Hi there! I'm planning to use Zinsser BIN to prime my living room because I'm dealing with a strong smell from some bad paint I applied last year. Specifically, I've had issues with Sherwin-Williams paint from Lowe's, which you can find in this [post for reference](https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYUK/comments/nlb6kf/bq_valspar_paint_woes_and_unbearable_smell_in/). I really want to make sure I effectively seal in that smell, so I have a few questions: 1. Is Zinsser BIN a better choice than Kilz Original for my situation? 2. Should I apply just one coat of primer, or would two be necessary given the strong odor? 3. How long do I need to wait before painting over the primer? I've seen advice that says one or two hours, but I want to be sure everything is done correctly. 4. If I can paint the same day or have to wait a day or two, can I leave the painter's tape on until I paint, or do I need to remove it and reapply? Any other tips or tricks would also be appreciated. Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
I usually stick with BIN for almost all my projects. I've seen a lot of talk about paint odors lately, but I can vouch that it worked wonders for covering up cat urine on concrete. When it comes to painting over the primer, it depends on how well it cures—things like temperature and humidity play a big part. I'd recommend giving it at least 24 hours to fully cure and ensure the smell is gone. Also, when rolling, don't skimp on moisture; a wet roller leads to thicker layers. And use green frog tape instead of blue for cleaner edges!
You can definitely apply a second coat of Zinsser BIN within 45 minutes, and I'd recommend doing it just to be safe, especially if you're dealing with really bad odors. Most sources say you can paint over it after 1-2 hours, but I personally waited about 8 hours just to be extra cautious since I got busy. Don't forget to ventilate well by opening up windows and wearing a respirator, as the fumes can be strong! As for the tape, I left mine on and just cut in with a brush after priming, removing the tape about 10 minutes after the final paint coat. Just make sure to pull it back at a sharp angle for the best results!
Thanks a ton for the advice! I think I will stick to two coats of BIN just to be safe. I’m wondering though, if I do end up painting over the two coats after about two hours, does that make the primer less effective at sealing in the odor? I’m really hoping to get this all done in one weekend!