When it comes to finding the best primer for painting cabinets, BIN Shellac Primer stands above the rest! In this article, I’ll share why it’s my top choice for achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish on cabinets, doors and trim.
A couple years back I completely renovated our Texas fixer upper home’s kitchen! I took our outdated, old beat up honey oak cabinets and painted them a pretty crisp white. During this process I wanted it to be the most professional finish I could get without hiring out to a professional painter.
With some trial and error I finally found the best primer for painting cabinets! Down below I will go over all the frequently asked questions on why I think this primer is THE BEST PRIMER out there for a durable long lasting finish.
Make sure to save or pin this article to refer back to! I’ve packed it with tons of valuable info that will come in handy in the future.
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What Does a Primer Do & Why Priming is Essential for Cabinets
If you’ve ever wondered why priming is such an important step when painting cabinets, let me tell you—it’s the key to getting a professional finish that lasts.
From my experience, skipping this step can lead to all sorts of problems later on. So, let’s break it down and talk about what a primer does and why it’s so essential for your cabinets.
Helps Paint Stick Like a Pro
Cabinets in general get a lot of wear and tear. Think about all the opening, closing, spills, and moisture they face in there lifetime!
Without a good primer, paint just doesn’t have a solid surface to hold onto. That’s where a product like BIN Shellac Primer comes in. It creates a bond between the cabinet surface and your paint, making sure it sticks and stays put. No one wants peeling or chipping paint, right?
Blocks Stains You Didn’t Even Know Were There
Here’s the deal about cabinets, especially older ones like the ones in our Texas kitchen, can have stains, or even grease buildup that you might not notice until you start painting.
The last thing you want is those ugly stains showing through your fresh paint job. A good primer like BIN Shellac Primer is a game-changer for this! It seals in all that stuff so it doesn’t ruin your hard work.
It’s perfect for tackling those pesky dark stains or wood grain knots that tend to bleed through lighter paints.
Gives You a Smoother Surface to Work With
One of the things I’ve learned from painting cabinets is that you want your surface to be as smooth as possible before applying paint.
A primer does exactly that. It fills in tiny imperfections—like scratches, pores, or uneven grain. So when you go to paint, your brush or roller glides on easily, and the final result looks smooth and professional.
Plus, using a primer means you’ll need fewer coats of paint to get good coverage, which is always a bonus. Primers are often cheaper than cabinet paint. Just think it’s more cost efficient to do more coats of primer than to add more coats of cabinet paint.
Acts as a Barrier for Moisture and Grease
Kitchens and bathrooms are prime spots for moisture and grease, and over time, this can really take a toll on your cabinets. A good primer creates a barrier, protecting the wood (or whatever material your cabinets are made of) from all that moisture.
It’s one of those steps that adds durability to your paint job and keeps everything looking fresh for years.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Priming
I know it might be tempting to skip priming and jump straight to painting, but trust me—it’s worth the extra step. Priming sets the stage for everything else. It makes your paint adhere better, last longer, and look smoother.
In the end, it’s going to save you time and frustration. And if you’re using something like BIN Shellac Primer (my favorite primer for painting cabinets), you’re really setting yourself up for success.
It’s like giving your cabinets a fresh start, and the final results are well worth the effort.
Why BIN Shellac Primer is the Superior Choice for Cabinets
When I tackled my kitchen renovation, I knew I wanted a finish that was going to last.
Kitchen cabinets take a beating with all the cooking, spills, greasy fingers, and just general use they endure every single day. So, I needed a primer that could handle it all. That’s when I decided to use BIN Shellac Primer, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. It really is the best primer for painting cabinets!
I had used other primers on cabinets in the past and they just never held up like the BIN Shellac Primer did!
Unmatched Adhesion
One of the standout features of this primer is how well it adheres to pretty much any surface. The Shellac Primer stuck to my old oak cabinets without a problem.
