
Zinsser primers are highly regarded for their quality and problem-solving capabilities. Their products are cutting-edge and eco-conscious, catering to both DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals. One of their most popular primers, Zinsser BIN, is a shellac-based primer known for its stain-hiding and colour-sealing abilities. It can be painted over in as little as 45 minutes with another coat of BIN, or 1-1.5 hours for a different paint, depending on heat and humidity. This raises the question: can you paint over Zinsser primer with Behr paint? Behr Premium Plus Paint and Primer in One is a product that has received mixed reviews, with some preferring Zinsser's water-based 1-2-3 Primer. While primers are not designed to be used as finishing paint, there may be circumstances where painting over Zinsser primer is unnecessary, such as in hidden spots like the interior of a cupboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you paint over Zinsser primer with Behr paint? | Yes, but it is not recommended to use Zinsser primer as the top coat of paint. |
| How long should Zinsser primer dry before painting over with Behr paint? | Zinsser BIN primer can be painted over in 45 minutes to 1 hour. For Zinsser Bulls Eye, wait for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. For Zinsser Cover Stain, recoat after 2 hours and wait for 4 hours for the top coat. |
| What are some alternatives to Behr paint? | Zinsser paints, such as Zinsser AllCoat, which offers 15 years of all-weather protection. |
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What You'll Learn
- Zinsser B-I-N Primer: Wait time before applying Behr paint is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer: Wait 1-2 hours before applying Behr paint
- Zinsser Cover Stain Primer: Wait 2-4 hours before applying Behr paint
- Primers are designed to be covered by another layer of paint
- Zinsser primers are exceptional paints, but they are not designed to be used as finishing paint

Zinsser B-I-N Primer: Wait time before applying Behr paint is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Zinsser is a UK-based brand that has been producing premium paints and primers for almost 175 years. Its B-I-N primer is a shellac-based primer with excellent blocking properties, making it a great stain hider and colour sealer. The Zinsser B-I-N primer is particularly good at adhering to surfaces that paint usually doesn't stick to, such as melamine and gloss.
The Zinsser B-I-N primer can be painted over in as little as 45 minutes if you are adding another coat of primer. However, if you are painting over with a different paint, such as Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint, it is recommended to wait for a longer duration, typically between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. This extended wait time ensures that the primer has dried sufficiently and accounts for variations in heat and humidity that can impact the drying process.
While the Zinsser B-I-N primer can be top-coated after 45 minutes, it is important to note that the primer film develops its full adhesion and hardness after curing for 1 to 3 days. Therefore, if the surface to be painted will be subjected to significant use or abuse, it is advisable to allow the primer to cure for a more extended period before applying the topcoat.
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint & Primer is available at Home Depot and has been positively reviewed for its ability to cover bright colours and provide a smooth finish. However, it is important to note that the cost of this paint is more than double that of the Zinsser primer.
In conclusion, when using Zinsser B-I-N Primer, it is recommended to wait for at least 45 minutes to 1.5 hours before applying Behr paint to ensure proper adhesion and drying.
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Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer: Wait 1-2 hours before applying Behr paint
Zinsser is a UK-based brand that has been producing premium paints and primers for almost 150 years. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a water-based primer that can be recoated in 1 hour. However, if you are adding a different paint, such as a finishing coat, it is recommended to wait for a longer duration to ensure that the primer is completely dry.
The Zinsser Bulls Eye primer takes around 30 minutes to dry to touch and can be recoated after an hour. Nevertheless, it is suggested to wait for up to 3 hours to ensure that the primer has dried thoroughly before applying paint. The drying time can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
If you are using a different type of paint for your finishing coat, it is generally recommended to wait for a longer duration to ensure proper drying. This can range from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before applying the different paint.
For Zinsser B-I-N primer, a shellac-based primer, it is recommended to wait for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes before applying another paint. This duration ensures that the primer has adequate time to dry, and it may vary based on heat and humidity.
It is important to note that the longer the primer has to cure, the better it is for the paint's adhesion and hardness. While the Zinsser Bulls Eye primer may dry within a few hours, it can take up to 7 days to fully cure. Therefore, it is advisable to allow sufficient time for the primer to cure before applying the final coat of paint.
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Zinsser Cover Stain Primer: Wait 2-4 hours before applying Behr paint
Zinsser Cover Stain Primer is a popular choice for many due to its ease of use and effectiveness in hiding stains. It is an oil or solvent-based primer that dries relatively quickly, making it a convenient option for various projects.
