Top 5 Ranked Products
We analyzed millions of Amazon products to handpick the top recommendations just for you.

#1 Ranked
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 276087 Mold Killing Primer, Quart, White
Price: $18.80
Rating: ★★★★★
ASIN: B00K7FEQPI
Score: 95%
Overview:
The Rust-Oleum Zinsser 276087 Mold Killing Primer is a specialized protective primer designed to effectively eliminate existing mold, mildew, and other harmful organisms on various non-porous surfaces. This water-based coating is low in odor and offers easy cleanup with soap and water, making it user-friendly for indoor and outdoor applications. It covers up to 160 square feet and features a quick drying time, allowing for recoating within an hour, which is beneficial for those looking to complete projects efficiently. The primer not only addresses current mold issues but also contains an EPA registered antimicrobial agent that helps prevent future growth of mold and mildew, ensuring long-lasting protection.
This product is compatible with any topcoat, making it versatile for different finishing options, particularly effective when paired with Zinsser Perma-White. Additionally, it provides excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces including chalky siding, masonry, and metal. Overall, this primer serves as a comprehensive solution for homeowners and professionals seeking to tackle mold problems while preparing surfaces for painting.
Pros:
- Mold and Mildew Protection: Effectively kills existing mold and prevents future growth with EPA registered antimicrobial.
- Quick Drying Time: Dries to the touch in 30 minutes, allowing for efficient project completion.
- Versatile Application: Works with any topcoat, providing flexibility for various painting projects.
Cons:
- Limited Coverage: Covers only up to 160 square feet, which may require multiple quarts for larger projects.
- Surface Limitations: Primarily designed for non-porous surfaces, limiting its use on porous materials.
- Odor Sensitivity: While low odor, some individuals may still be sensitive to any scent during application.

#2 Ranked
1 qt Dap 12330 DryDex Interior/Exterior Spackling, White
Price: $8.41
Rating: ★★★★★
ASIN: B000BQPYJ0
Score: 93%
Overview:
The Dap 12330 DryDex Interior/Exterior Spackling is a versatile product designed for both interior and exterior applications, making it suitable for a variety of home repair tasks. Manufactured in the United States, this spackling compound stands out due to its unique color-changing formula, which signals when it is ready to sand and paint. Packaged in a convenient squeeze tube, it allows for easy application and minimizes mess, appealing to DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The spackling compound is ideal for filling holes, cracks, and other surface imperfections, ensuring a smooth finish. Its formulation is designed to adhere well to a variety of surfaces, enhancing its usability in different environments. Additionally, its quick-drying nature allows for faster project completion, making it an efficient choice for those looking to refresh their spaces.
Pros:
- Color-Changing Formula: Indicates when the spackling is ready to sand and paint, ensuring optimal results.
- Convenient Packaging: The easy-to-use squeeze tube allows for precise application and reduces waste.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, accommodating a range of repair needs.
Cons:
- Limited Quantity: At 1 qt, it may not be sufficient for larger projects, requiring multiple purchases.
- Drying Time: While it dries quickly, some users may prefer a longer working time for larger repairs.
- Texture Matching: Achieving a perfect texture match with existing surfaces may require additional effort and skill.

#3 Ranked
Rust-Oleum ZINSSER 1 qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
Price: $14.49
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B000H5VKBQ
Score: 98%
Overview:
The Rust-Oleum ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a versatile water-based primer and sealer designed for both interior and exterior applications. It effectively adheres to a variety of surfaces, including drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal, and even glossy finishes, without the need for sanding. This primer boasts a quick drying time, allowing it to be touched in just 35 minutes and ready for topcoating in one hour, making it a convenient choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional painters. With a coverage of 87-112 square feet per quart, it offers excellent stain-blocking capabilities, ensuring that it can handle tough stains while providing a solid foundation for any oil or latex topcoat.
Pros:
- Versatile Application: Can be used on multiple surfaces, including difficult glossy finishes, enhancing its usability.
- Quick Drying Time: Dries to the touch in 35 minutes, allowing for faster project completion.
- Excellent Stain Blocking: Provides strong resistance against stains, ensuring a clean finish for topcoats.
Cons:
- Limited Coverage: Coverage of 87-112 sq. ft. per quart may require multiple quarts for larger projects.
- Temperature Sensitivity: While it can be applied in low temperatures (35°F), colder conditions may affect performance.
- Water-Based Formula: Although it has benefits, some users may prefer oil-based primers for specific applications.

