7 Best Primers to Cover Dark Paint of 2023 [Tested]
Are you tired of the old dark look of your kitchen cabinet? All you need to do is paint it with some dazzling colors. For this, you will need to invest in a top-notch primer that is capable of covering dark paint and changing the décor of your house. Sounds easy? Well, to be honest, […]
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Are you tired of the old dark look of your kitchen cabinet? All you need to do is paint it with some dazzling colors.
For this, you will need to invest in a top-notch primer that is capable of covering dark paint and changing the décor of your house. Sounds easy? Well, to be honest, choosing the best primer that covers dark paint is easier said than done.
The market is filled with a ton of options, so choosing the best among the lot can be pretty confusing and time-consuming. Since you will be busy deciding the colors, we thought of helping out a little by compiling the top 7 primers currently available on the market.
We have personally handpicked each of these options and provided detailed reviews for each of them after extensive research and rigorous testing. Also, we have included a buyer’s guide towards the end of the article to help you a bit more.
So, without any further ado, let’s get down to business!
So, if you’re ready to tackle your painting project with confidence, here’s the list of the 7 best primers to cover dark paint that will help you achieve the desired results with ease.
Why Did We Like It?
There are quite a few things that we really liked about KILZ 2 20902. To begin with, it can be applied on a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces such as plaster, wood, drywall, painted metal, and even bricks. It does a pretty good job of providing strong adhesion for new paint.
Furthermore, you would be pleased to know that it takes only 30 minutes to dry up, enabling you to recoat within an hour. It really comes in handy for hiding previous colors and blocking medium stains. Plus, 1 quart of this water-based primer can easily cover an area of up to 100 square feet.
Finally, it is one of the most budget-friendly options on this list that delivers an excellent matte finish on surfaces. All of these features make it one of the most sought-after primers on the market.
What Could’ve Been Better?
KILZ 2 20902 does a decent job in all aspects, and honestly, we did not have much to complain about. However, we would have preferred if it came in better packaging. Other than this minor drawback, we were really impressed with the results it offered.
Why Did We Like It?
As a primer from a company that has been in the business since 1883, INSL-X SXA11009A-04 exceeds expectations in all departments. For starters, it features an outstanding enamel holdout, which allows it to offer a firm base for a smooth topcoat finish. Made using acrylic urethane, it bonds to pretty much all hard-to-coat surfaces.
Furthermore, 1 quart of this primer can cover up to 100 square feet. This primer is suitable for both interior and exterior use; it can be applied on ceilings, drywall, glossy surfaces, masonry walls, concrete cement block, and plaster. Plus, the matte finish makes it a lot more visually appealing.
However, the best thing about this primer is that it features a very low VOC. Also, it can be cleaned with just soap and water. And lastly, if you are concerned with the drying time, you would be glad to know that it dries rather quickly.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The INSL-X SXA11009A-04 is undoubtedly a great choice when it comes to primers. However, while testing it, we found that it does not adhere to tiles. Also, it is a tad thinner for our liking. Apart from these two issues, it does a great job.
Why Did We Like It?
To be fair, we were thoroughly impressed with all the exceptional features that Rust-Oleum 2004 had to bring to the table. What really drew our attention right from the start was its premium quality; it offers top-notch adhesion to a wide variety of hard-to-coat surfaces.
Plus, it does a spectacular job of getting rid of odor, water damage, and dark spots, allowing you to paint directly over the coating without the hassle of repairs. What’s more? Well, it creates an extremely smooth coating that allows you to paint evenly and effortlessly.
Furthermore, one quart of this top-grade primer can cover an area as large as 100 square feet. It dries up relatively more quickly than many options on the market, and also, it is odorless. That being said, it is one of the most suitable options for DIY décor projects.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Even though the Rust-Oleum 2004 does a decent job in most aspects, there are a couple of things that could have been better. Firstly, we did not like the package at all, it was very poor, and the cans came dented. Plus, it is on the thinner side of things and, therefore, tends to drip.
Why Did We Like It?
We were pretty impressed with its dry time, for starters, which is less than 30 minutes, allowing you to recoat within an hour of applying. Also, 1 gallon of this high-bonding primer can cover a whopping 400 square feet.
Besides being water-based, it can be applied on a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces, including tile, glass, glossy finishes, Kynar, etc. Also, it gives a gloss finish which is very durable; in fact, you would be delighted to know that we tried scratching it after 12 hours and nothing came up.
You do not even need to sand the surface before applying it; its smooth and glossy texture does the job. Overall, the KILZ L211101, given all the features, is certainly worth the investment.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We were quite happy with the performance of the KILZ L211101. However, while testing, we found two significant drawbacks: its poor packaging, and the one that we received was dented. The other issue is its odor; we strongly recommend you use it outdoors.
Why Did We Like It?
First off, we really liked its versatility; it can be used as paint as well as a primer, which is like killing two birds with a single stone. Having said that, it is most suitable for all kinds of rooms such as bedrooms, family rooms, and living rooms.
