Envirolak T9000 Stain Blocking and Bonding Primer

1K Water-Based Primer for Stain Blocking, Tannin Blocking & Adhesion

Envirolak T9000 Universal Stain & Tannin Blocking Primer (ELPRT9000) is a professional one-component water-based primer engineered for refinishing and new construction.

Updated with Envirolak's 2026 formula, T9000 provides industry-leading stain, dye and tannin blocking along with higher build, improved adhesion and improved moisture resistance. It sands easily, dries quickly and can be used under all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series.

T9000 bonds to a wide variety of substrates, including existing solvent- and water-based coatings, veneers, solid wood, MDF, plastics, concrete and stone.

For darker finishes, white T9000 can also be tinted with T900BT Black Tinter to produce a dark grey primer.

Why Choose Envirolak T9000?

• Professional 1K universal primer

• Excellent stain, dye and tannin blocking

• Updated 2026 formula

• Higher-build formulation

• Improved adhesion

• Improved moisture resistance

• Excellent sanding characteristics

• Fast drying

• Can be force dried for faster production

• Excellent adhesion over existing solvent- and water-based finishes

• Bonds to wood, veneer, MDF, plastics, concrete and stone

• Compatible with all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series

• Can be tinted dark grey with T900BT Black Tinter

• Very low VOC at approximately 13 g/L

• No catalyst required

• No pot life

• Suitable for spray, brush and roller application

Recommended Uses

Envirolak T9000 is designed for professional interior finishing and refinishing applications such as:

• Kitchen cabinetry

• Cabinet doors

• Furniture

• Millwork

• Woodwork

• Veneers

• MDF

• Solid wood

• Previously finished surfaces

• Plastics

• Concrete

• Stone

It is particularly useful when a project requires both strong adhesion and stain or tannin blocking before application of a pigmented Envirolak topcoat.

Excellent Stain & Tannin Blocking

T9000 is formulated to help block:

• Wood tannins

• Existing stains

• Dye migration

• Discolouration from underlying substrates

This makes it particularly useful for cabinetry and millwork where tannin or stain bleed could otherwise discolour a light-coloured topcoat.

Excellent Bonding to Existing Finishes

T9000 can bond to a wide range of properly prepared existing water-based and solvent-based coatings.

This makes it well suited to refinishing cabinetry, furniture and millwork where complete removal of a sound existing finish may not be necessary.

Existing surfaces must still be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and sanded before priming.

2026 Formula

Envirolak's updated T9000 formulation provides:

• Higher build

• Better adhesion

• Better moisture resistance

• Easy sanding

• Fast force-drying capability

• Compatibility with all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series

Surface Preparation

Raw Wood, Veneer & MDF

Sand the substrate with:

180–320 grit sandpaper

before applying T9000.

After the primer has dried, lightly sand with:

320 grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge

before applying the next layer for the best appearance.

A second coat of T9000 can be applied over the first coat without sanding when applied within 4 hours.

Previously Finished Surfaces

For refinishing over an existing finish:

1. Degrease the surface.

2. Mix 1 part Envirolak RX110 EnviroKlean with 4 parts water.

3. Apply the cleaner and scrub using a maroon Scotch-Brite pad or stiff nylon brush.

4. Wipe with a clean wet rag to remove EnviroKlean.

5. Wipe again with a dry rag to remove remaining cleaner or contamination.

6. Allow the surface to dry.

7. Sand with approximately 180 grit or a fine sanding sponge.

8. Apply T9000.

Grease, oil and other contaminants must be completely removed before priming.

Application

T9000 can be applied by:

• Air-assisted airless

• Airless sprayer

• HVLP turbine

• Gravity cup gun

• Brush

• Roller

Apply approximately:

3–5 wet mils per coat

Recommended:

1–2 coats, depending on the application.

Maximum total dry film build:

6 mils

Airless Spray Settings

Recommended airless settings:

Pressure: 1,200–2,000 PSI

Tip Sizes:

• 306

• 308

• 408

Use a Fine Finish or Ultra Finish tip.

Air-Assisted Airless Settings

Fluid Pressure: 300–600 PSI
Air Pressure: 25 PSI triggered
Tip: 04 or 06 / approximately .009–.011"

HVLP Turbine Settings

Use a 5-stage or higher HVLP turbine.

Recommended:

Needle: 1.8 mm
Air Cap: High-solids air cap
Air Pressure: Maximum

Reduction:

0–5% ELRX010

or

0–10% water

Gravity Cup Gun Settings

Air Pressure: 25–35 PSI
Needle: 1.8 mm

Reduction:

0–5% ELRX010

or

0–10% water

Brush & Roller Application

Brush

Use a medium-to-firm nylon or polyester brush.

Roller

Use:

• Mohair

• Velour

• 3/16" microfiber

Reduction:

0–3% ELRX010

or

0–10% water

Drying Times

At approximately 20°C (68°F) with a 4–5 wet mil application:

Dry to Touch: 20 minutes
Dry to Sand: 60 minutes
Dry to Stack: Overnight
Dry to Topcoat: 4 hours

A second coat or a very heavy first coat can approximately double these drying times.

Force Drying

T9000 responds well to heat and can be force dried for faster production.

Conventional Oven

At approximately 40–50°C (104–120°F):

Dry to Touch: 10 minutes
Dry to Sand: 30 minutes
Dry to Stack: 1–3 hours

Sun-Spot IR Cure

Flash Off: 2–5 minutes
Direct Cure: 5 minutes at 60–70°C (140–160°F)
Rack Cure: 10 minutes at 20%+ power
Cool Down: 15–20 minutes

The coating is ready to sand or stack after cooling.

Application Temperature

The coating temperature during application should be at least:

16°C (60°F)

For colder conditions, Envirolak recommends warming the material or adding water as appropriate before spraying.

