Best Wall Primer of 2025

Mohammed Clark Avatar
Mohammed Clark
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Wall primer is an essential product in preparing walls for painting, providing a smooth surface and improving the durability of the paint. It is designed to fill in small imperfections and stabilise the surface, creating a consistent base for the paint to adhere to. Wall primer also helps to prevent the paint from soaking into the wall, reducing the amount of paint needed and saving money in the long run. With a range of brands and types available, it is important to select the correct primer for the specific job.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Leyland Trade White Acrylic Primer Undercoat 2.5L Cover #TOP 1
Leyland Trade White Acrylic Primer Undercoat 2.5L
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Leyland Trade Quick Dry Multi-Surface Primer Cover #TOP 2
Leyland Trade Quick Dry Multi-Surface Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint for All Surfaces Cover #TOP 3
Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint for All Surfaces
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Wall Primer

#TOP 1

Leyland Trade White Acrylic Primer Undercoat 2.5L

264365
White
2.5 l (Pack of 1)
Leyland Trade White Acrylic Primer Undercoat 2.5L Cover
Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat - White 2.5L

The Leyland Acrylic Primer is a versatile, water-based undercoat suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces like bare timber, MDF, plaster, and dry wall. Its low odour formula makes it pleasant to use, and its quick drying nature allows you to apply 2-3 coats in just one day. With a coverage of 13 square metres per litre, this primer ensures easy application and is designed for long-lasting results, making your painting projects more efficient and enjoyable.

What We Like
Low odour formula
Quick drying time
Good coverage area
Versatile for various surfaces
#TOP 2

Leyland Trade Quick Dry Multi-Surface Primer

447588
White
2.5 l (Pack of 1)
Leyland Trade Quick Dry Multi-Surface Primer Cover
Leyland Trade - Multi-Surface Primer Undercoat - Quick Dry - Brilliant White

The Leyland Trade Primer is designed for various surfaces, making it a versatile choice for your painting projects. You can use it on walls, wood, metal, and even kitchen cupboards. Its quick-drying formula means you won't have to wait long before applying additional coats, saving you time. Additionally, it effectively blocks everyday stains, ensuring your surfaces look pristine. This primer is perfect for both interior and exterior use, providing convenience and flexibility for all your DIY needs.

What We Like
Quick drying time
Stain blocking capability
Works on multiple surfaces
Versatile for interior and exterior

Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint for All Surfaces

5092093
White
2.5 l (Pack of 1)
Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint for All Surfaces Cover
Dulux Primer & Undercoat Paint - 2.5L, White

Dulux Primer Paint is an excellent choice for your painting needs. Its simple and easy surface preparation means you can get started without hassle. The quick drying time allows you to finish projects faster, making it perfect for busy individuals. Being water-based, it is easier to clean up after use and more environmentally friendly. Whether you're working on interior or exterior wood, metal, or masonry surfaces, this versatile product ensures you have the right base for a long-lasting finish.

What We Like
Easy surface preparation
Quick drying time
Water-based for easy cleanup
Suitable for various surfaces
#TOP 4

Johnstone's ABC Primer Sealer, Brilliant White

389174
Brilliant White
1 l (Pack of 1)
Johnstone's ABC Primer Sealer, Brilliant White Cover
Johnstone's Specialty 389174 ABC Primer Sealer, Brilliant White, 1 L

Johnstone's ABC Primer is an excellent choice for priming difficult surfaces. Its water-based formula makes it easy to use and clean up, ensuring a hassle-free experience. You can apply it to a variety of substrates, allowing you to tackle different projects with confidence. With a coverage of up to 10m² per litre, you get great value, making it a practical option for your painting needs.

What We Like
Primes difficult surfaces
Water-based for easy application
Versatile for various substrates
Good coverage per litre
#TOP 5

RUSTINS White Primer and Undercoat 250ml

WHPU250
white
250 ml (Pack of 1)
RUSTINS White Primer and Undercoat 250ml Cover
RUSTINS White Primer/Undercoat 250ml

The RUSTINS White Primer is designed to provide high coverage, ensuring a smooth and even base for your topcoat. Its fast drying time means you can move on to the next coat within hours, making your painting projects quicker and more efficient. This versatile primer is suitable for various surfaces, including wood, metal, and plaster, perfect for both interior and exterior applications. With easy application methods using a brush, roller, or spray, you’ll experience excellent adhesion and smooth results without the hassle.

What We Like
High coverage for smooth finish
Quick drying for faster projects
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Easy application methods available
#TOP 6

Polycell 3 in 1 Basecoat for Walls

5116750
White
Polycell 3 in 1 Basecoat for Walls Cover
Polycell 3 in 1 Basecoat 5L

The Polycell Basecoat is a versatile 5-litre wall primer designed to prepare your surfaces for painting. It functions as a decorative filler, allowing you to smooth out imperfections, ensuring a flawless finish. This product is ideal for those looking to enhance the durability of their paint job, providing a solid foundation for any subsequent layers. With its 3 in 1 formula, you can save time and effort, making your decorating projects more efficient and effective.