In addition, it has got a very smooth texture, allowing you to paint evenly without sanding the surface. It has a curing time of only 4 hours, unlike most other primers whose curing time exceeds 12 hours. Impressive, right? Well, there is more.
Made using acrylic latex, this primer cum paint ensures that it is both durable and washable. Furthermore, it features a VOC of 5 g/l, which is considered to be on the lower side of things. If you are looking to go with a good quality primer and paint, this product may as well be a good option.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Despite being such a versatile and premium primer, there are a couple of areas that need improvement. Firstly, you will require multiple coats to cover. The other issue is that it generates an extremely strong odor. So, we would strongly advise you to use it in a properly ventilated room.
Why Did We Like It?
Rust-Oleum 276087 generates a very low odor; being a water-based primer, it cleans up rather easily. However, we consider the main USP its mold-killing feature, which sets it apart from most primers on this list, all thanks to the EPA-registered antimicrobial. You do not need to worry about any fungal growth on the coating.
Apart from that, it boasts a curing time of just an hour, which is significantly lesser than most primer options currently available on the market. Plus, this mold-killing primer is suitable for both interior and exterior purposes. What’s more? Well, one quart of it can cover up to 160 square feet.
Furthermore, it binds with various materials, including metal, masonry, and chalky siding. It can also be used to cover fungal stains without the need for sanding. Overall, the Rust-Oleum 276087 is one of the top-rated primers available out there.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Despite being such a versatile primer, the Rust-Oleum 276087 has its fair share of drawbacks. When we received this product, it was rock solid, which made it quite difficult to use, and also the packaging was not that remarkable. The manufacturer should have kept a check on the shipping process.
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, we really liked the fact that it comes with low VOC. It also generates a very low odor; therefore, you can use it indoors without any problem. On that note, it can be used on a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces such as drywall, wood, metal, etc.
And since this primer is water-based, it is very easy to use and clean up. You would be delighted to know that a gallon of it can easily cover up an area of about 320 square feet. Furthermore, its unique formulation prevents rust from the paint coating by blocking all contaminates.
Apart from that, it dries up for 30 minutes, allowing you to recoat it without waiting much longer. And the good news is, it works like a charm with a sprayer. Overall, the Modern Masters AM20GAL is one of the most effective primers to cover dark paint.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Without a doubt, Modern Masters AM20GAL delivers outstanding results as a primer, but it may not be for those who are on a humble budget. On that note, it is certainly an investment worth making, given all the features it comes with.
Best Primers to Cover Dark Paint
So, if you’re ready to tackle your painting project with confidence, here’s the list of the 7 best primers to cover dark paint that will help you achieve the desired results with ease.
1. KILZ 2 20902 – Best for Budget-Friendly Option
Introduced in 1974, KILZ is one of the leading manufacturers of top-grade primers in the US. And the 2 20902 unit is certainly not any different. Made using latex, this versatile primer is perfect for hiding the old colors and allowing a firm adhesion for new paint.
Pros
- Can be applied on a wide variety of surfaces
- Dries up within 30 minutes
- Useful in hiding previous color and spots
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Poor packaging
Coverage: 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Excellent | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 30 minutes (dry to touch)
2. INSL-X SXA11009A-04 – Best for Low VOC Formula
Next up, we bring you INSL-X SXA11009A-04. This brand is a part of Benjamin Moore and Co., established in 1883; it has been manufacturing some top-grade paints on the market. Having said that, this particular primer from the brand is capable of bonding with the most challenging surfaces.
INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer,...
- Premium-quality, acrylic-urethane bonding primer-sealer with...
- Bonding primer for drywall, plaster, ceiling, acoustical...
Pros
- Contains low VOC
- Features acrylic-urethane
- Can be applied on a wide range of surfaces
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Does not adhere to tiles
Coverage: 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Strong | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours)
3. Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye – Best for DIY Decor Projects
Founded in 1921, Rust-Oleum is one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of paint-related materials. That being said, we thought of including one of the most popular products of this brand on this list. Featuring industrial strength endurance, the Rust-Oleum 2004 offers durability and strong adhesion to a wide variety of coatings.
Sale
ZINSSER 1 qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain...
- Interior/exterior use on new or previously painted drywall,...
- Water-based formula seals uniformly and will stick to...
Pros
- Applies on a wide range of surfaces
- Odorless
- Dries up very quickly
- Suitable for DIY décor projects
Cons
- Poor packaging
Coverage: 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Excellent | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 30 minutes (dry to touch)
4. KILZ L211101
As you already know, KILZ is one of the leading names in the painting industry, so we thought it would be reasonable to add another marvelous product from this brand. With that being said, KILZ L211101 is a primer that offers everything you would expect from a top-notch primer, making it a must-have for all DIYers.
KILZ Oil Adhesion Primer, Interior/Exterior, 1 Gallon
- BONDING PRIMER: A high adhesion primer that bonds to a wide...
