
Usually, an oil based primer is better than a water based primer. Though water based primer dries quickly, it can not protect the surface as strongly as the oil based primer. Oil-based primer is more useful to protect the surface from water damage.
Full Answer
What is the best water based primer?
- BEST OVERALL: Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
- BEST FOR WOOD: KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer/Sealer
- BEST FOR METAL: Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel
- BEST FOR GLOSSY SURFACES: KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Latex Primer/Sealer
Is oil based Better Than Water based?
Water-based primer typically dries faster than an oil-based primer. However, this can vary based on the brand and type. Oil-based primer is better to apply to wood. The oil seals the grains of the wood and prevents the paint from bubbling due to water damage.
Which is better latex or oil based primer?
Problem 7: Previously Painted Interior Woodwork
- Note: If the old paint is in good shape, there's no need to prime.
- If the paint is chalking or is chipped, use an oil-based enamel undercoat primer after properly prepping the surface. ...
- If you want to use a water-based product, look for a high-build acrylic-latex enamel undercoat that's specifically designed to be sanded.
Why is oil a better lubricant than water?
viscosity and volatility are major factors in this equation. oil viscosity is much greater than water depending on the oil.. and it is much less volatile .. Water will cause rust and oxidation in many lubricant required situations.. oil will help protect the same.

Which is better oil based or water based primer?
Water-based primer typically dries faster than an oil-based primer. However, this can vary based on the brand and type. Oil-based primer is better to apply to wood. The oil seals the grains of the wood and prevents the paint from bubbling due to water damage.
Why use oil based primer?
Oil-based primers are ideal for interior and exterior unfinished or bare wood because they seal the porous surface of wood, enabling the coat of paint to better cover the surface. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint.
Can I use water based primer over oil based paint?
Let's break it down. You cannot use water-based paint on top of oil-based paint. You can use oil-based paint on top of water-based paint. You can use a water-based primer on top of an oil-based primer.
Should I use oil based or water based?
Oil-based paints can achieve a higher sheen level when applied due to the makeup of the paint; however, the sheen does become duller over time. While water-based paints achieve a lower sheen finish, water-based paints can typically maintain this sheen level over a longer period of time.
Are oil based primers better?
Oil-based primers are better than latex primers at sealing nail heads, covering knots in bare wood, and blocking tannin bleeding and other stains. They are also better for sealing bare window muntins that will be covered with oil-based window putty.
What kind of primer do I need?
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. The best interior paint primer to use depends on the surface you're painting and what type of paint you're using.
Can you paint over oil based primer?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint over oil based primer. You can paint over oil-based primer with latex or acrylic paints, although the latter is a better choice. Just make sure to apply a bonding primer before you apply latex paint base coat.
What happens if you put water-based paint over oil-based paint?
Using water-based or acrylic paint when painting over oil-based paint is likely to cause peeling or chipping because those formulas don't bond well with the naturally glossy surface of oil-based paint.
What are the benefits of oil-based paint?
Advantages of Oil-Based PaintOil-based paint is very durable and more resistant to low temperatures than latex.Application is smooth and provides great coverage. ... Oil-based paint may be applied to stained, chalky, and/or dirty surfaces.Oil paint is better at covering small imperfections or slightly damaged areas.More items...
Is oil-based paint more durable than water based?
Oil based paints dry much harder providing exceptional resistance to wear and tear. Though the paint dries harder, there is not much elasticity within the paint allowing the paint to likely crack. Becoming dry, chalky and brittle. Water based paints now days dry hard and resist damage and wear and tear.
Can you sand oil based primer?
Sand Your Primer I always use oil-based primer on woodwork and cabinets so that I can sand it down to a super smooth feel before beginning my finish painting. Use 220-grit paper or fine sanding sponges to sand everything down once the primer has dried enough that it generates dust when sanded.
Is oil based primer waterproof?
Oil-based primer is difficult to clean (you need to use mineral spirits). Oil-based primer does a good job sealing stains. Oil-based primer is durable and water-resistant. Oil-based primer won't raise the wood grain, so you don't have to sand between coats.
Do I need oil based primer for oil-based paint?
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.
Do you need to use primer with 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.
Can you use oil based primer over latex paint?
Yes, you can use oil based primer over latex paint. Ensure you sand and clean any exterior surfaces before applying the oil-based primer.
Can you paint over an oil based primer?