#4 Ranked
INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer, 1 Quart, White
Price: $25.33
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B07KXNL5G8
Score: 83%
Overview:
The INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer is a premium-quality bonding primer designed to provide exceptional adhesion to a variety of challenging surfaces. This versatile product is formulated with acrylic-urethane technology, allowing it to bond effectively to glossy tiles, plastics, glass, and even pre-coated surfaces like siding and fiberglass. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, making it an ideal choice for diverse projects, including drywall, wood trim, and masonry. With a curing capability in low temperatures and a coverage area of 75 - 100 square feet, this primer is practical for homeowners and professionals alike.
The product is notable for its low VOC content, ensuring a safer application process with easy soap and water cleanup. Furthermore, it offers excellent enamel holdout, which helps achieve a smooth and even topcoat finish. However, users should consult the product label for proper preparation and application techniques to maximize its effectiveness.
Pros:
- Versatile Adhesion: Bonds to a wide range of challenging surfaces, enhancing application options.
- Low Temperature Curing: Fully cures in temperatures as low as 35 °F, suitable for various climates.
- Low VOC: Environmentally friendly formulation with easy cleanup, promoting safer usage.
Cons:
- Coverage Limitations: Coverage of 75 - 100 square feet may require multiple quarts for larger projects.
- Preparation Requirement: Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion, which may add extra steps.
- Specific Application Tips: Users must follow detailed application instructions to avoid issues, which could be cumbersome for some.

#5 Ranked
Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer, 13 oz, White
Price: $14.40
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B00L20TRW4
Score: 84%
Overview:
The Zinsser 272479 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Spray Primer is a versatile and efficient spray primer designed for both interior and exterior applications. It is suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, including drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal, and even glossy or difficult surfaces. The oil-based formula ensures a strong adhesion without the need for sanding, making it convenient for quick projects. With a fast drying time of just 30 minutes and a coverage area of up to 12 square feet, this primer is ideal for those looking to prepare surfaces for painting with minimal downtime.
The primer also boasts excellent stain-blocking capabilities, allowing it to effectively cover imperfections and stains with just one coat. It can be used under both oil and latex topcoats, providing flexibility for different painting needs. The smooth, white finish enhances the overall appearance of the painted surface, making it a reliable choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Pros:
- Versatile Application: Suitable for various surfaces, including difficult and glossy ones.
- Fast Drying Time: Dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, allowing for quick project completion.
- Excellent Stain Blocking: Effectively covers stains and imperfections with one coat.
Cons:
- Oil-Based Formula: May require special cleanup and ventilation due to strong fumes.
- Limited Coverage: Covers only up to 12 square feet, which might necessitate multiple cans for larger projects.
- Surface Preparation: While it sticks without sanding, heavily damaged surfaces may still require prep work for optimal results.
Product Information & Tips
Overview
When it comes to finishing new drywall, selecting the right primer is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional-looking paint job. Drywall primer serves as a preparatory layer that enhances paint adhesion, reduces the number of paint coats needed, and helps prevent issues such as peeling or uneven texture. As new drywall is highly porous, a suitable primer can minimize the absorption of paint, leading to better color consistency and durability.
In the market, various drywall primers are available, each with unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, understanding the best options can help you make an informed choice that ensures optimal results for your drywall projects.
Key Criteria
1. Porosity Sealing:
- New drywall is very absorbent; a good primer seals the surface, preventing excessive paint absorption and ensuring an even finish.
2. Adhesion:
- A quality primer enhances the adhesion of the topcoat, which is essential for preventing peeling and chipping over time.
3. Stain Blocking:
- Some primers are designed to block stains from bleeding through, which is particularly important if the drywall has any imperfections or prior damage.
4. Drying Time:
- Fast-drying primers allow for quicker project completion, enabling subsequent painting to occur sooner without compromising the quality of the finish.
5. Ease of Application:
- A primer that is easy to apply and has good leveling properties can save time and effort, making the process smoother for both professionals and DIYers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between drywall primer and regular primer?
A1: Drywall primer is specifically formulated for the porous surface of drywall, providing better sealing and adhesion properties compared to regular primer, which may not be suited for such materials.
Q2: Can I paint directly on new drywall without primer?
A2: While it is technically possible, it is not recommended, as painting directly on new drywall can lead to uneven coverage, increased paint usage, and potential peeling.
Q3: How many coats of primer do I need for new drywall?
A3: Typically, one coat of a high-quality drywall primer is sufficient, but in some cases, a second coat may be necessary for optimal sealing and stain blocking.
Q4: Is it necessary to sand drywall before priming?
A4: Yes, sanding new drywall helps to smooth out any imperfections, allowing for better adhesion of the primer and paint.
Q5: Can I use a spray primer for drywall?
A5: Yes, spray primers can be used on drywall, but they may require more skill for even application and can produce overspray, so proper masking is essential.
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