What primer to use over oil-based paint?

Author: Joaquin Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

Look for products labeled as "adhesion primers" or "bonding primers." Apply primer: Use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even coat of primer over the entire surface. Pay special attention to any repaired areas.

What primer do I use to cover 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 I use Kilz primer over 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. Not recommended on flooring.

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

You can use a water based primer over oil base paint as long as you sand the oil base paint down first to allow the water based primer to stick to the surface!

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.

Buy The RIGHT Primer

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.

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.

Is water-based primer good for oil-based paint?

It is recommended you always use a primer before embarking on a painting job. For best results use an oil-based primer if your top coat is oil based paint, or latex based primer if your top coat is latex-based paint.

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.

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.

Can latex primer be used with oil-based paint?

The two types of paint are not compatible, and if you try to apply oil paint over a latex base, you can expect issues like cracking and peeling. So, it's best to avoid using oil-based paint over latex. On the other hand, you can use latex paint over oil-based primer, but proper preparation is essential.

What primer sticks to anything?

“If you are looking for a primer that can stick to almost anything for both interiors and exteriors, Stix® has you covered.”

Can you use 123 primer over oil-based paint?

This all-purpose water-based undercoat primer-sealer can be used over or under any oil-based or water-based paint and is ideal for new construction and remodeling.

Does Zinsser primer cover oil-based paint?

Zinsser Cover Stain 1 Gal. Oil Based White Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer sticks to any surface without sanding and can be used under and over oil and latex topcoats.

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.

Is there such a thing as oil based primer?

KILZ® ORIGINAL Oil-Based Primer is a powerful stainblocking formula that blocks most heavy interior stains including water, smoke, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, grease, and also seals pet, food and smoke odors.

How do you get paint to stick to 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.

What happens if you paint over oil-based paint with water-based?

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.

Is oil-based paint being phased out?

Simply put, oil-based paint is just paint with natural or synthetic oil as one of its main components. It dries extremely hard, which makes it very durable and resistant to nicks and dings. It will also hold up against stains. However, oil-based paint is slowly getting phased out.

Will Kilz cover oil-based paint?

Yes you can, but you will want to ensure the existing old oil-based paint is properly deglossed and clean to ensure a good bond with the water-based Kilz.

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.

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.

When should you not use bonding primer?

(Note: Bonding primers are not recommended for use over peeling paint).

Is Zinsser 123 a good bonding primer?

A 'bond coat' primer that's great for hard-to-stick surfaces, it offers excellent adhesion without sanding. Bulls Eye® 1-2-3 also prevents rust formation when applied over clean ferrous metal such as iron and steel.

Can I use Kilz as a bonding primer?

Interior | Exterior Primer. KILZ® ADHESION Primer is a water-base, modified-acrylic primer specifically formulated to bond to a variety of 'tough-to-paint' surfaces.

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