Yes, you can use latex paint over oil primer, but you cannot apply an oil-based paint over latex. For the latex paint over oil primer to be successful, you need to first ensure that your painted surface is properly dry.
What Is Water-Based Primer?
Water-based primer also known as latex primer is an undercoat that is used for prepping surfaces before applying the latex, acrylic, or any other water-based paint.
What is Oil-Based Primer?
Oil-based primer also known as enamel primer is an undercoat that contains a high volume of oils. Oil-based primer is best suited for sealing glossy or oil-based paints. Oil-based primers are also great for blocking stains and stopping color from bleeding through.
Oil-Based vs Water-Based Paint Primer: Head to Head
Let’s check out how both paint primers compare to each other using their varying features and paint formula. First, let’s start at…
When Should I Use Water-Based Primer?
If you want to paint an indoor wall, furniture, room, or toy, water-based primer is ideal. The primer is safer given the low level of VOCs so you can even use it on children’s furniture.
When Should I Use Oil-Based Primer?
If the surface to be painted is defected, stained, or damaged by moisture, you’ll need an oil-based stain-blocking primer to prevent the stain and moisture from bleeding through the finish paint. Water-based primers will just let the stain and moisture pass through after a while.
Oil-based primers vs water-based primers
Oil-based primers, as their name suggests, contain oil. They take more drying time compared to latex-based primers and are compatible with both water-based paints as well oil-based paints. Mostly they are used in coloring wooden things like chairs, cabinets, wardrobes, or any set of furniture.
Differences
Water-based primers are easy to clean, there is no need for any special treatment to get rid of them off from a surface as oil-based primers do.
When to use a latex- or oil-based primer?
If you have got any wooden thing that needs painting. At the point of priming them, oil-based primers are better suitable for wooden things. This includes interior furniture like cabinets or exterior patio furniture.
Which is better for kitchen cabinets?
For furniture like kitchen cabinets. There is one more type of primer which is effective in blocking stains and providing better protection to moisture: Shellac primers.
What is an Oil-Based Paint Primer?
Every primer which contains oil as its base product, named oil-based primers. With that means, the liquid is kinda oil, like you can imagine an oil paint for example.
What is a latex-based primer?
Any primer which uses water as its base material, named latex-based primer or Water-based primer. These primers are easy to remove compared to others as made of water cleaning them up is not difficult.
How to apply a Primer on wood?
You can read a complete blog post on the right way to apply a primer as it’s not a straightforward decision to make so…
Why is oil base primer used on wood?
If it is wooden surface then oil base primer are used it given some type of sealing to wood so wood fiber won’t come up in case of metal it is always oil base primer because of adhesion on metal. And on wall both type of primers are used but mostly water primer is good.
What is primer paint?
Continue Reading. Primer is a type of paint coating designed to prepare a surface for a final coat. It can hide unwanted marks and create a more visually even surface, but it's primary purpose is to act as a bonder for the finish coat so the finish coat won't peel.
What is the top coat you want to apply after painting?
1 what is the top coat you want to apply after paint, if it oil base paint like enamel then better to use oil base primer , and if it water base paints then you can use water primer . 2 what is the substance on which you are applying.
What is the difference between water based and solvent based paint?
In a solvent based paint, an organic solvent - mineral spirit is the diluent. In water based paints, the diluent is water . The main difference is in the type of binding system that the two types use. The main advantage of water borne paints is they do not emit vapours of organic compounds when they dry.
How to make oil paint fat over lean?
Here is a little experiment you can do that will show you why fat over lean is the rule. Put two teaspoons of oil into a glass jar. Any type of oil. Now put in the same amount of water. Notice how the oil rises to the top. This is what will happen when you try and put water based paint over an oil-based primer.
Can you paint over alkyd wood primer?
This is for interior applications. If you use oil primers outside, then use oil (alkyd) paints over them for the exterior.
Can you paint with primer?
With primer, you shouldn't go cheap. It's always best to have a great primer and great paint. Most people can't afford to do a job that will last 20 yrs. Even a mediocre paint can last beyond it's years over a quality base primer; Otherwise, all of your hard work will peel off within a year or so.
What is the difference between oil based and water based primer?
Basically the difference between the two primers is: Water based primer is for acrylic or latex paints and oil based primer is for enamel paints. 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.
How many coats of primer and undercoat?
