Can you use water-based paint over Kilz original primer?

Author: Prof. Vicky Daugherty III  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 2025

KILZ ORIGINAL INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Primer has excellent adhesion and penetration to bare wood. It also dries quickly and provides a mildew resistant coating. It can be used under water-based or oil-based paint. Not recommended on flooring.

What paint goes over kilz?

Can be recoated or topcoated in one hour with latex or oil-based paint.

When can I paint over Kilz primer?

Allow 2 hours dry time*, then apply second coat.

Will water-based paint stick to primer?

can you use water-based paint over oil-based primer? You can use water-based paint on oil-based primer. But, with its environmentally friendly solvents, we'd always think of the penguins and recommend water-based primers instead of oil.

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.

KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer

Can I use latex paint over Kilz oil-based primer?

In order for your new paint to form a good bond with the existing paint, it's important that the two paints are compatible. Don't apply oil-based paint over latex; but you can put latex paint over oil-based, as long as you prepare the surface properly first.

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 long should water based primer dry before painting?

Most latex primers dry to the touch in 30 minutes to one hour. But for best results, don't paint until the primer completely dries—which can take up to 3 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Once the primer is completely dry, it's prime time for painting.

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.

Can you use water-based paint over Kilz original?

KILZ ORIGINAL INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Primer has excellent adhesion and penetration to bare wood. It also dries quickly and provides a mildew resistant coating. It can be used under water-based or oil-based paint. Not recommended on flooring.

How many coats of Kilz primer is needed?

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.

Should I sand Kilz primer before painting?

KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer is ready for paint in just one hour. After the primer has dried, lightly sand the surfaces once more to ensure a smooth finish. Be sure to remove any dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth.

How long before you can paint over Kilz original?

Paint in 1 hour.

Does Kilz make paint or just primer?

Interior | Premium Stainblocking | Paint and Primer in One

Our most technologically advanced paint and primer in one, KILZ® Tribute® is 100% acrylic, low VOC, and offers both excellent stain-blocking performance and exceptional durability.

Do you need to sand between primer and paint?

Once you've completed your last coat of primer, you should go ahead and sand before applying your first coat of base color. However, there is no reason at all to sand between coats of primer. It will only add more work to your plate with no visible benefits.

What happens if you paint over primer too soon?

It's recommended to wait at least 24 hours before adding a coat of paint over your primer. Painting over it soon could cause your paint to adhere to the wall improperly, flaking and peeling.

Does water-based primer go bad?

Once opened, you may get around two years out of your primer purchase. While the average shelf life may be estimated to be anywhere between two to ten years, it is important to inspect your primer and test it before using it on any other projects.

Can you wait too long to paint after priming?

Can You Wait Too Long to Paint After Priming? Generally speaking, you should paint within a couple of weeks after priming. Some primers can be left for up to 30 days, but that's pushing it.

Is Kilz original the best?

KILZ Original interior primer for example, is a legacy product trusted by pro painters for 50 years! It delivers excellent stain blocking, odor blocking, adhesion performance, durability and is a fast-drying oil so pros can get more done in less time.

Does Kilz primer go bad?

Shelf life under normal conditions is two years unopened. Partially used cans might develop skinning if not tightly sealed.

How to use Kilz original primer?

Apply as supplied using a brush, roller or sprayer. Do not thin. Stir thoroughly before and occasionally during use. Prime the entire surface to ensure a uniform appearance of the topcoat.

Can I use water based paint on top of an 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.

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.

What happens when you paint water-based over oil-based?

They literally won't “bond” in the scientific sense. So, if you try to layer a water-based paint on top of an oil-based color, you'll end up with a decorator's emergency when the paints naturally repel as they dry.

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