It’s fair to say that we all have a soft spot for our kitchen. The place we prepare food – the foundation of good health; the place where family gathers and conversations flow. You wouldn’t put up walls yourself or re-tile the floor, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want a great looking kitchen. Sure, it’s a bit pricey and it’s not as easy as picking up your toolbox and hammer – but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Whether you are looking to change the finishes, fix some hardware issues, or repair some cracked wallboard you have come to the right place! To ensure that you get everything that you need for your kitchen, read our guide about how to choose the best primer for kitchen cabinets.
09 Best Primer for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
- Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer – Best Kitchen Cabinet Primer
- Kilz Premium Primer -Interior/Exterior Multi-Purpose Water-based
- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer – Best Water based stain blocking Interior/Exterior Primer
- Kilz 2 Primer – Water-Based Multi-Surface Primer/Sealer/Stain Blocker
- kilz Adhesion Bonding Primer – Interior/Exterior water-based Primer for Kitchen Cabinet, Door & Trim
- INSL-X Stix Flat Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer – Interior/Exterior Primer
- Zinsser Cover Stain Primer – Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Sealer
- White Rust-Oleum Advanced Synthetic Shellac Primer – Hide and Stain Blocking
- Zinsser Bondz Maximum Adhesion Primer – water-based & low-VOC Primer
Our Top Picked 09 Best Primer for Cabinets
A primer for cabinets is an initial coating applied to wood cabinets before painting or staining. Primer also helps seal the wood and prevent the oils from bleeding through. Using a primer for cabinets can save time and money by reducing the number of coats of paint or stain needed to achieve a uniform and attractive finish.
1- Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer
Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer is often used for kitchen cabinets due to its superior adhesion and stain-blocking properties. The shellac-based primer dries quickly and provides a hard, durable surface that resists moisture, making it ideal for use in areas with high humidity, such as kitchens.

Product Specifications:
AVAILABLE SIZES
1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, Quart, Pint, 13 oz. Spray (available on Rust-Oleum)
Type: Stain Blocking/Odor
Price of 1 Gallon: $44.22
Coverage: 400 – 500 sq. ft./1gal.
Brand: Rust-Oleum
Color: White
Key Features:
- This primer provides good adhesion to a comprehensive range of surfaces.
- Fast Drying: The fast-drying formula allows for multiple coats to be applied in a single day, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects.
- Stain Blocking: This primer offers superior stain-blocking capabilities, which is essential for blocking out stubborn stains such as smoke, water, tannin, and grease
- Low Odor: This primer has a low odor compared to other primers, which makes it more pleasant to work with, especially in enclosed spaces.
Overall, Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a professional, long-lasting finish for their projects.
2- Kilz Premium Primer

Product Specifications:
SIZE: 1 Quart
Paint Type: Water-Based
Type: Stain Blocking/Odor
Estimated Price of 1 Quart: $23.31
Coverage: 300-400 square feet/1gal.
Usage: Interior/Exterior
Brand: Rust-Oleum
Color: White
Key Features:
- Kilz Premium Primer is high-quality, water-based primer that provides excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic
- A fast-drying formula that allows for recoating in just one hour, enabling you to complete your project quickly
- Stain-blocking capabilities that prevent stains from bleeding through the topcoat
- Low odor and low VOC formula make Kilz Premium Primer a safer and more environmentally friendly option for your kitchen.
3- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer

Product Specifications:
AVAILABLE SIZES
13 oz. Spray, 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, Quart (available on Rust-Oleum)
Usage: Interior/Exterior
Estimated Price of 1 qt: $16.98
Paint Type: Acrylic
Choosing the Right Type of Best Primers for Kitchen Cabinets?
There are several different kinds of primers for kitchen cabinets, and each one has its own set of benefits.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one for your needs:
i- Acrylic Primers
These are good for those who want a matte finish on their cabinets. They’re also good for areas that aren’t affected by water; if you’re going to be using your kitchen as a space for food prep, this might not be the best option for you.
ii- Polyurethane Primers
These provide a high-gloss finish that is easy to clean and maintain. They’re also resistant to moisture, so they’re great if you plan on using your kitchen as an area for cooking or baking. However, they can be difficult to work with if you don’t have much experience with them.
Related: How to Paint Over Gloss Paint?
iii- Oil-based Primer
This can be used on both new and old cabinets. It’s often applied to wood surfaces that are more porous than the other primers and will not work well with water-based paints. This type of primer provides extra protection against moisture and warping but may cause yellowing over time.
iv- Water-Based Primers
Water-based primers are usually acrylics or latexes mixed with some sort of solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits. The advantage here is that they dry much faster than oil-based primers; however, they do tend to leave behind an odor when applied which can take several days before dissipating completely from your home environment.
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Best Way to Choose the Primer for Painting Cabinets?
Priming will help boost the overall look of your cabinets. A good primer for painting cabinets will make them look clean and new, but priming is the best way to ensure that they will maintain their appearance for a very long time.
The best primers for kitchen cabinets are those that are easy to use, dry quickly, and leave a high-quality finish. You won’t have to worry about painting through any cracks or imperfections in the surface either because you’ll be starting from scratch when you use a primer for kitchen cabinets. While there are many types of primers available, you should consider factors such as:
– The type of surface you are working with. Some primers work better on porous surfaces than others.
–Your budget. There are many different types of primers available at different price points.
–How much work you want to put into your project. Some primers require more labor than others to get the desired results.
If you’re looking for a primer that is easy to use, consider one that has an extended drying time (at least 10 minutes) so that it doesn’t overlap onto any areas where it hasn’t been applied yet and cause smudging or streaking in the finished product; this also helps prevent damage from moisture during application or while drying.
Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets
The best primer for kitchen cabinets is a product called Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Sealer. This product is not only a great primer, it can also be used as a sealer or finish itself. It won’t yellow or crack over time, and it’s easy to clean up after use.
Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Sealer is water-resistant and odorless, so you won’t have to worry about your cabinets smelling like paint when you’re done using this primer for cabinets. The shellac in the primer will help protect your cabinets from scratches, dents, stains and other damage that might occur during installation or use.
The best part about this primer? It’s super affordable! The best part about this primer is that it does not leave any residue on the surface of your cabinet doors or drawers. It’s a great choice if you want something that won’t make your cabinets look plastic-y or sticky after application. You can get it at any local hardware store for around $20 per gallon – which is less than half of what most primers sell for!
Mistakes to Avoid while Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting cabinets is the best way to upgrade the look of your kitchen. However, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes to ensure that the end result is a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Top 05 Common Mistakes to Avoid while Painting Kitchen Cabinets:
1- Not preparing the surface properly:
Failing to properly clean and sand the surface of the cabinets can lead to an uneven finish and peeling paint.
2- Skipping primer:
A good quality primer is essential for creating a smooth and even base coat.
3- Using the wrong paint:
Choosing the wrong type of paint can result in a finish that easily chips or scratches.
4- Rushing the drying process:
It’s important to allow each coat of paint to dry fully before applying the next coat. Rushing this process can lead to an uneven finish and can cause the paint to peel or chip.
5- Not being patient:
Painting cabinets is a time-consuming process, and it’s important to take the time to do it properly. Rushing the process can result in a finish that is uneven or easily damaged.
Conclusion:
The kitchen is the heart of any home and the main area where people gather to unwind, enjoy a meal or spend quality time together. We hope we have outlined the steps necessary to help you select the best primer for kitchen cabinets the next time you are in the market for a quality product.
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