What We Like
Versatile 3 in 1 formula
5 litres for larger projects
Smooths out wall imperfections
Enhances paint durability
#TOP 7

Rustins 500ml Quick Dry White Primer

WHPU500
White
Rustins 500ml Quick Dry White Primer Cover
Rustins WHPU500 500ml Watercolour Quick Dry Primer Undercoat - White

Rustins White Primer is an excellent choice for your painting projects. With high coverage, it provides a smooth base that enhances the finish of your topcoat, ensuring a professional look. Its fast-drying formula means you can complete your projects more quickly, as surfaces will be ready for the next coat within hours. The versatile use on wood, metal, and plaster makes it suitable for both interior and exterior applications, providing you with flexibility for various tasks. Easy application with a brush, roller, or spray ensures a hassle-free experience.

What We Like
High coverage for smooth finish
Fast drying for quicker projects
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Easy application methods available
#TOP 8

Zinsser Peel Stop Clear Primer 1 Litre

ZN70604
Transparent
1 l (Pack of 1)
Zinsser Peel Stop Clear Primer 1 Litre Cover
Zinsser Peel Stop Clear Binding Primer 1 Litre ZINPSP1L

The Zinsser Peel Stop Primer is a flexible bridging sealer that effectively addresses surfaces prone to peeling, flaking, and dusting. Whether you are working indoors or outdoors, this primer forms a breathable acrylic film that allows excess moisture to escape, protecting your surfaces. You can also paint over it in just two hours, making it convenient for quick projects. This product ensures a smoother finish and longer-lasting results, allowing you to achieve a professional look with ease.

What We Like
Flexible and adaptable for surfaces
Breathable film for moisture control
Quick drying time for painting
Suitable for interior and exterior use
#TOP 9

Everbuild 406 Quick Drying Stabilising Solution - 5 Litre

White
5ltr
Everbuild 406 Quick Drying Stabilising Solution - 5 Litre Cover
Everbuild 406 Quick Drying Stabilising Solution – Clear – 5 Litre , Pack of 1

The Everbuild 406 Stabilising Solution is a top-performing primer designed to deeply penetrate and rejuvenate badly weathered surfaces. Its high-quality surface treatment ensures an excellent overlay for decorating and tiling, making your projects easier and more effective. With excellent bonding properties, it seals chalky and dusty surfaces, providing a strong foundation for further applications. Additionally, its versatility allows you to use it on both interior and exterior surfaces, enhancing the convenience of your renovation or decorating tasks.

What We Like
Deeply penetrates weathered surfaces
Excellent for decorating and tiling
Strong sealing on dusty surfaces
Suitable for interior and exterior use
Binds various common substrates
#TOP 10

Johnstone's ABC Primer Sealer, 2.5L

Johnstone's Specialty
389175
Brilliant White
2.5 l (Pack of 1)
Johnstone's ABC Primer Sealer, 2.5L Cover
Johnstone's ABC Primer Sealer, Brilliant White, 2.5L

The Johnstone's Primer Sealer is designed to prime difficult substrates, making your painting tasks easier and more effective. Being water-based, it ensures a more straightforward clean-up and a healthier working environment. You can apply it on various surfaces, providing versatility for different projects. With a coverage of up to 10m2 per litre, you can achieve greater efficiency, saving both time and money.

What We Like
Primes difficult surfaces
Water-based for easy clean-up
Versatile application on various substrates
Good coverage efficiency
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of primer?

A primer (/ˈpraɪmər/) or undercoat is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted.

2. What does a primer do for makeup?

"Primer creates a smooth canvas for your makeup," says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. "It also keeps your makeup in place, keeps it from moving, [and] can keep it matte or luminous," depending on the formula and your skin. Not only does it give you an even base, it also helps lock everything else in.

3. Are primers necessary?

It's not completely necessary, but it does enhance the product. So there you have it, primer isn't just a way for makeup companies to pull more money out of your wallet — it actually works and has benefits. Follow these tips and you'll be pleasantly happy with the one you buy!

Editor's Notes

During our wall primer research, we found 121 wall primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,343 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wall primer list. We found that most customers choose wall primer with an average price of £17.15.

The wall primer are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wall primer, including Leyland, Dulux, Johnstone's, RUSTINS, Polycell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 695 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Mohammed Clark Avatar

Mohammed Clark is an architect and a contractor. His architectural skills are not limited to designing the plan for structures alone, but it extends to aesthetics and home décor. Before establishing his firm, he worked under a construction firm for eight years. Mohammed has gathered enough experience from his time practicing as a professional architect and now has vast knowledge in home designs and aesthetics.