Two coats primer-undercoat tinted in a similar colour as the top coat of paint, and one top coat of colour on frames and doors and for acrylic ,one coat of primer and two coats of paint. Most primers are three- in- one: a primer, sealer & undercoat, and can be painted over old acrylic or enamel.
How long does it take to recoat a paint job?
Some can be recoated with finish paint in less than an hour. Using a paint primer will actually speed up the job, not slow you down. 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.
Why do you need primer paint?
Primer paint gives your finished paint job a smoother finish than if you did not use a primer at all because paint grips better and it will last much longer. Primers will, even though relatively expensive, save you a lot of money in the long run.
Can you use oil based primer on a top coat?
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. If you like, the paint store can tint your primer to within a couple of shades of the paint being used for the top coat.
When to Use Oil-Based Primer?
Use oil-based primer when painting bare wood, whether it’s interior or exterior wood. This is because primers seal the wood’s porous surface. Apply primers to prevent the tannins from bleeding through the surface and ruining the paint. As such, the paint you use over the primer adheres well.
Why Use an Oil-Based Primer?
Oil-based primers have been around for a long time. In fact, they were the standard primers in the industry, and most people would apply a coat of oil-based primer before painting. But what makes them so great?
When to Use Oil-Based Primer the Right Way?
Oil-based primer and water-based primer are both great for different purposes. However, for oil-based primers, it is important to know when to use them.
The Drawback of Using Oil-Based Primers
Oil-based primers release a lot of volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs .
How to Apply Oil Based Primer – Step by Step Process
Once you decide on applying oil-based primer, you need to follow the right steps. Here is what you will have to do:
What Are the Best Oil-Based Primers?
There are many great oil paint primers, but a few of them shine. One of the best brands when it comes to oil-based primers is Zinsser, and it’s very popular among painters.
Painting with Oil-Based Primer
It’s always crucial to make sure you are using the right primer, whether you are painting interior trim, spindles, cabinets, or any other wooden surface.
What paint do you use for cabinet doors?
A client takes their trim, cabinetry, or doors that were previously painted with oil-based paint, and they cover it with an acrylic or latex (water-based) paint they picked up themselves. Then they call us because, within a few days, this happens:
Why does water based paint peel?
Because oil and water don’t mix, when you apply any water-based paint over oil-based surfaces, you’re always going to get this cracked and peeling paint. Sometimes it’ll show up as a rubbery texture that you can pull off in strips, other times it’ll crack and flake. This is because water-based paint cannot bond with oil, so as it dries, ...
Why do people switch to water based paint?
Because of the harmful VOCs emitted from oil-based paints, the awful smell that can lead to headaches, or the way oil yellows drastically over time, so many people are looking to switch their oil-painted surfaces to water-based (acrylic/latex) paints. But there is so much more to the process than just switching one paint for the other.
How long does it take to scuff paint?
A way to save yourself some more time and energy is is to scuff-sand one spot and apply your new paint to that spot. Wait 24 hours and scratch at it with your fingernail. If it comes off, you either need to apply an oil-based primer or switch to oil-based paint because that paint isn’t going to bond otherwise.
How long does it take to fix a paint mistake?
It can take anywhere from many hours to days and days of work to fix this mistake, depending on how many areas you painted. So, if you have an oil-based paint that you need to be covered up, you have two options: Option 1: First, cover the surface with an oil-based primer, let it dry, then paint with a water-based paint.
Can you use oil based paint on top of water based paint?
You cannot use water-based paint on top of oil-based paint. You can use oil-based paint on top of water-based paint. You can use a water-based primer on top of an oil-based primer. You can use an oil-based primer on top of a water-based primer. You can use oil-based primer on water-based paint. *There are a few specialty water-based primers ...
How long does it take for Zinsser oil based primer to dry?
Dry Time: Zinsser oil-based primer will dry to the touch in a short time and can be recoated quickly. The dry primer film grows full bond after it fixes in 1 to 3 days.
How to Paint Over Oil-Based Paint?
Before you paint over oil paint, or in the event that you speculate it is oil-based and need to discover without a doubt, simply follow these means.
Is oil based stain better than water based?
At the point when you go to buy your stain you will need to buy great stains. You might be reluctant to go through some additional cash for a brand name however the cost will guarantee a long period of value. Here are the pros of utilizing an oil-based stain:
When should I use oil based primer?
Oil-based primers and paints have been an industry standard for quite a long time.
Which is better Zinsser or Kilz?
