FolkArt, Clear Primer, 8 oz

Lumpy, difficult to spread,not covering surface even after 2 coats

As someone who regularly dabbles in both woodwork and mixed media painting, finding the right primer has always been a bit of a balancing act. I want something that adheres well, doesn’t yellow, and doesn’t add unnecessary opacity to my work—especially when I’m layering over natural textures or working with translucent paint effects. After trying several options, I landed on FolkArt Clear Primer, and I haven’t looked back since. I remember the first time I used it. I was prepping a collection of flat river stones for a series of miniature mandala paintings I planned to gift for the holidays. Normally, rock surfaces can be tricky—they’re uneven, porous, and sometimes slick in spots. But this primer handled it beautifully. It brushed on smoothly, dried to a subtle matte finish in under 15 minutes, and created a surface that felt just tacky enough to hold my acrylics without sliding or beading. Since then, I’ve used it on everything from wooden keepsake boxes and ceramic planters to canvas panels and even rigid plastic ornaments. The versatility is no exaggeration—this stuff really does bond well to just about anything. It’s become a staple on my shelf not just for how reliably it preps surfaces, but because it’s so simple to work with. No overpowering odor, no chalky residue, and no stress. Here’s what stands out to me: • It plays well with almost any surface—wood, metal, ceramics, canvas, you name it. I’ve even had success using it as a sealant layer in a pinch. • Application is painless. The consistency is smooth, not too runny or thick, and it spreads evenly with a standard brush or foam applicator. • It dries fast. I’m often able to move to painting in 15–20 minutes, which helps when I’m batch-processing multiple pieces. • The adhesion is solid. My paints stick confidently afterward, and I don’t have to worry about peeling or flaking down the road. • It’s affordable. Considering the quality and results, the price is extremely reasonable—especially for how far one bottle goes. The only thing to note is its transparency. Because it’s clear, it won’t cover up any underlying color or pattern on the surface. That’s perfect when I want the natural texture or hue to show through (like with those river stones), but not ideal if I need a uniform, blank slate. Also, for best results, I still take a few moments to prep the surface—a light sanding or quick wipe-down can make all the difference. All in all, FolkArt Clear Primer has earned a permanent spot in my art supply stash. It’s dependable, user-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re just starting out or have been crafting for years, it’s one of those quiet heroes that elevates your projects without getting in the way.

I bought this to use for 3d printed items to prime before painting and it works amazingly!! It dries completely clear even though it starts out as a milky type color. It has good coverage and leaves a matte like texture so that acrylic paint will adhere well. It has a good thickness and isn’t watery. Good size and amount for the price!

If you like to paint rocks and you want to also keep the aesthetic appeal of how the rock looks, this is a good primer to use because you can still see the original Rock underneath. I paint a picture on the front of the Rock and leave the rest of the Rock as it is, but the entire Rock is sealed with this primer. Very good results for my use case.

It has a strong smell and ventilation is needed. It paints white but then gets clear as it dries up. The finish is slightly shiny.

Easy to use, great coverage, texture is thick, easy to sand and reapply if necessary. Held up on all projects.