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

Author: Ottis McLaughlin  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Oil-based will seal the wood better and block any tannin stains that might bleed out. Oil-based is also ideal if blocking smoke and water stains as well as unwanted odors. Choose water-based if priming indoors where ventilation may be poor and in spaces sensitive to strong odors.

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

IN SHORT: Oil-based primer is better than latex primer because of the binder (oil), preventing moisture from intruding into the wood. (Oil and water don't mix) Wood swells and expands when it's surface gets wet. The oil primer prevents the rain from entering wood. This prevents paint chipping and peeling.

What is oil-based kilz used for?

Oil-Base White Original 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. It blocks smoke and water stains and it seals pet odors.

What lasts longer, oil-based or water-based paint?

Oil-based paint creates a stronger and more durable finish, making it an excellent choice for exterior paint projects. The downsides are that they take longer to cure than water-based paints, are oftentimes mixed with harsh chemicals, and also emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Which kilz is best for odor blocking?

A great choice for this purpose is KILZ® Original primer. Trusted by professional painters for over 40 years to tackle the toughest odors, this hardworking primer helps to block most heavy interior stains including water, smoke, tannin, ink, marker, pet stains and more.

Kilz 2 Primer Review - Why We Like It and When You Should Use It

What is the best primer to get rid of smell?

KILZ Restoration® is a new generation water-based primer, sealer and stain blocker that offers the performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers. It tackles tough stains and seals persistent pet, food and smoke odors. It can also be used to block odors from subfloor when replacing carpet or wood flooring.

Does Kilz get rid of dog urine smell?

KILZ is a great solution for medium to severe odors, including those from pets. PLEASE NOTE: We use Kilz to seal your floor and prevent odors on the FLOOR.

What are two disadvantages to using an oil-based paint?

One disadvantage is their strong odor. Oil paints also take longer than latex paints to dry compared, which can be a significant inconvenience for anyone on a strict timeline. Finally, oil-based paints tend to cost more than latex paints upfront, making them less ideal for anyone on a budget.

Why use oil-based paint instead of water-based?

Durability. Typically, oil-based paints dry harder which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear.

Which paints work best for hiding imperfections?

Matt. Matt or flat finish paint isn't reflective and has a smooth surface. It doesn't reflect light so is good for hiding imperfections on the wall. This paint type is usually used where a non-shiny or simple look is wanted.

Is oil based kilz better than water based?

What are the benefits? Oil-based primers are better at blocking or sealing stains, especially water-soluble stains. They're also superior at blocking tannin.

How many square feet will 1 gallon of Kilz cover?

Coverage: 300-400 sq. ft. (27.87-37 m²) per gallon depending on application method and surface porosity.

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.

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

The glossy surface of oil-based paints makes it so difficult for any other paint to bond. That's why, if you apply water-based paint straight to oil-based, it will flake and crack as the water-based paint pulls away. So, to get oil-based ready to paint over, you need to take away a lot of that gloss.

Why use a water-based primer?

Water-based primers are ideal for those with oily or combination skin. These hydrating primers offer a breathable canvas for your makeup. But here's the kicker—be sure to pair them with water-based foundations to avoid any messy mishaps like pilling or patchiness.

Is Kilz primer water-based?

KILZ® 1 STANDARD Water-Based Primer is designed for use on multiple interior surfaces helping save cost by reducing the number of coats of paint needed to achieve optimal results.

Do painters use oil-based paint anymore?

Over the last 15 years, oil paint has been phased out of the painting world and replaced with latex and acrylic paints. Here are a couple of reasons why oil paint isn't preferred anymore: First off, oil paint releases fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can smell like rotten fish.

When to use oil-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.

When to use oil vs water-based paint?

Water-based paints are also not as durable as oil-based paints, which also have a higher sheen level than water-based paints. For this reason, oil-based paints are often used on surfaces like interior and exterior trim that need a more durable coating for protection, as well as a higher sheen to help them stand out.

Why is oil-based paint illegal?

Oil-based paints are no longer legal in Virginia and five other states. This is because oil paints create a ton of pollution, both in the air and in the ground. They have a lot of toxic fumes that make them dangerous to be around before they dry, especially for the painting contractors who use them.

Why do painters prefer oil paint?

The advantage of the slow-drying quality of oil paint is that an artist can develop a painting gradually, making changes or corrections if necessary. Oil paints blend well with each other, making subtle variations of colour possible as well as more easily creating details of light and shadow.

Do you have to wash walls before using KILZ?

At the very least, the surface has to be clean and free of dust, dirt and debris. Failing to clean the surface prior to applying primer may compromise the adhesion of the primer to the surface – which could lead to peeling and blistering.

What do vets use to get rid of urine smell?

Vital Oxide neutralizes odors and odor-causing bacteria on soft surfaces by eliminating the source. To clean pet urine from carpets or upholstery, start by blotting up as much of the urine as possible with a dry towel or paper towels. Be careful not to rub the urine in, as this can make the stain and odor worse.

What is the best primer for dog urine?

Zinsser 1 gal. Odor Killing Primer (Case of 2) is an easy-to-use interior primer that kills existing odors and dries clear to maintain surface appearance. Provides superior odor control in a low odor water-based formula. Eliminates existing odors on surfaces from food, pets, urine, tobacco and fire.

Previous article
Do police respond to fire alarms?
Next article
What is the best homemade moth trap?