages trying to apply the product. Pick something easy to apply because some primers are harder to spread compared to others. 

Drying Time

If you want to make sure the primer dries quickly on your bare wood, you should look into latex primers with fast-drying capabilities. Otherwise, if you go with an oil-based option, you may have to spend a long time waiting for it to dry. 

Read also – Best primer for pressure-treated wood.

Project Type

Each project type will require a different type of primer. For example, an outdoor project will need an exterior primer; respectively, an indoor project will need an interior project.

Keep the location of your product in mind, and then read the label of the primer. An indoor standard primer might not last too long outside, whereas an outdoor primer might release too many toxic fumes in an interior project.

Primer Color

The best wood primer color should also be taken into consideration when making your choice. For example, if you are painting wood surface into a darker color, then you may want to use a gray primer.

However, if you plan on using light-colored paint, then you might want to use a white primer instead. If you have the opportunity, you might want to get a tinted primer that matches the paint you are planning to use. 

How to Apply Primer 

Primer is very important in any paint job, as it gives you a smooth surface to work with. With that in mind, you also need to apply it correctly. Here are the steps on how you should apply primer like a pro:

Understand the reason for using the primer

Before priming the surface, you first need to understand why you need it. The primer corrects any surface imperfections that might be there, such as knots, stains, pores, and so on.

Since you are dealing with bare wood, a wood primer is most likely essential. If the surface already has paint and primer over it, then all you need to do is prime over the bare areas.

Prep the surface

The wood primer won’t adhere properly unless you prep the surface beforehand. Sand thoroughly and get rid of the paint that is cracking or peeling. Clean it so that there’s no dust or grease on the wood.

Apply the primer

This can be done by spray, roll, or brush – whichever works best for you. Make sure that you thin it properly based on the tool that you want to use.

Allow it to dry for a few hours (6-8). Once it dries, sand the putty away using sandpaper and apply the second paint layer of wood primer.

Apply the paint

With the wood primer dried, it is time for you to apply the paint. Make sure that you use the appropriate type of primer for the wood.

FAQs

What Kind Of Primer Is Best For Bare Wood

The optimal wood primer for unfinished surfaces is Zinsser Pigmented Shellac Primer-Sealer & Stain Killer. It excels in various applications, adheres nicely to bare wood and other wooden surfaces, covers stains effectively, and eliminates odors.

Besides, it’s easy to use, dries fast, and makes the color stand out. Though expensive, the primer can do everything the other products on the list can do combined, and you get a lot of value for the price. 

If you’re in search of the top primer choices for bare wood, you should check it out because of its outstanding application. Remember, the other primers on the list are also great to use, so make your choice wisely.