- ADVANCED FORMULA: It's advanced styrenated acrylic polymer...
Pros
- Features a very durable finish
- It does not require sanding
- Dries up within 30 minutes
- It can be applied on a wide variety of surfaces
Cons
- Significantly strong odor
Coverage: 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Good | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours)
5. Prestige P500-1
If you did not already know, Prestige Paints are one of the best-selling paint product brands. On that note, the P500-1 unit is both an ultra-premium paint and a primer, capable of delivering ideal results.
Prestige Paints Interior Paint and Primer in One, 1 Gallon,...
- Ultra premium paint and primer in one
- Ideal for living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, bedrooms,...
Pros
- Dual-functionality
- Features low VOC
- It has a curing time of only 4 hours
- Works on a wide range of interiors
Cons
- Requires multiple coatings
Coverage: 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Strong | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 30 minutes (dry to touch)
6. Rust-Oleum 276087
Now that we are nearing the end of the list, here’s another primer from Rust-Oleum that you simply cannot afford to miss out on. On that note, allow us to introduce you to the Rust-Oleum 276087, specifically designed for painting over existing fungi, mind dew, and mold.
Sale
Zinsser 276087 Mold Killing Primer, Quart, White
- Protective primer specially formulated to paint over and...
- Low odor, water-based coating cleans up easily with soap and...
Pros
- It comes with a mold-killing feature
- Curing time is just an hour
- Suitable on both interior and exterior use
- Produces very low odor
Cons
- Poor packaging
Coverage: 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Excellent | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours)
7. Modern Masters AM203GAL
To be fair, our list of top 7 primers would have remained incomplete without the inclusion of Modern Masters AM20GAL. This leading brand, known for delivering top-notch specialty paints, has recently joined the family of Rust-Oleum to take its manufacturing process to the next level. That said, the AM203GAL stands up to the name of its makers in all aspects.
Modern Masters 1 gal AM203 Metal Effects Blocking Primer
- Suitable for interior/exterior surfaces such as metal, wood,...
- Low odor, low VOC, water-based formula is easy to apply
Pros
- Produces very little odor
- Dries up within 30 minutes
- Prevents rusting
- Super easy to use
Cons
- Tad bit expensive
Coverage: 350-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Adhesion: Good | Stain Blocking: Yes | Drying Time: 30 minutes (dry to touch)
Best Priers to Cover Dark Paint Comparison Table
| Product | Coverage | Adhesion | Stain Blocking | Drying Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KILZ 2 20902 | 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Excellent | Yes | 30 minutes (dry to touch) |
| INSL-X SXA11009A-04 | 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Strong | Yes | 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours) |
| Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye | 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Excellent | Yes | 30 minutes (dry to touch) |
| KILZ L211101 | 300-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Good | Yes | 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours) |
| Prestige P500-1 | 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Strong | Yes | 30 minutes (dry to touch) |
| Rust-Oleum 276087 | 400-450 sq. ft. per gallon | Excellent | Yes | 1 hour (recoat in 4 hours) |
| Modern Masters AM203GAL | 350-400 sq. ft. per gallon | Good | Yes | 30 minutes (dry to touch) |
Buying Guide For The Best Primers to Cover Dark Paint
With that, we have come to the end of our recommendations, so were you able to make a decision? Something tells us you still are not quite sure. Truth be told, there are a few other factors other than the price and the brand that need to be considered before buying the best primer. In this section, we will briefly explain the importance of those factors; it will give you a clear idea as to why you cannot afford to ignore them. Also, it will help you make an informed choice. We strongly recommend reading this part very carefully.-
Dry Time
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Environment Suitability
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Surface Suitability
Primers to Cover Dark Paint FAQ's
Can I use any primer to cover dark paint?
While some general primers may provide decent coverage, it’s best to use primers specifically designed to cover dark paint. These primers are formulated with higher opacity and better stain-blocking capabilities, ensuring optimal coverage and a smoother transition to the new paint color.
How many coats of primer should I apply to cover dark paint?
The number of primer coats needed to cover dark paint may vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the dark color and the opacity of the primer. In most cases, one to two coats of a high-quality, dedicated primer should be sufficient. However, it’s advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific primer you choose.
Can I skip using a primer and apply multiple coats of paint instead?
While it’s possible to apply multiple coats of paint to cover dark colors, using a primer is highly recommended. Primers provide a solid base, improve paint adhesion, and help prevent color bleed-through. Using a primer specifically formulated to cover dark paint will save you time and ensure better results.
Are there any additional tips for using primers to cover dark paint?
- Clean the surface thoroughly before applying the primer to ensure proper adhesion.
- Stir the primer well before use to ensure uniformity.
- Apply the primer evenly using a brush or roller, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats.
- Once the primer is dry, inspect the surface for any uneven spots or bleed-through. If necessary, apply an additional coat of primer before applying the topcoat.
