How To Use BIN Shellac Primer | Salvaged Inspirations (2024)

March 17, 2020 by Denise - 86 Comments

HOW I APPLY B-I-N SHELLAC PRIMER TO STOP BLEED THROUGH, STAINS, KNOTS, AND ODOR ON MY PAINTED FURNITURE MAKEOVERS. [VIDEO]

Hi sweet #sifamily and thanks for joining me today. I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve primed, then painted – only to still see some bleed-through rearing its ugly head. Or worse yet. I primed and painted. Everything looked perfect. Then I top coated and low and behold – nasty stains were bleeding through! After putting in all the work, it’s SO frustrating to have to back peddle to cover what should have been blocked in the first place.

For those of you who know me, you know I’m thrifty. But when I know a product over-delivers and saves me a ton of time and worry, I don’t mind paying a little extra. In my humble opinion, B-I-N Shellac Based Primer is one of those products. It’s a time saving stain-blocking primer that gives a visual along with the confidence to paint without worry.

Why I love it….

1. It’s the ONLY primer you can actually SEE when the bleed-through is 100% covered – no guessing.
2. Dries extremely fast 10-15min and recoat within 30 minutes
3. Sands super smooth
4. Blocks odors like must and smoke
5. Super thin consistency but a little goes a long way
6. Blocks water stains, knots, bleed-through and other stains

Cons

1. Denatured alcohol-based so it does smell
2. Requires solvent clean up
3. Pricey (but a little goes a long way)

SOURCE LIST

$15 Nightstands – SALVAGED
B-I-N Shellac Primer
Foam Roller + Cheap Paint Brush
Dixie Cups + Paper Plates
Stir Stick
Mask and Gloves
Sanding Pads

How to Apply BIN Shellac Primer by Zinnser

HERE’S A STEP BY STEP VIDEO:

If you have any issues viewing – you cancheck it out here on my Youtube Channel

STEP #1:: SHAKE AND STIR

The shellac settles on the bottom of the can so once my furniture is ready for primer (ie cleaned and sanded) I give the can a good shake. Open it up. Then give it a really good stir.

STEP #2:: Pour Onto Paper Plate

Clean up for shellac-based primers require denatured alcohol/solvents. To avoid this, I use disposable supplies so I don’t have to worry about clean up. I take a Dixie Cup (or similar size) and pour in 2 or 3 little cups onto a paper plate.

STEP #3:: Roll Primer onto Furniture

One of the benefits of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. One of the downfalls of this primer is it’s super thin and dries super fast. Once it starts drying or is applied too thick, it turns into a sticky mess. I use the foam roller to apply the majority of the surface and a cheap paintbrush if the tip of the roller doesn’t reach into certain tight corners.

STEP #4:: Apply a Second Coat

This primer dries to the touch within 10-15minutes. By the time I finish applying the first coat, I can apply a second coat with no wait time in-between. Ideally, the instructions say 30min to recoat but this primer dries so fast often I’ll put on coat #2 after I finish coat #1.

STEP #5:: Sand

If there is no sign of stains or bleedthrough showing through, I’ll give the primer a light sanding and it’s ready for paint. I rarely need more than 2 coats to block heavy duty bleed through.

One of the reasons I blog is to share my experiences. It’s fun to share products and techniques that have worked for me, and what has not. This is in hopes it helps you in some small way on your furniture painting journey. Another big reason I love blogging is it provides me the opportunity to learn from YOU. We’ve all had different experiences and it’s great to hear your thoughts and opinions. That said, I’ve had numerous emails saying they’ve tried B-I-N Shellac Primer and found it challenging to use. I hope all the tips in the video are helpful and encourage you to give it a try. If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them below. 🙂

On a personal note, this COVID 19 has everyone concerned and I hope you’re staying safe. I went shopping the other evening and it was a surreal and unsettling experience to see the shelves cleared out of necessities like flour and toilet paper. Not to mention the reactions of some of the people shopping.

As a blogger/furniture painter, I’m blessed to have my workspace at home. I’m used to staying in a good portion of the day — but I realize not everyone feels that way. If you’re self-isolating or spending more time at home, I hope you take it as an opportunity to do some of the nice things you’ve been wanting to do. Maybe some furniture painting or any other hobbies you might enjoy.

I’m staying in as much as possible and when I do need to head out, I’m practicing hand sanitization and social distancing as I hope you are. It’s a scary time but I know we are strong and will get through this together. Stay healthy and safe my friends. XOXO

I’ll be back next Tuesdayto share how these nightstands turn out.