
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. Water-based primer (also known as latex primer) is suspended in water.
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.
Can you use latex paint over oil based primer?
Yes, you can paint latex paint over oil-based primer & it’s one of the most advised practices from woodworkers. It’s worth mentioning that – Oil-based paint suits oil primers best, but the longer drying period is an irritating issue for some. However, you can go away with latex paint as it works on oil-based primers as well.
What is the difference between latex and acrylic primer?
What Are The Differences Between Latex, Acrylic, and Oil-Based Paint
- Latex Paint. Latex paint is a water-based paint, meaning that the pigments are bound together with water. ...
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Best Uses for Latex Paint:
- Acrylic Paint. Acrylic paint has a chemical base composed of a pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer solution and acrylic resin.
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Best Uses for Acrylic Paint:
- Oil-Based Paint. ...
- Pros:
What is a good latex primer?
What is a good latex primer? BEST ALL AROUND: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer This versatile, tintable interior/exterior latex primer adheres as strongly to drywall as it does to wood, concrete, masonry, metal, and glossy surfaces like tile, so it can be used to prime walls, furniture, fences, and more.

Why would you 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 you use a latex paint over an oil based primer?
Yes, you can use latex paint over oil primer, but ensure that you have prepared the surface properly before using the latex over your oil-based primer.
Do I need oil based primer?
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.
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 you have to sand before oil-based primer?
With oil-based primer, you don't have to sand first. No hours lost using your palm sander to give the cabinet doors some “tooth”. No extra money spent on sandpaper discs for your palm sander. No having to drag all of the doors outside to sand so that you don't cover every surface in your home with a thin layer of dust.
What happens if you paint latex over oil-based?
If you put latex paint over oil, you'll just end up with that fruit roll-up look all over your house because they just can't adhere. Since they're not compatible, they won't form a good bond. 15-30 days after painting, you'll even be able to peel that paint right off after getting the surface wet.
Which is better oil or latex primer?
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.
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.
Is oil-based exterior primer better than latex?
If you're able to sand any weathered areas back to bright wood, or if the siding isn't weathered, then latex primer is probably the better bet. Here's why: Oil-based primer, while it may penetrate the wood fibers better than latex, continues to harden over time. It eventually becomes inflexible and brittle.
Which primer should I use?
If you intend to paint the walls a light color, use a white primer. If you want the base coat to be similar to your final wall color, use a tinted primer or add paint to white primer.
What kind of primer do I need?
Interior walls usually don't need priming except in the case of stains, repairs or a paint color that's drastically different. Interior painted woodwork usually needs spot priming with wood primer at a minimum. Exterior paint takes such a beating that it almost always needs priming with an exterior paint primer.
How do I choose the right primer?
When choosing a makeup primer, you'll want to find one that matches your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating primer to keep your skin moisturized. For oily skin, choose a mattifying primer, which will help reduce the oil in your skin.
How do you prepare oil-based primer for latex paint?
Latex will dissolve slightly while oil will remain unaffected. If you have determined the existing paint is oil-based, you will need to rough the surface using 100-grit sandpaper until the gloss has vanished, then wash the surface and allow it to dry. You will now be able to add the bonding primer.
Can I paint water-based paint over oil-based primer?
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.
Can you use water-based paint over oil-based Kilz?
De-gloss prior to putting water-based paint over oil-based paint. Because water-based paint doesn't bond well with the glossy surface of oil-based paint, remove as much gloss from the surface as possible before repainting. Make a pass over the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180- to 220-grit).
How long does oil-based primer take to dry?
In general, oil-based primer generally takes 24 hours to dry. You can usually touch it before the day ends and not get a sticky residue on your hands, but you will want to wait the full drying time to ensure that you will not damage the paint job.
Oil Base vs Latex Primer
With new house construction, is there ANY reason whatsoever to prime the walls (again, priming only) with oil base paint before painting the walls with latex paint?
Video Shorts
Hear highlights from past episodes in this compilation of some of our favorite discussions and listener questions.
When is primer needed?
Paint primer is necessary when painting stained, smelly, or hard to adhere surfaces like smoke damage and odors, cedar wood bleed, metal, plastic, or laminate furniture . Primer also helps to save paint when painting porous surfaces like drywall or raw wood.
What is the best primer for wood?
Water based primer is the most pleasant to use and the easiest to clean up. It is low odor, great for surfaces that are easier to adhere. For glossy surfaces, sanding is very important . Oil based primer is great for raw wood and mdf, where water based primer may cause swelling or stain to bleed through. The durability and easy of clean up is ...
