Can I use Kilz primer over oil-based paint?

Author: Derek Brown Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Use on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Use under or over water-based or oil-based paints. Not recommended on flooring.

What kind of primer to use over oil-based paint?

Shellac Primers - These primers can be used with both oil-based and latex paints and may be the best at blocking stains and can even seal in smells that may be coming from the surface you are painting. They are fast-drying and can adhere to almost any surface.

Will kilz primer stick to gloss paint?

Its advanced chemistry provides a sound anchor for topcoats while reducing or potentially eliminating the need for sanding dense, glossy surfaces including Kynar®, PVC, vinyl, Formica®, glass, tile, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass and metals.

Can you put kilz over old paint?

We recommend KILZ KLEAR® Clear Sealer & Bonding Primer – a high performance fast-drying, multi-surface clear primer developed to seal highly porous surfaces inside and outside your home. It is also recommended for use when painting the same topcoat paint color on top of an existing paint coat.

What happens if you put water-based paint over oil-based primer?

You can paint with water based paint over oil primer! That's fine because the primer finishes flat and the latex can grip to it.

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Will Kilz cover oil-based paint?

Best for use in

Use on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Use under or over water-based or oil-based paints. Not recommended on flooring.

Can I use water-based primer with oil based top coat?

Yes! But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry.

What does Kilz not cover?

Use on wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Not recommended for mold or mildew-prone surfaces or on flooring.

How many coats of Kilz primer should you use?

Depending on how strong or bold the previous color is, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat of primer. However, it is not necessary to over apply the primer with so many coats. As long as the primer applies uniformly over the previous color, then one or two coats should be sufficient.

Will Kilz stop peeling paint?

Over time, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can make paint peel. For spaces where this is normal like kitchens, using KILZ 3® Premium Primer (known for its exceptional adhesion and durability) before you paint can help ensure your paint job lasts longer.

What is special about KILZ primer?

KILZ MOLD & MILDEW Primer will block most medium to heavy stains including felt marker, grease, ink, pencil, tannin and water stains. It is a fast drying, low odor, very low VOC formula and is easy to clean with soap and water. Not recommended for floors.

Why won't new paint stick to old paint?

Improper preparation such as not cleaning the walls or using the wrong type of tape can lead to problems with adhesion. Additionally, some surfaces may require a coat of primer before painting, while old paints or primers can also lead to trouble getting your paint to adhere correctly.

What is the best primer to cover semi gloss paint?

For this task, use a latex primer as it offers excellent adhesion for the topcoat and is suitable for both semi-gloss and satin paints.

Can you prime over oil-based paint without sanding?

You can paint older oil-based paint without sanding, but it's not always the best idea. If the oil-based primer or paint is in good condition, you may be able to get away with just painting over it. However, if the paint is starting to chip or peel, you need to sand it down before painting over it.

Is Kilz a bonding primer?

KILZ Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer is specially formulated to optimize the adhesion of masonry coatings. With proper application, this product provides a sound foundation for coatings with excellent resistance to water, alkali and efflorescence.

What are the tips for painting with oil-based paint?

Firstly, when painting with oils, it is important to adhere to the three rules of oil painting. These are 'fat over lean', 'thick over thin' and 'slow-drying over fast-drying'. This means that each layer of paint should be progressively more flexible, thicker and slow drying than the one below it.

Can you use Kilz over existing paint?

Surface Preparation

Peeling or Checked Paint: Scrape off loose paint and sand to a smooth surface. Sanding or removal of paint containing lead is hazardous. While KILZ ADHESION Primer is formulated to bond without sanding, it is recommended that a small area be tested for adhesion prior to beginning the job.

What precautions should be taken when using Kilz primer?

Prior to applying the primer, remove any mold or mildew with a proper remover or have it removed by a professional. In severe cases, the moldy substrates may need to be replaced. Once the surface is mold and mildew free, ensure it is clean and dry before applying primer.

How much does 1 gallon of Kilz primer cover?

In general, one gallon of paint or primer will cover roughly 250-350 square feet of surface. Save time and money with the KILZ paint calculator to estimate the amount of paint or primer needed for your next project.

What if color bleeds through primer?

If the stain bleeds through the topcoat, apply a second coat of primer and test again before top coating the entire area. If bleeding continues, a longer dry time is needed before top coating. When you start with primer, blocking light and heavy stains doesn't have to be a challenge!

Can I use Kilz primer without sanding?

Our Kilz 2 Prime can go over the stained wooden doors. However, we do suggest scuff sanding the coating first to help promote adhesion, but you don't need to sand off the stain.

Can you use water-based paint over oil-based primer?

Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. The exception is that an oil based primer may accept any kind of top coat paint. For that reason, an oil based primer is recommended to be applied over any oil based top coat, then a water based paint may be used as a top coat.

What is the best primer to cover oil-based paint?

Ideal Primers and Topcoats for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
  • BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer. ...
  • BEHR® Bonding Primer. ...
  • BEHR® Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel Undercoater. ...
  • BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint & Primer.

Is Kilz Original Interior primer oil based?

KILZ Original 1 Gal. White Oil-Based Interior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker 10901 - The Home Depot.

How to paint over old oil-based paint?

In just four simple steps, you can successfully paint over oil-based paint without worrying about the new paint peeling or cracking in just a week.
  1. Step 1: Sand Away the Coating. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean with TSP. ...
  3. Step 3: Prime the Surface. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Two Coats of Paint.

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