When using Zinsser Cover Stain Primer, it is essential to allow adequate drying time before proceeding to the next step. The recommended wait time before applying Behr paint or any other topcoat is a minimum of 2 to 4 hours. This duration ensures that the primer has sufficiently cured, providing a stable base for the subsequent paint layer.
The specified wait time of 2 to 4 hours is a general guideline, and it's important to consider other factors that can influence the drying process. For instance, temperature and humidity levels play a significant role. In conditions of higher temperature and lower humidity, the primer may dry faster, while cooler and more humid environments may require a longer wait time.
Additionally, the material being painted and whether it is an internal or external surface can impact the drying time. Different materials, such as wood, plasterboard, or masonry, may interact with the primer at varying rates. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and product-specific guidelines for more precise recommendations.
While the Zinsser Cover Stain Primer dries relatively quickly, allowing extra time can further enhance the results. Some sources suggest waiting up to 8 to 12 hours, especially if you intend to sand the primer before applying the topcoat. This extended wait time ensures that the primer is thoroughly cured, reducing the risk of any issues such as cracking, peeling, or blistering.
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Primers are designed to be covered by another layer of paint
Zinsser primers are designed to be covered by another layer of paint. The Zinsser B-I-N primer, for example, can be painted over in as little as 45 minutes if you are adding another coat of the same primer. However, if you are using a different paint, it is recommended to wait for up to 2 hours to ensure proper drying. This time can vary depending on temperature and humidity.
When using a primer, it is important to consider the type of paint you will be using. Oil-based primers, for instance, can be applied under oil-based or water-based paints and provide thick coverage. Shellac primers are ideal for covering stains, smoke, and smells, while water-based primers are better suited for interior surfaces and spot priming exterior projects. Self-priming paints are also available, which are thicker than regular paint and can be applied directly to the surface without the need for a separate primer.
The curing time of a primer is important to consider before applying a topcoat. While some primers may be dry to the touch within a couple of hours, they may not be fully cured. The Zinsser B-I-N primer, for example, develops full adhesion and hardness after curing for 1 to 3 days. Applying the topcoat too soon can cause the paint to crack and increase the curing time.
In some cases, it is possible to tint the primer to match the colour of the finishing paint. This can reduce the number of layers of finishing paint needed and improve uniformity across the painted surface. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate drying and curing time before applying the topcoat to ensure optimal adhesion and performance.
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Zinsser primers are exceptional paints, but they are not designed to be used as finishing paint
Zinsser primers are exceptional paints with a long history of manufacturing premium paints and primers for DIYers and trade professionals. The company was founded in 1849 and has been producing stellar quality primers for the best part of 150 years. Zinsser primers offer unparalleled adhesion to glossy surfaces like glass without the need for scuff sanding. They are ideal for sealing porous materials like wood, plasterboard, and masonry, and they help cover up stains and dark colours. Zinsser primers can also inhibit mould growth.
However, Zinsser primers are not designed to be used as finishing paint. While they may look good enough that you might wonder if you need to paint over them, primers are meant to be hidden under another layer of paint. They may struggle with exposure to the elements and UV radiation, which can lead to colour changes and degradation of the paint. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to use Zinsser primer as your top coat of paint.
There may be some circumstances where you can get away with using Zinsser primer as your topcoat, such as if the painted surface is in a hidden spot that is not exposed to sunlight. For example, if you are painting the inside of a cupboard, you may not need to paint over the primer. But if the surface is going to be exposed, it is best to paint over the Zinsser primer with a suitable topcoat to ensure the paint job lasts longer.
If you are using Zinsser primers, it is recommended to use Zinsser topcoats as well, as they are known for their high quality. In terms of timing, Zinsser BIN primer can be painted over in as little as 45 minutes if you are adding another coat of BIN. If you are painting over with another paint, it is recommended to wait for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on heat and humidity. For Zinsser Bulls Eye primer, you should wait for 1 hour to recoat with another layer of primer, and 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours before painting over with a different paint. Zinsser Cover Stain is recoatable after 2 hours, but if you are painting with a top coat of a different paint, it is recommended to wait for around 4 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wait for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before applying a coat of Behr paint over Zinsser primer. However, if you are painting over with a different paint, it is advisable to wait for a longer duration, preferably 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, to ensure that the primer is completely dry.
Yes, it is generally recommended to paint over Zinsser primer with a suitable paint. While Zinsser primers are exceptional, they are not designed to be used as finishing paint and may degrade when exposed to the elements or UV radiation, causing colour changes.
Yes, Behr offers a range of paint and primer products, such as the Behr Premium Plus Paint and Primer in One, which can be used as both paint and primer.











































