Benjamin Moore Max Block

Max Block is a water-based stain-blocking primer designed to offer performance similar to traditional solvent or alkyd primers but with lower VOC levels and easier cleanup. It’s formulated to seal tannin bleed from woods such as cedar and redwood and to block a range of difficult household stains including water marks, smoke damage, nicotine, crayon, marker and other discolourations that might otherwise show through the topcoat. The primer adheres well to a wide variety of substrates — from wood and drywall to masonry, metal and vinyl — and is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Fast drying properties mean you can usually re-coat within about an hour, and it can be applied by brush, roller or spray. Cleanup is straightforward with soap and water.

This product is particularly useful when tackling projects where stain bleed-through is a concern, but you want the convenience and lower odour of a water-based primer rather than a traditional solvent-based option. For severe staining, Benjamin Moore recommend applying a second coat of primer before top-coating to ensure complete seal and uniform finish.