Junckers primers, split by drying type and the effect each leaves on the wood. The two WB (water-based) Primers, in white and clear, add a whitewash shade and are formulated to overcoat with Junckers MT500 or HT700 lacquers. SB Primer is solvent-based, quick-drying, and gives light-coloured woods a subtle light-gold appearance rather than a whitewash. All three were previously sold under different names, WB White was Prelak White, WB Clear was Prelak Clear, and SB Primer was BasePrime, so if you've ordered from Junckers before under those older names, this is the same product range. Call 020 8830 9785 if you want help picking between them.
WB Primer vs SB Primer
| Primer |
Drying type |
Effect |
Overcoat with |
| WB Primer, White |
Water-based, fast-drying |
Whitewash shade |
Junckers MT500, HT700, other water-based finishes |
| WB Primer, Clear |
Water-based, fast-drying |
Whitewash shade, lighter effect than White |
Junckers MT500, HT700, other water-based finishes |
| SB Primer |
Solvent-based, quick-drying |
Light-gold appearance on light woods |
Junckers solvent-based or water-based lacquers |
The two WB primers both build a whitewash effect, the White variant giving a more pronounced result and Clear a subtler one, and both are designed to work with Junckers' own MT500 and HT700 lacquers specifically. SB Primer takes a different route entirely, warming light-coloured and exotic wood species with a light-gold tone rather than lightening them, and it's suitable for most sanded and untreated parquet floors.
FAQ
Is Junckers WB Primer the same as the old Prelak range? Yes, WB Primer White and Clear are the current names for what was previously sold as Prelak White and Prelak Clear, same formulation under a new name.
Can I use Junckers SB Primer under a water-based lacquer? Yes, SB Primer is compatible with both solvent-based and water-based Junckers lacquers, giving some flexibility in which topcoat you pair it with.
Will WB Primer Clear still give a whitewash effect, or is it truly clear? Despite the name, it still adds a whitewash shade, just a lighter one than the White variant. If you want a genuinely minimal colour change, testing on an offcut first will show you how subtle the effect actually is.
Does Junckers SB Primer work on exotic hardwood species? Yes, it's specifically noted as suitable for most exotic wood floors alongside standard sanded and untreated parquet.