Is primer good for hard to adhere surfaces?
Truly a great primer for tough to adhere surfaces. Hardens to a very durable surface. You can skip sanding on most surfaces. Permanently blocking stains and odors. It’s very thin and easy to apply.
Can you skip primer?
It is best not to skip the paint, because primers and paints have different functions. Paint needs a relatively “rough” surface to be able to adhere well, primer provides the “rough” surface while sealing the surface to be painted.
Can shellac primer be used in paint sprayer?
Not recommended for full surface exterior applications or very humid interiors, only spots. Do NOT use shellac primer in a paint sprayer! Clean up is more complicated, need to use denatured alcohol or Acetone Nail Polish Remover, which also removes superglue, thus could ruin your paint brush!
How long does it take to topcoat oil based primer?
When speed is more important than degree of penetration, oil-based primers that can be topcoated in one to two hours are available.
What is the best primer for nail heads?
Oil-Based. 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.
Can shellac primer be used under latex topcoat?
With interior applications and exterior spot-priming, there’s another option: shellac-based primers. All three primers can be used under latex topcoats. Choose a primer based on the condition of the substrate to be primed and its location. Before you open the can, though, be sure to prep the surface you’ll be priming.
Is latex paint better than oil paint?
For most paint jobs, both inside and outside the house, latex paint is preferred. Latex emits fewer odors and VOCs than oil-based paint, and it cleans up much more easily. In one area, however, oil-based products still hold their own over latex: primers.
Can shellac be used on exterior surfaces?
Because shellac softens in high temperatures, its use on exterior surfaces is limited to spot-priming. On the other end of the thermometer, shellac-based products are the only primers that can be applied in freezing temperatures.
Does latex primer work on wood?
Latex. Latex primers bond well with new wood or with old wood that has been sanded and is in good condition. They remain flexible after drying, which allows them to move with exterior wood during expansion and contraction. Latex primers are formulated to leave a smooth film on a smooth surface.
1. Oil-Based Primer Paint
Perhaps the most widely used because of its versatility, oil-based primer paint works well on a variety of surfaces, both interior and exterior, and pairs effectively with most types of paints. While preferred for oil-based paints, you can get great results with most water-based paints as well.
2. Latex-Based Primer Paint
You may want to choose a latex-based primer paint if reducing or eliminating VOCs is important to you. Nearly all latex-based primers offer either low or no VOCs. There are many important health benefits to avoid these types of fumes. Choose a latex-based primer if you’re painting near children or around anyone with breathing difficulties.
3. Shellac Primer Paint
If you have a heavy-duty painting project that involves covering smoke and/or water-damaged walls, you’ll want the optimal stain-blocking qualities of a shellac primer paint. Water, smoke, and rust stains don’t stand a chance against the strong coverage of a shellac primer.
Why use latex paint?
For other painted areas, use latex because it is much easier to clean and dispose of. Peeling areas with dirt and mildew must be cleaned, scrapped and/or sanded properly. Preparation is the key to a good paint job. If not done correctly, it will just peel again.
Can you paint cedar with latex?
If you have knots in your wood, they will show through in no time if you use latex. My house has painted cedar trim, and will bleed through unless I get an oil base primer for covering cedar. First determine what type of wood you are painting to see if it is prone to bleed through, and then proceed.
Is acrylic paint better than oil?
That said, acrylic paints are generally way more appropriate for exterior painting than an oil based type. They are more flexible and far less prone to cracking and chalking. I'd stick with a good exterior acrylic primer and a good exterior acrylic paint. Will strongly consider that.
Can you paint over old oil base paint?
You can apply quality acrylic latex paint over old oil base paint. The prep work is the most important part. A good cleaning, a light sanding to dull the surface, and a high quality acrylic latex enamel. OR, if you prefer a primer over the oil finish, I would still sand it first, them prime and paint.
Oil vs. Latex interior primers on drywall
We just spent hours removing wallpaper that had been put directly onto sheetrock that had never been skimcoated or primed. The walls are all repaired now and nice and smooth.
Comments (5)
Hi Nanacon, Technically, BOTH are correct! You CAN use Latex paint over OIL-base primer. >>> If using a Latex primer, make sure it's a STAIN-BLOCKING variety such as Zinsser 123.
Differences Between Oil and Water-based Primer
We begin with a list of differences between oil and water-based paint.
What is Oil-Based Paint Primer?
Oil-based primer means that the base of the primer is oil. This primer can be used in combination with oil-based paint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