Once I applied the paint, it went on so smoothly and evenly. We have since sold this home but the homeowners have said all the cabinets have held up beautifully. Even in areas that get a lot of use, like around the handles!
Trust me, the last thing you want is your fresh paint job starting to wear off in a few months.
Fast Drying for Quick Results
I love that the BIN Shellac primer dries incredibly fast—this was especially handy when I was trying to stay on schedule during my renovation.
In about 20 minutes, the primer was dry to the touch and ready for a light sanding. This quick drying time meant I could apply a second coat or start painting faster, which was a huge time-saver. If you’re trying to finish a project without spending days waiting for each layer to dry, this is a big bonus.
If you followed me on Instagram that year I was renovating the kitchen you would have heard me rave many times on Instagram stories how great it was that I was able to work faster with this primer.
Stain Blocking Power You Can Rely On
One of the biggest reasons BIN Shellac Primer is the best primer for painting cabinets is its ability to block stains, and this was a lifesaver in my Texas kitchen.
I had some wood knots and areas with discoloration that I was worried would show through the paint, but this primer completely sealed those off. Our cabinets were very old beat up oak cabinets and I wanted the grain to be hidden as much as possible.
How to Prime Cabinets with BIN Shellac Primer
I will write another post that goes more in-depth with my experience to priming cabinets. But here is a brief explanation of the steps:
- Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need BIN Shellac Primer, a high-quality brush, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit). - Prep Your Cabinets
Clean your cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease or dirt. Lightly sand the surface to ensure better adhesion, then wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. - Apply BIN Shellac Primer
Using a brush, apply a thin even coat of primer to the cabinets. Work in sections and use smooth strokes to avoid drips. - Let It Dry
BIN Shellac Primer dries fast! In 20 minutes it is dry to the touch and ready for a second coat in 45 minutes. Once dry, lightly sand the surface to smooth out any imperfections. - Apply a Second Coat
If your cabinets have heavy stains or darker wood, apply a second coat for full coverage and stain blocking. - Ready for Paint
Once the primer is fully dry and sanded, your cabinets are ready for their topcoat of paint.
Primer Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Need to Sand Before Using BIN Shellac Primer?
Short answer is YES! No matter what anyone says, sanding is a must! But don’t worry—it’s not the back-breaking kind. A light sanding is all you need. BIN Shellac Primer has fantastic adhesion, but giving your cabinets a quick pass with 220-grit sandpaper ensures the best bond between the primer and the surface, especially if you’re working with a glossy or previously painted finish.
2. Can I Use BIN Shellac Primer Under Water-Based Paint?
Yes, BIN Shellac Primer is compatible with both water-based and oil-based topcoats. After applying the primer, you can go ahead and use your favorite water-based paint without worrying about compatibility issues.
3. What are the cons of BIN Shellac?
While this primer has many great benefits, it does come with a few drawbacks. Its strong odor can be overwhelming, so proper ventilation or a respirator is a must. Cleanup is also more challenging, as you’ll need denatured alcohol instead of soap and water. I had a designated brush for this primer and once I was done with the project I threw it away.
4. What kind of roller do you use with BIN Shellac Primer?
I would suggest using a microfiber roller. I tried using a foam roller, and the primer was so sticky and dried super fast that it was actually tearing the foam off my roller! I ended up just sticking to a speciality brush instead of rolling because, it wasn’t worth my time.
Final Thoughts on The Best Primer For Painting Cabinets
After using BIN Shellac Primer in my kitchen renovation, I can confidently say it’s my go-to for any furniture, cabinet, or trim painting project.
The way it blocks stains, adheres to just about any surface, and dries quickly makes it stand out from other primers I’ve tried. Sure, it has a few quirks like the strong smell and needing alcohol for cleanup, but the results are well worth it.
I’ve seen firsthand how it holds up under heavy use, and now I won’t use anything else. Whether you’re tackling a big kitchen overhaul or refreshing some interior doors, BIN Shellac Primer is hands down the best choice for a long-lasting, professional finish.
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