Hello friends! Today, I’m going to talk about something super important, especially if you love painting or taking on DIY projects at home. You might have heard about “BIN Shellac” and “Cover Stain” when people talk about primers. If you’re wondering, “What are these?”, “Which one should I use?”, or “What’s the difference?” — don’t worry! I’m here to explain everything in a super simple way that anyone can understand. So, let’s dive in and learn about BIN Shellac vs Cover Stain!
What Is a Primer and Why Do We Need It? 🤔
Before we jump into the differences between BIN Shellac and Cover Stain, let’s quickly talk about primers in general. A primer is like a base coat you put on a surface before painting. It helps the paint stick better and last longer, which is great because we all want our walls, furniture, or whatever we’re painting to look awesome for a long time!
Primers can also hide stains, block odors, and cover up things like water damage or smoke stains. This way, when you paint over it, you get a nice, smooth finish. Without a primer, the paint might peel, or those stains could sneak back up. So yeah, using a primer is super important!
Now, let’s talk about the two primers that are popular — BIN Shellac and Cover Stain.
BIN Shellac vs Cover Stain: What’s the Difference? 🧐
Alright, now that we know what a primer does, let’s get into the juicy details about these two awesome products: BIN Shellac and Cover Stain. Both are great at what they do, but they have some differences that might make you choose one over the other depending on your project.
BIN Shellac
BIN Shellac is one of the oldest and best primers out there. It’s a shellac-based primer, which means it’s made from a resin produced by a bug (yes, a bug! Isn’t that cool?). This makes it a super strong primer. People love to use it because it dries very fast — like 45 minutes fast! 😮 That means you can get your painting done quicker.
It’s also really great at sealing in odors. So, if you have a musty old room or maybe a place where there used to be pets, BIN Shellac can block those smells like a superhero! Plus, it covers water stains, smoke damage, and even wood knots, which can sometimes be tricky to paint over.
The downside? Well, since it’s shellac-based, it has a strong smell when you first use it, and you’ll need to clean your brushes with something called denatured alcohol. It’s also not the best for outdoor projects because it’s not super resistant to weather.
Cover Stain
Now let’s talk about Cover Stain. This is an oil-based primer, which makes it really tough and durable. It’s fantastic for both indoor and outdoor use, so if you want to paint something outside, Cover Stain is the one you want! It’s also super at covering stains, just like BIN Shellac, but the cool part is that it’s better at sticking to surfaces that are hard to paint, like glossy surfaces.
One big plus with Cover Stain is that it’s easier to clean up after. You can just use regular paint thinner, and boom — your brushes are good to go. It also dries pretty fast, but not as fast as BIN Shellac. Still, it’s quick enough to get the job done in a reasonable time.
On the downside, oil-based primers can be a bit tricky to work with for beginners. They’re thicker and might be a bit harder to spread around. Plus, they can have a strong smell too, but not as strong as BIN Shellac.
When to Use BIN Shellac vs. Cover Stain 🌟
Now that you know what BIN Shellac and Cover Stain are all about, you might be wondering: “Which one should I use for my project?” Let me help you with that by going over different situations where each primer might be your go-to superhero!
When to Use BIN Shellac:
- Bad Odors: If you’re dealing with strong smells, like cigarette smoke or pet odors, BIN Shellac is your best friend. It locks those odors in and won’t let them sneak through the paint.
- Water Stains or Smoke Damage: Got some ugly watermarks on your walls or ceiling? Or maybe your fireplace has left black smoke stains? BIN Shellac can cover those perfectly!
- Fast Dry Time Needed: If you’re in a hurry to get your project done, BIN Shellac dries really fast, so you can start painting sooner.
- Small Indoor Projects: Since it’s not great for outdoors, you’ll want to keep BIN Shellac for indoor projects. Maybe you’re painting a piece of furniture or a room inside the house.
When to Use Cover Stain:
- Outdoor Projects: If you’re working on something outside, like a fence or the outside of your house, Cover Stain is the better choice because it’s tougher and can handle weather changes.
- Glossy Surfaces: If you’re painting something shiny, like glossy wood or tiles, Cover Stain will stick to those surfaces better than BIN Shellac.
- Big Projects: Since Cover Stain is easier to clean up and not as smelly, it might be a better choice for bigger projects where you’ll be working for a longer time.
BIN Shellac vs. Cover Stain: Which One is Better? 🏆
Here’s the big question: “BIN Shellac vs. Cover Stain — which one is better?” Well, it really depends on what you’re trying to do! Both of these primers are amazing, but they shine in different situations.
If you need to block smells, cover tricky stains, and need your primer to dry super fast, then BIN Shellac is probably the better choice for you. However, if you’re working on something outdoors or need to prime a glossy surface, then Cover Stain is the clear winner.
You can’t really go wrong with either one, but just remember to pick the one that best fits your project. That way, you’ll get the best results possible!
Some Helpful Tips for Using BIN Shellac and Cover Stain 🛠️
Now that you know all about these two primers, I thought I’d share some helpful tips to make your painting job go even smoother.
- Ventilation is Key: Both BIN Shellac and Cover Stain have strong smells, so make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Open windows, use fans, and take breaks to get fresh air!
- Use the Right Tools: BIN Shellac requires you to clean your brushes with denatured alcohol, and for Cover Stain, you’ll need paint thinner. Make sure you have those on hand before starting.
- Sand Before Priming: To get the best result, lightly sand the surface before applying either primer. This helps the primer stick better, giving you a smoother finish.
- Wear Protective Gear: It’s always a good idea to wear gloves and maybe even a mask when working with primers, especially ones that have strong odors like these two.
- Apply Thin Coats: Both primers work best if you apply thin, even coats. Don’t try to put on too much at once, or it might get all drippy and uneven.
- Read the Instructions: I know this sounds boring, but reading the instructions on the can is super important. It’ll tell you exactly how long to wait before painting, how to apply the primer, and how to clean up.
Final Thoughts on BIN Shellac vs. Cover Stain 🎨
So, there you have it, friends! BIN Shellac vs. Cover Stain — two awesome primers that can make your DIY projects look amazing. Whether you’re covering up tough stains, blocking odors, or priming something for a fresh coat of paint, one of these primers will definitely get the job done.
Remember, the best primer depends on what you’re working on. If it’s indoors and you need something quick, go for BIN Shellac. If you’re outside or working on something glossy, Cover Stain has your back!
Now go ahead and tackle that painting project! With the right primer and a little bit of patience, your project will turn out awesome. Happy painting!
