What paint to use on oil-based primer?

Author: Raegan Morar  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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.

Can you use any paint on oil-based primer?

Oil based primer is about as universal a product as exists. Latex, acrylic and alkyd regardless of sheen are all fine on top of it.

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

Latex paint can go over oil based primer. Oil based paint can go over either. But if you are painting over oil based paint and want to use latex you need to prime in between and best results will be with oil based primer although latex would be okay.

How to use water-based paint over oil based primer?

When putting water based paint over oil based paints, you must sand and key the surface really, really well. Also use a good water based undercoat with good adhesion. Then go over the top with one or two coats of your desired water based top coat.

Can you use acrylic paint on top of oil-based primer?

Yes, you can use acrylic paint over an oil-based primer or sealer. Ensure that the oil-based primer is fully cured before applying acrylic paint. It's also a good idea to lightly sand the surface to promote better adhesion of the acrylic paint.

Buy The RIGHT Primer

What kind of paint for oil-based primer?

The surface you are painting or covering will determine the type of primer you will want to use. Oil-Based Primer - These primers work with both oil paints and latex paints for interior and exterior paint jobs. Oil-based primers are great for blocking stains and are preferred for porous surfaces like wood.

Does acrylic paint stick to primer?

Most store-bought canvasses come with a layer of gesso, so they're universally prepared for various types of paint. These primed canvasses are a great surface to work on with acrylic paint.

What paint will stick to oil-based paint?

In addition, water-based paint is preferred when covering an oil-based product because it has a faster drying time and resists fading in the sunlight for exterior applications.

Should I use acrylic or latex paint?

Both can work, but acrylic paint's elasticity and resistance to wear and tear make it better for high-touch areas and furniture. Latex paint works well for larger indoor projects where low toxicity and easy cleanup with a brush are priorities.

How to apply oil based primer?

Using Oil-Based Primer – The Six Simple Steps
  1. Stir, stir, and stir some more. Use a traditional wooden stir stick to mix the pigment and the oil together. ...
  2. Pour the primer into a new container. ...
  3. Thin with Mineral Spirits if necessary. ...
  4. Use a good-quality bristle brush. ...
  5. Don't look back. ...
  6. Sand gently when dry.

Will latex paint bond to oil-based primer?

Before applying latex paint over oil-based primer, make sure to sand and clean the surface thoroughly. This will create a suitable surface for the latex paint to adhere to. Additionally, it's recommended to use a latex primer in between the oil-based primer and the latex paint for improved adhesion and durability.

Is oil-based Kilz better than water-based Kilz?

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

Can you use latex paint over rustoleum oil-based primer?

There are many types of paint that can be used with Rustoleum Primer. The most common is latex. You can also use oil-based or alkyd paints. If you want to apply acrylic paint, you will need a special acrylic primer.

Can I paint over Zinsser bin with water-based paint?

Can you use water-based paint over Zinsser BIN? Absolutely, you can paint over Zinsser BIN with almost any type of paint, be it water-based undercoat, satinwood, gloss, eggshell, or emulsion.

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 is the best bonding primer?

They are Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer. These top two primers were the very best at bonding in both the 24 hour test and the 38 day test.

When to use oil-based paint vs. latex?

When painted on the windows and doors, they form a hard, durable coat that is not tacky –it's hard to achieve this with latex paints. Also, as earlier mentioned, oil-based paint is the perfect candidate for high-traffic areas because it doesn't easily scuff or peel, and it's easy to clean compared to the latex options.

Do professional painters use acrylic?

Most professional artists choose to paint with oil paints rather than acrylics. While some still choose to paint with acrylic paints, the vast majority choose to work with oil paints instead.

Why not to use latex paint?

Compounds used in the formulation of some latex paint can cause it to be toxic to many aquatic organisms. Since most storm drains drain to streams, rivers, bays and the ocean, dumping excess latex paint into storm drains or rinsing painting equipment into the gutter or storm drain is prohibited.

Can you use any type of 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.

Why is latex paint not sticking to oil-based paint?

The glossy surface of oil-based paint makes it difficult for any other paint to bond. If you apply water-based paint directly over oil-based paint, it will flake and crack as the water-based paint pulls away.

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.

Can you put acrylic paint over oil primer?

Most acrylic and oil-based primers will accept both acrylic and oil-based top coats. For example, acrylic paints can be used over oil-based primers. If your project surface has an existing oil-based top coat and you would like to repaint it, either use another oil-based top coat, or the appropriate bonding primer.

Why is my acrylic paint peeling off?

Just like paint that flakes or blisters, peeling paint is due to improper application. In fact, a damp or poorly-prepared surface, painting in unsuitable weather conditions or applying acrylic paints over oil-based ones can all lead to paint peeling off.

What primer to use under acrylic paint?

Gesso, which is easy to use, is the most often used primer for acrylics. When dry, it forms an impermeable, very flexible layer. - Apply the gesso in thin layers with a wide, soft bristle brush. Once dry, sand, then apply a fresh coat perpendicular to the previous one.

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