PS1 Primer Sealer Stain Block Review

PS1 is a new shellac-based product manufactured by HB42 and sold online. It does everything you’d expect from a shellac-based primer: touch dry in 15 minutes, re-coatable in 45, blocks stains and odours, and you can be applied via brush, roller, or sprayer.

It is apparently tintable, and it sticks to basically anything. You can only use PS1 primer to spot-prime if using it outside because, as with all shellac products, it will not expand and contract with the weather. I’ve been using it since its launch a while ago and thought I’d write a quick PS1 primer, sealer, and stain block review.

An Alternative to Zinsser BIN?

I think everyone reading this review will be familiar with Zinsser BIN. BIN is the brand leader when it comes to shellac primers and a staple in problem-solving products for any decorator. We all know how BIN performs, so I think the best thing for me to do is compare it to PS1 and see how we get on.

The most noticeable difference is that PS1 primer is a lot thinner than BIN, making it much easier to apply. This makes an incredible difference when you need to coat whole sections of a ceiling or a wall to block stains, or when painting over a varnished wooden door. The difference in viscosity also leads to fewer brush marks and a better finish, which is another bonus.

This isn’t to say a coat of PS1 is less capable of blocking a stain because it’s thinner than BIN. I have tested both products side by side, and they’re both extremely effective when it comes to blocking nasties.

Another difference is the opacity. Most paint is made by scientists in a lab. It would appear PS1 primer is made by wizards who use witchcraft, because even though it is thinner than BIN, the opacity is much better!! It is noticeable when blocking stains and extremely noticeable when coating woodwork!! The timber below has PS1 on the left and Zinsser BIN on the right. As you can see, PS1 is miles better. I would go as far as to say that using PS1 over BIN would reduce the number of coats of undercoat needed to turn something from light to dark. That is a lot of labour saved!!

Do We Really Need Another Shellac-Based Primer?

PS1 is a new product which is better and easier to use than the current brand leader. If you only intend to use it on small bits, then it probably won’t make a difference which you use. If it’s a big job, then make sure you order PS1, because you’ll find it miles better. It’s a dream to use – a better finish, better opacity, and it does all the stuff BIN does. If you do want to try PS1, it is available online by clicking here.

FAQs

Is shellac-based primer good?

Shellac-based primer is very good for blocking stains such as smoke, water damage, and grease. It also acts as a great “first coat” over problem surfaces like varnish and old oil-based paint. It’s very quick-drying, which means it’s also ideal when you want to crack on with the rest of the decorating.

Is shellac a good exterior primer?

Shellac primer, like HB42 PS1, is great for a few reasons, but one of its limitations is that it’s brittle once dry. That means you can only use it to spot-prime exterior surfaces, as there isn’t enough flexibility in the paint to cope when it’s applied to larger areas.

What is the best paintbrush to use with shellac primer?

A cheap one! Shellac can be a nightmare to wash out of a brush. It’s far easier to use a cheap paintbrush and then throw it away afterwards.

Does shellac primer stop rust?

Shellac-based primers will block the stain caused by rust. However, they don’t contain rust inhibitors (which essentially starve a surface of oxygen). So, if you use shellac, the metal may carry on rusting under your paint.

Can you use a roller with shellac primer?

Yes – in fact, I advise using a roller where you can. You’ll find it far easier to apply a shellac-based primer with a roller than you will with a brush. That said, HB42 PS1 flows a lot better from a brush than other shellac primers I’ve used.