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Preparation Is Everything (Even If It’s the Part We’d Rather Skip)
Preparation is one of those parts of decorating that people are often tempted to rush through. But if you’ve ever had stains bleed through fresh paint or watched a topcoat struggle to stick to a tricky surface, you’ll know just how important the right primer can be.
That’s exactly where the HB42 primer range comes in. These products are designed to deal with some of the most common decorating problems, from stubborn stains to difficult surfaces that ordinary paint simply won’t grip.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through HB42 PS1, PS2 and PS3, explain what each one is best for, and help you decide which primer is right for your project.
HB42 Primer Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Benefits | Dry Time |
| HB42 PS1 Shellac Primer | Stains, nicotine, smoke, glossy surfaces | Blocks stains and odours, excellent adhesion, very fast drying | 15 minutes |
| HB42 PS2 Water-Based Primer | General interior and exterior priming | Low odour, anti-mould protection, strong adhesion | 30 minutes |
| HB42 PS3 Oil-Based Primer | Woodwork and trim | Excellent stain blocking, durable base coat | 1–2 hours |
HB42 PS1 Primer & Sealer
HB42 PS1 is the product you reach for when a surface is being particularly stubborn.
This shellac-based primer is designed to tackle surfaces that are normally difficult to paint and to block stains that would otherwise show through your topcoat. It works incredibly well on glossy surfaces, varnished wood, tiles, and previously painted finishes where adhesion might be an issue.
One of the biggest advantages of PS1 is its speed. It dries in around 15 minutes and can be recoated after about 45 minutes, which makes it perfect for projects where you want to move through the preparation stage quickly.
It’s also excellent at blocking common decorating issues such as smoke stains, nicotine marks, mould stains, and lingering odours.
Because it’s such a powerful primer, PS1 is usually best used for spot priming problem areas rather than covering large exterior surfaces.
Best for
- Blocking smoke, nicotine, and water stains
- Sealing glossy or varnished surfaces
- Priming tiles and difficult materials
- Spot priming problem areas before painting
HB42 PS2 Water-Based Primer
If PS1 is the specialist problem solver, then HB42 PS2 is the all-round decorating workhorse.
This water-based primer is designed to handle a wide range of surfaces and works both indoors and outdoors. It adheres beautifully to plaster, wood, brick, concrete, and previously painted surfaces, making it a reliable choice for general decorating preparation.
PS2 also includes an anti-mould biocide, which makes it particularly useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture can cause problems.
Another big advantage is how pleasant it is to work with. Because it’s water-based, it has low odour and easy clean-up, while still delivering excellent adhesion and coverage.
With a drying time of around 30 minutes and recoating possible in around one hour, it helps keep decorating projects moving without long delays.
Best for
- General interior and exterior priming
- Preparing plaster, brick, and concrete
- Kitchens and bathrooms where mould protection is useful
- Projects where you want quick drying and easy application
HB42 PS3 Oil-Based Primer & Sealer
HB42 PS3 sits somewhere between the other two primers and is particularly useful for woodwork and trim.
This oil-based primer is designed to block stains and seal surfaces before painting, especially where marks such as water stains, nicotine, or smoke damage are present.
It works well on wood, plaster, concrete, and previously painted surfaces, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Once applied, it creates a strong foundation for your topcoat and helps prevent stains from reappearing later.
PS3 dries in around one to two hours and can usually be recoated after about two hours, meaning most projects can still be completed comfortably within a day.
Best for
- Wooden trims and woodwork
- Blocking water, smoke, or nicotine stains
- Interior and exterior surfaces needing extra stain protection
Other HB42 Products Worth Having in Your Decorating Kit
While primers do the heavy lifting during preparation, there are a few other HB42 products that can really help you achieve a professional finish.
HB42 Decorators Caulk
A good decorators caulk makes all the difference when it comes to those finishing touches.
HB42 Decorators Caulk is designed to seal cracks and gaps before painting, helping you achieve a much cleaner final result. It offers excellent flexibility, which means it copes well with natural movement around window frames, skirting boards, architraves, and plasterboard joints.
It can also be overpainted in around one hour, helping you keep your decorating project moving.
HB42 Fusion Ultimate Sealant
For areas that need a stronger waterproof seal, HB42 Fusion Ultimate Sealant is a brilliant option.
It creates a durable, flexible seal and works particularly well in bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. With anti-mould and UV-resistant properties, it’s designed to provide long-lasting protection while still being easy to apply.
HB42 Whole Job Ready Mixed Wood Filler
When you’re repairing small holes or imperfections in wood, HB42 Whole Job Ready Mixed Wood Filler is incredibly useful.
It’s ready to use straight from the tub, spreads smoothly, and dries quickly. Once cured, it behaves much like real wood, which means it can be sanded, nailed, screwed, and painted without any issues.
It’s ideal for repairing furniture, doors, frames, and interior woodwork before applying your final paint finish.
The Secret to a Great Finish
Decorating might look effortless when it’s done well, but the best results nearly always come down to good preparation.
Using the right primer, filling imperfections properly, and sealing gaps before painting helps your topcoat perform better and last longer.
The HB42 range is designed to make those preparation steps simpler, whether you’re dealing with stains, tricky surfaces, or just preparing a room for a fresh coat of paint.
If you’re unsure which HB42 product is right for your project, just get in touch. You can message us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp or email, or give our friendly team a call on 01388 608144.
And if you use HB42 on your next decorating project, don’t forget to tag us in your before-and-after photos. I love seeing what you’ve been working on.
Happy decorating,
Helen x
1 comment
It doesn’t mention if it can be used externally.