When applied to two unique walls in a similar space, two covers every, Unique Kilz Primer permitted more bleed through, while Zinsser gave better inclusion.

Differences Between Oil and Water-Based Primer
When Should I Use Oil-Based Paint Primer?
- While oil-based primer does have some downsides, there are several instances where it is still the best option. Here is a list of times to use oil-based primer: 1. On fresh wood 2. To seal stains 3. When using oil-based paint Let’s explore these in more depth.
How Do I Use Oil-Based Paint Primer?
- Now, let’s talk about some guidelines for using oil-based primers. Here are several steps to using oil-based primer: 1. Remember to protect yourself – oil-based products have stronger fumes than water-based. Make sure you have good ventilation when handling oil-based paint. 2. Be prepared for clean up– if you accidentally spill oil-based primer, it’s not as easy to clean, so be sure to hav…
What Is Water-Based Paint Primer?
- Water-based primer is used to prime a surface before painting. Primer helps the main coat of paint bind and creates a smoother, cleaner finish. As the name implies, water-based primer is made with water. This also means that you can clean the primer with water. Water-based primer is also known as latex primer. Any time you hear the term latex with paint or primer, it usually refer…
When Should I Use Water-Based Primers?
- In recent times, the water-based primer has become more and more useful for a host of projects. Modern engineering has made it possible to have water-based paint while still providing the benefits of oil-based paint. Not all water-based primers are created equal. Some are cheaper than others, and they don’t all share the same level of quality. Be sure to do your research about the b…
Indoor Projects For Water-Based Primer
- For anything indoors, water-based primer is the go-to choice. The mild fumes and the fast drying time make water-based paint popular. When you’re painting indoors, there is a high likelihood that something will come into contact with that painted surface: pets, children, these things will inevitably contact the paint and primer. Water-based primer will dry relatively fast, ensuring nothi…
How Do I Use Water-Based Paint?
- In this section, I’ll share some general guidelines for applying water-based primers. Remember to research your specific type of primer, as each brand will have a little different process. Here is how you use water-based primer: 1. Safety – though water-based primer is safer, it still can have some harmful effects. You don’t want to get it in your mouth or eyes. Prepare your area with goo…
Conclusion
- A well-painted wall, fence, or furniture can raise the value of your home. Water-based and oil-based paint both have their advantages. Many people enjoy the fast drying, low fumes of water-based paint. However, there are times when you may need the sealing power of oil-based paint. Either way, do your research, take your time, and have fun!
What Is A Water-Based Primer?
- Water-based primer (latex primer) is an undercoat that is used for prepping surfaces before applying latex, acrylic, or any other water-based paint. As the name connotes, water-based primer uses water as the solvent. This means that the primer is easy to clean and you don’t have to use any solvent for that. Also, since the primer is water-based, the coating dries quickly. Water-base…
What Is An Oil-Based Primer?
- Oil-based primer is an undercoat that contains a high volume of oils. Oil-based primer is used for sealing glossy or oil-based paints, blocking stains, and stopping color from bleeding through. Oil-based paint is good for blocking stains because it has compounds like shellac in the coating, plus naturally it’s a very thick primer. Oil-based primers aren’t common on surfaces that require prep …
Oil-Based vs Water-Based Paint Primer: Head to Head
- Let’s check out how both paint primers compare to each other using their varying features and paint formulas.
FAQ’s
- Can You Use Oil-Based Primer Over Water-Based Primer?
Yes, you can use oil-based primer on top of water-based primer. Oil-based primer can also be used as an undercoat for water-based primer or paint. You can also use water-based primer over oil-based primer or paint. - Why Should You Use Primer?
You should use primer for every painting project. Primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface. Primer will also block stains and bleed-through.
Oil-Based Primers vs Water-Based Primers
Differences
When to Use A Latex- Or Oil-Based Primer?
Which Is Better For Wood?
Which Is Better For Kitchen cabinets?
What Is An Oil-Based Paint Primer?
What Is A Latex-Based Primer?
How to Apply A Primer on Wood?
What Kind of Paint Can I Use on Oil-Based Primer?
- With oil-based primers, you can use any type of paint as a topcoat. It works with almost any type of topcoat, water-based, oil-based, acrylic and many other types of paints are suitable to work with. 1. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to use an oil-based topcoat with oil-based primers. Water-based paints can be applied but the thing is, oil and water...