Ray's Primer Vs Zinsser B-I-N Primer

bystarlight

Hi folks,

I'm planning on painting our pine stairs, preferably without having to sand it first. There's a small bit of varnish left on it.

I'm told that Ray's Primer and Zinsser B-I-N Primer can be used without having to first sand off the varnish.

Which primer is better?

Also, I'm thinking of staining the railing. I assume that should be done before the rest of stairs is painted.

Thanks!

romaderwdcsax

bystarlight wrote: »

Hi folks,

I'm planning on painting our pine stairs, preferably without having to sand it first. There's a small bit of varnish left on it.

I'm told that Ray's Primer and Zinsser B-I-N Primer can be used without having to first sand off the varnish.

Which primer is better?

Also, I'm thinking of staining the railing. I assume that should be done before the rest of stairs is painted.

Thanks!

Having used both, I would go with the rays primer. Rays primer is easier to work with as in it doesn’t dry as quickly as zinsser, better workability and better coverage.
Make sure the area is well ventilated when using those primers.
Ya do your handrail 1st, and mask it off when finished before starting the spindles.

bystarlight

Thanks very much, romaderwdcsax

bystarlight

Another question....before I stain the handrail. Will I need to remove the varnish from it? Or does the handrail also need a primer? If so, what type?

Thanks!

romaderwdcsax

bystarlight wrote: »

Another question....before I stain the handrail. Will I need to remove the varnish from it? Or does the handrail also need a primer? If so, what type?

Thanks!

Ya all varnish on handrail needs to be removed before applying stain.
Not a nice job but it’s worth the time and effort when you see the results.
After staining, apply a good few coats of varnish to handrail, mask up handrail and then start priming the rest of the stairs to be painted.

bystarlight

Thanks again!