Can you use kilz as a primer for oil-based paint?

Author: Susan Cassin  |  Last update: Friday, January 2, 2026

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.

What is the best 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.

Can you use kilz as regular primer?

Use KILZ STANDARD Primer on almost all interior surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, brick, masonry and more. Not recommended for flooring, glossy surfaces, mold and mildew prone surfaces or for stainblocking.

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.

KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer

Will kilz stick to oil-based paint?

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.

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.

Is KILZ primer oil-based?

KILZ Original 1 Qt. Oil-Based White Primer, Sealer and Stain Blocker is suitable for application on most interior surfaces such as furniture, drywall, plaster, woodwork, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces.

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 for gloss paint?

We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces as it offers excellent adhesion without sanding.

Is kilz different than primer?

KILZ Restoration is a water-based primer which also blocks severe stains and odors, however, has lower VOC's which meets all national regulations. It is also a low odor primer and has easy clean-up with soap and water.

Should I use oil-based or water-based primer?

Water based primer is usually used for walls and ceilings where there is new work and preparation is required, and oil based primer is primarily used for doors, windows, metal or woodwork. Enamel is hardier so surfaces that require heavy traffic or exposure to the elements are usually painted in enamel.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

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.

Does it matter what primer you use?

Not all primers are created equal. To solve common painting problems, choose the best paint primer for the job. If your paint job entails indoors and outdoors, an interior/exterior primer is good to use. Otherwise, use separate primers formulated for indoors or outdoors.

Will kilz stick to glossy 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.

How to paint over 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.

What is a good bonding primer?

If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.

Can you use kilz as a paint primer?

In that case, KILZ® Adhesion Interior/Exterior Primer is an excellent choice. Pro painters and DIYers alike are often in need of a primer that offers multiple surface solutions – which is why KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer is the choice of many!

Can I use latex kilz over oil-based paint?

Here's How To Do It. A question we get asked often is, “Can you paint latex over oil?" The answer is “yes”.

What kind of primer over oil-based paint?

If the paint does NOT come off, it is oil-based paint and you will need to prime the surface with a bonding primer before applying latex paint. The primer can be latex, but it has to be a product that is made to prepare the surface and help with adhesion and that says “bonding” on the label.

Is kilz a bad primer?

Customers say Kilz Original Interior Primer is a reliable and effective solution for covering stains, odors, and dark colors, often achieving excellent results in just one coat.

What precautions should be taken when using kilz primer?

AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES AND AVOID REATHING OF VAPORS AND SPRAY MIST. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. To avoid breathing vapors and spray mist, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying.

What can I use instead of kilz?

KILZ's top competitors include 58 Foundations & Waterproofing, COAT, and Groupe Durieu.

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