Important Equipment Cleaning Requirement

T9000 liquid must not be mixed with other coating materials.

Spray equipment must be thoroughly flushed with water before and after using T9000.

Loading another coating into equipment containing T9000 residue without first rinsing with water can cause the resin to separate, producing grit and significant equipment clogging.

Also:

Do not mix liquid T9000 with ELRX110 EnviroKlean.

The combination can form a gelatinous mass that is difficult to remove from equipment.

Cleanup

Flush spray equipment with clean water until the water runs clear.

Wet T9000 can be cleaned with:

• Water without soap

• Alcohol/water blend

Dried material can be cleaned using ELRX110.

Tinting T9000 Dark Grey

T9000 is supplied as a white primer.

For projects receiving dark-coloured topcoats, T9000 can be tinted with T900BT Black Tinter to create a dark grey primer base.

This can help provide a more appropriate foundation beneath dark pigmented finishes.

Compatible Envirolak Topcoats

The updated 2026 T9000 formula can be used beneath all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series.

Always follow the appropriate Envirolak finishing system and current technical data sheets for the selected topcoat.

Technical Specifications

Product: Envirolak T9000 Universal Stain & Tannin Blocking Primer
Product Code: ELPRT9000 / PRT9000
Type: 1K water-based primer
Components: 1
Colour: White; tintable dark grey with T900BT
Recommended Coats: 1–2
Wet Film Build: 3–5 mils
Maximum Dry Film Build: 6 mils
Minimum Coating Temperature: 16°C (60°F)
Dry to Touch: 20 minutes at 20°C
Dry to Sand: 60 minutes at 20°C
Dry to Topcoat: 4 hours at 20°C
Dry to Stack: Overnight
Specific Gravity: 1.38 ±2%
Viscosity: 2,500 cps at 25°C
Solids by Weight: 59%
VOC: 13 g/L
VOC Less Exempt: 22 g/L
Pot Life: None
Flash Point: >100°C
Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
Storage: 18–25°C recommended; do not store below 5°C
Cleanup: Water while wet
Professional/Industrial Use: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Envirolak T9000?

Envirolak T9000 is a one-component water-based universal stain and tannin blocking primer designed for professional refinishing and new construction applications.

What changed with the 2026 T9000 formula?

The updated 2026 formula provides higher build, better adhesion, improved moisture resistance and easy sanding. It is also compatible with all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series.

Does T9000 block wood tannins?

Yes. T9000 is specifically formulated to provide excellent stain, dye and tannin blocking.

Is T9000 a bonding primer?

Yes. T9000 provides excellent adhesion to properly prepared existing solvent- and water-based coatings as well as veneers, solid wood, MDF, plastics, concrete and stone.

Can I use T9000 on kitchen cabinets?

Yes. Cabinetry is one of the primary applications specified by Envirolak for T9000.

Can T9000 be used on MDF?

Yes. T9000 can be applied to properly prepared MDF. Envirolak recommends sanding raw MDF, wood and veneer with 180–320 grit before priming.

Can T9000 be applied over existing paint or coatings?

Yes. T9000 can bond to properly prepared existing solvent- and water-based finishes. The existing surface must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and sanded before application.

Does T9000 need a catalyst?

No. T9000 is a 1K, one-component primer and does not require a catalyst.

What is the pot life of T9000?

T9000 has no pot life because it is a one-component product.

How many coats of T9000 should I apply?

Envirolak recommends 1–2 coats depending on the application.

How long does T9000 take to dry?

At approximately 20°C (68°F), T9000 dries to the touch in about 20 minutes and can be sanded after approximately 60 minutes.

How long before T9000 can be topcoated?

Under normal air-drying conditions at approximately 20°C, allow about 4 hours before topcoating.

Do I need to sand between coats of T9000?

A second coat of T9000 can be applied without sanding when it is applied within approximately 4 hours. For best appearance before applying subsequent layers, lightly sand the primer with 320 grit or a fine sanding sponge.

What airless tip should I use for T9000?

Envirolak recommends 306, 308 or 408 Fine Finish or Ultra Finish airless tips at approximately 1,200–2,000 PSI.

Can T9000 be sprayed with an HVLP turbine?

Yes. Envirolak recommends a 5-stage or higher HVLP turbine with a 1.8 mm needle and high-solids air cap.

Can T9000 be brushed or rolled?

Yes. Use a medium-to-firm nylon or polyester brush, or a mohair, velour or 3/16-inch microfiber roller.

Can T9000 be reduced with water?

Yes. Depending on the application equipment, Envirolak allows reduction with water up to approximately 10%. Follow the specific application instructions for the equipment being used.

Can T9000 be force dried?

Yes. T9000 responds well to heat and can be force dried using a conventional oven or compatible infrared curing equipment according to Envirolak's technical instructions.

Can T9000 be used under Envirolak 100 Series topcoats?

Yes. The updated 2026 formula can be used under all Envirolak topcoats, including the 100 Series.

Can T9000 be tinted?

Yes. White T9000 can be tinted with T900BT Black Tinter to create a dark grey primer for use beneath dark-coloured finishes.

How do I clean T9000 from spray equipment?

Flush equipment thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear. Envirolak specifically warns that equipment should be water-flushed before and after using T9000.

Can T9000 be mixed with ELRX110 EnviroKlean?

No. Do not mix liquid T9000 with ELRX110. Envirolak warns that doing so can create a gelatinous mass that is difficult to clean from equipment.

What is the VOC content of T9000?

The current Envirolak TDS lists T9000 at approximately 13 g/L VOC, or 22 g/L less exempt compounds.

What is the shelf life of T9000?

T9000 has a shelf life of approximately 12 months in unopened containers when stored according to Envirolak's recommendations.